Work and Holiday visa arrangements for China

The Australian Government has introduced a Work and Holiday visa arrangement with China. This will enable young Chinese people to obtain a visa to enable them to work and travel in Australia if they hold tertiary qualifications and have English language skills.

It has been announced by the Australian Government that applications for the new Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa will begin in September 2015.

Available places

The Australian Government will grant up to 5,000 visas per year.

Visa conditions

The Work and Holiday visa will enable Chinese nationals to:

  • Stay in Australia for 12 months from their date of first arrival;
  • Work for the 12 month duration of their stay, but for no longer than six months with any one employer; and
  • Study for four months.

Eligibility

The Australian Government has announced the eligibility criteria appearing below for applicants under the Work and Holiday visa.

The visa applicant must:

  • Hold a valid Chinese passport;
  • Be at least 18 but have not turned 31 years of age at the time an application is lodged;
  • Not be with a dependent child whilst in Australia;
  • Have enough money for support on a working holiday (approximately $5,000);
  • Have enough money to buy a return or onward travel ticket at the end of the stay;
  • Have not previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417);
  • Hold tertiary qualifications, or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study;
  • Have functional English;
  • Meet character and health requirements; and
  • Be a genuine visitor.

Further details about the Work and Holiday visa for Chinese nationals will be made available in the coming months.

For advice regarding Work and Holiday visa conditions, please feel free to contact the author by email at rebecca@hartmanlawyers.com.au or by telephone on +61 3 9021 0986 or +61 (0)423 701 747 for instructions.

Disclaimer:

The information on this website is intended only to provide a summary and general overview on relevant matters. It is not intended to be comprehensive nor does it constitute legal advice. You are advised to seek legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the content contained in this website.