WORK AND HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT WITH CHINA COMMENCES

Applications for the first tranche of new Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas for young Chinese people were filled within minutes of being made available.

An initial 1500 visas will be available under a new arrangement with China which came into effect this week.

The arrangement will eventually allow 5000 young Chinese people to enjoy an extended holiday in Australia with the opportunity to engage in short term work or study.

The Minister for Immigration and Border Protection Peter Dutton said the Work and Holiday visa agreement with China is for young, educated, Chinese nationals aged between 18 and 30 years. It will be capped at the 5000 visa places each year.

“These 5000 young Chinese people will join the ranks of around 240,000 young people from around the world each year who enjoy a working holiday in Australia,” Mr Dutton said.

“China will be joining a host of other countries given access to the Work and Holiday programme.”

The first 5000 places will be offered throughout 2015-16.

Mr Dutton said Australia is one of the first countries to introduce this unique experience for young people from China, providing Australia with a point of difference in the very competitive and important Chinese tourism market.

“Last financial year, China was the largest source country for visitors to Australia. To support the continuing growth in tourism from China, the Department has successfully implemented a trial of an online visa lodgement system in China, which will be expanded in 2016.

“In 2016 we will also commence a trial of 10 year visitor visas, a premium fast-track service and Chinese language support for online visas,” Mr Dutton said.

Original Release: http://www.minister.border.gov.au/peterdutton/2015/Pages/work-holiday-arrangement-china.aspx

Page last updated 28/09/2015

Work and Holiday Agreement Commences

WORK AND HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENT WITH CHINA COMMENCES