From today, the age limit for Irish and Canadian citizens wanting to spend a year working and travelling in Australia will increase by five years – from 30 to 35 years of age.
Australian citizens up to the age of 35 will also benefit from the reciprocal arrangements with Canada and Ireland.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said these arrangements will strengthen Australia’s close and long-standing ties with the two countries.
“Both Canada and Ireland have been part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program since it began in 1975, so it is fitting that they are the first countries to become eligible for the extended age range,” Mr Coleman said.
“Last year, more than 16,000 citizens from Canada and Ireland were granted a visa for the program for Australia, with many of them living and working in regional and rural areas during their stay.”
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program has important social and economic benefits for Australia and is a vehicle for cultural exchange between participating countries.
Article published 1st November 2018