The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa is now open to Philippine nationals, allowing them to enjoy a holiday visa between the Philippines and Australia while gaining valuable work experience.
This visa is intended to allow the holder to work in Australia whilst on holiday for a period of up to 12 months from the date of arrival. It is important to note (with certain exceptions) that the holder can not work for the same employer for more than 6 months.
To be eligible the visa applicant must:
- Be between 18 – 30 years of age (inclusive) at the time of application
- Meet the educational qualifications requirement (e.g. hold tertiary qualifications or has completed at least 2 years undergraduate study)
- Meet the English language requirement which is Functional English
- Have sufficient funds for travel and to support themselves while in Australia
However, amidst the excitement of this new opportunity for Philippine nationals, please be aware that this visa is currently capped at 200 applicants per year. It is also crucial to be aware of potential scams, particularly those involving unlicensed so-called migration ‘agents’.
Here’s how you can protect yourself to ensure a smooth application process:
- Only deal with lawyers or registered migration agents who are registered with the Law Society in the relevant State or, for migration agents, with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and always check the lawyer’s or agent’s credentials
- Ask for a written agreement outlining the costs involved and services to be provided to you. If there is no contract or agreement proceed with caution, or not at all.
- Avoid lawyers or agents who guarantee successful visa outcomes and claim to have connection with the Australian Department of Home Affairs. Visa outcomes are determined solely by the Department’s assessing officer based on the caps, and the applicant meeting the eligibility criteria for the visa.
By choosing the correct Australian lawyer or registered migration agent, you can safeguard yourself against potential scams and ensure your holiday visa Philippines Australia application is handled professionally and ethically.
*Disclaimer: This is intended as general information only and not to be construed as legal advice. The above information is subject to changes over time. You should always seek professional advice before taking any course of action.*
