Changes to the WHM visa program include:
How will these changes address regional workforce shortages
The key focus is on providing farmers with immediate access to workers in key parts of regional Australia. The changes aim to increase the number of Working Holiday Makers available for seasonal work needs.
Employers will be able to retain trained and experienced employees doing agricultural (plant and animal cultivation) work for up to 12-months, rather than the previous 6-months.
The availability of a third-year visa will attract working holidaymakers to work for longer in regional Australia.
What does plant and animal cultivation include
Plant and animal cultivation includes most agricultural work, such as:
What additional parts of regional Australia will be included in the expanded arrangements
From 5 November 2018, this will be extended to regional areas in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, and all of Northern Territory, South Australia, and Tasmania. Details of specific postcodes will be published on the Department’s website shortly.
Are any changes being made to the subclass 462 Northern Australia initiatives
No change is being made to the existing Northern Australia concessions:
How long will subclass 462–visa holders need to work in the additional regional areas to get the second year
Participation in the second-year program is voluntary. Subclass 462-visa holders need to complete a total of three months (88 calendar days) of specified work to be eligible to apply for their second-year visa. They may combine work completed in any existing specified industry and location with new industries and locations to meet the work requirement.
What types of work completed will count towards third-year eligibility
Specified work for the third-year visa are the same as the eligibility for specified work for the second-year visa.
For more information about applying for a subclass 417 or 462 visa, see:
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