WHM visa: Canada AND Ireland age cap lifted to 35 years of age from 1 November 2018

It was previously reported that the maximum age limit for Canadians to be eligible for a Subclass 417 – Working Holiday visa would increase from 30 to 35 years of age on 1 November 2018.

However, what was not expected was that Ireland will join Canada in being the first countries to see their age limit increase to 35.

The new legislative instrument, which commences tomorrow states that both Canadian and Irish citizens and passport holders have “no maximum age specified”. This, however, could be misconstrued. This is because while the instrument states no maximum age limit, the regulations specify that an applicant can be no more than 35 at the time of application, or if a younger age is specified in the instrument for the kind of passport the applicant holds, that younger age.

The Explanatory Memorandum states that there is a reciprocal benefit for Australian citizens as both Ireland and Canada have implemented age increases as well.