Good news for Filipinos! Starting July 1, 2024, they can apply for an Australian Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) as part of the program expansion by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
The inclusion of the Philippines as an eligible country opens up opportunities for Filipino youth aged 18-30 to work, explore and experience Australian culture. They must also meet Australia's education, health and character requirements and have sufficient funds to support themselves while in Australia. For more information and a full list of eligibility criteria, please visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
This agreement was announced after bilateral negotiations between the two countries and launched by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2023.
This agreement is significant for the Philippines as the Filipino diaspora community in Australia is one of the largest in the world. As of the end of June 2022, there were 320,000 Filipinos living in Australia, making it the fifth largest immigrant community in the country.
In line with these changes, the Australian government is also updating visa requirements for subclasses 8107, 8607 and 8608 to combat unfair employment practices. These changes will come into effect on July 1, 2024.
These changes will affect holders of the Temporary Skilled Work Visa (Subclass 457), the Temporary Skills Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 494). Visa holders who leave employment with their sponsor are given additional time to find new employment in the same field as their sponsor.
