The Australian Government has introduced the Migration (Arrangements for Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) Visa) Instrument 2026 (LIN 26/048), which commenced on 1 July 2026. The instrument repeals and replaces the previous 2022 arrangements to align with amendments made to the Migration Regulations 1994 concerning the administration of the Working Holiday visa program.

The principal amendment increases the maximum age for Working Holiday visa applicants from 30 to 35 years for passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany, and the Republic of Korea, reflecting updated bilateral agreements between Australia and those partner countries.

The instrument also preserves the existing administrative framework for the Subclass 417 visa, including the approved application form, the manner and place of application, eligible passport requirements, and country-specific age settings.

The Explanatory Statement confirms that, apart from the revised age limits for the four affected countries, the amendments are technical and consequential in nature, supporting the broader changes to the Working Holiday Maker program that commenced on 1 July 2026.