Working Holiday visas for Irish nationals can be granted up to age 35, an increase of 5 years from the previous situation. From this month, the age limit for Irish nationals to get working holiday maker visas has been raised by 5 years to 35. The move is intended to help “strengthen” the links between Australia and Ireland.

The Irish Minister of State, Patrick O’Donovan said that since the Working Holiday Programme began in 1975, it was estimated that more than 275,000 young Irish people had spent up to two years in Australia under the scheme. In 2017 some 8,653 visas were issued to Irish nationals under the programme. Irish authorities said the objective was to promote cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people links by creating opportunities for young people to travel.

Working Holiday Visas for Irish Nationals

“The purpose of this programme is to promote cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people links by creating opportunities for young people to travel,” Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney said at the announcement.

“This extension of the eligible age not only allows a more diverse group of people to avail of this scheme, but also helps to strengthen those links between our two countries even further.”
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Age Change is Great News

Many have welcomed the move saying that it is good news for those who may be seeking to settle in Australia permanently. Commentators said that the age increase would allow more opportunities to apply for GSM visas

Other commentary on the working holiday visas change emphasised that this age group may gravitate a lot more towards partner visas. There was also the benefit that gaining Australian work experience may assist with working visa sponsorship opportunities with local employers.

Overall, the move seems tone a win-win situation for both young Irish and Australian nationals who have greater opportunities to experience other countries and cultures.

For any questions regarding the Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visa, Txt us today at +61408955770.

Working holiday visas