How to apply for an Australia or New Zealand work visa: rule changes to affect millions of Brits

Australia has long attracted young British workers because of the relatively high minimum wage and a whopping 2,800 hours of sunshine every year
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Good news for Brits hoping to live and work in Australia or New Zealand.

Sixteen million more Britons will be eligible to apply for a working holiday visa in either country from July 1 as the age limit increases from 30 to 35.

The visa’s current two-year limit will be increased to three years in New Zealand from Saturday, and in Australia from July 1 next year.

Australia has long attracted young British workers because of the relatively high minimum wage, 2,800 hours of sunshine every year, as well as boasting the lowest unemployment rates in almost 50 years.

The three years spent by visa-holders in Australia will not need to be consecutive, and the old requirement to carry out months of agricultural work has been ditched.

It is the first change to the visa since it was introduced in 1975, under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement (UKFTA).

How does the Australia and New Zealand visa scheme work?

In Australia and New Zealand, work visas will now be offered to people aged 18-35 — a five-year increase on the original limit of 30.

British working holiday-makers also used to have to complete 88 days of agricultural work if they wanted to stay in Australia, for every additional year they would like to stay on.

These rules are now being eased, allowing visitors to work more freely across industries.

Brits are allowed to stay for three years, but they don’t have to be consecutive and can be taken at any time up until the age of 35.

Officials at the Department for Business and Trade said that the new rules agreed with Australia would also mean that, for the first time, UK service suppliers — including architects, scientists, researchers, lawyers, and accountants — will have access to visas to work in Australia without being subject to Canberra’s changing skilled occupation list.

UK professionals such as lawyers and auditors will also be able to work in New Zealand more easily, and bring their families with them, according to the department.

What are the working rules in other countries?

A work visa is a permit that gives you the right to work and live in a country other than your country of residence. Different countries have different qualifying requirements to obtain a work visa.

For more information, check with the UK-based embassy of the country you want to work in to see what you need to do.

European Union

You’ll need a work permit to work in most EU countries if you’re a UK citizen.

In most cases, you’ll need a job offer from your chosen country so that you can get a visa to move there.

United States

You are only allowed to work in the US if you hold one of the following:

  • Employment-based immigrant visa
  • Temporary employment visa
  • Green Card (permanent resident card)
  • Work permit (employment authorisation document)

Digital nomad visas

Many countries around the world offer digital nomad visas for remote workers.

These digital visas allow individuals to legally live and work in another country while residing away from their country of permanent residence.

The following countries currently offer digital nomad visas:

  • Spain
  • Greece
  • Romania
  • Hungary
  • Cyprus
  • Canada
  • Latvia
  • Albania
  • St Lucia
  • Grenada
  • Panama
  • Belize
  • Brazil
  • Ecuador
  • Dubai
  • Sri Lanka
  • Thailand
  • Malaysia
  • Namibia
  • North Macedonia
  • Serbia
  • Montenegro
  • Indonesia-Bali
  • Italy
  • Columbia
  • South Africa
  • Uruguay
  • Abu Dhabi

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