Breaking News: Unlimited Work Rights and Fee Refunds for Students and Working Holiday MakersThe Australian Government has announced a series of visa measures to encourage fully vaccinated Student and Working Holiday visa holders to return to Australia as soon as possible to help address current workforce shortages caused by COVID-19.
Refunds of Visa Application Charges
Working Holiday Maker (Subclass 417 and 462) visa holders who are currently offshore and enter Australia by 19 April 2022 can apply for a refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for their WHM visa ($495).
Any Student (Subclass 500) visa holder who is currently offshore and comes to Australia by 19 March 2022 will also be eligible for a refund of their Visa Application Charge ($630).
Eligible travellers will be able to apply for a refund of their VAC until 31 December 2022. Further information on how to apply for a VAC refund will be available soon.
These changes will also apply for new applications, which will be processed quickly so applicants can come to Australia during the refund window.
International Student – Working Hours Flexibility
Due to current workforce shortages, the Government is temporarily removing the limit on Student visa holders’ working hours across all sectors of the economy. This measure takes effect immediately for all ongoing students as well as new student arrivals who start a job prior to their course commencement, and will be reviewed in April 2022.
Working Holiday Makers – Employer Flexibility
In addition, effective immediately and until the end of 2022, there will be no limit on the length of time Working Holiday Makers can work for the same employer.
These measures are temporary and designed to provide immediate assistance to Australian businesses that are currently facing critical workforce shortages, to enable them to continue delivering goods and services to the community.
There are currently around 150,000 Student and 23,500 Working Holiday Maker visa holders offshore. All international arrivals must be fully vaccinated or hold a valid medical exemption.
For more information please Contact Us or email elan@ryshermigration.com.au
Elan Rysher is a Registered Migration Agent and Qualified Student Counsellor. He is the main Writer for ImmiUpdates and the founder of Rysher Migration. Elan has many years of experience working in immigration, finance and health. Being a former migrant himself, Elan is passionate about helping others fulfil their Australian dream.
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