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417 Visa Age Limit Raised to 35 for 4 Countries

Riverwood Migration

July 3, 2026

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417 Visa Age Limit Raised to 35 for Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea

Australia has updated its bilateral arrangements with Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea, raising the maximum age for Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa applicants from those countries from 30 to 35 years. The change was confirmed by the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA) on 2 July 2026.

What Changed and Why It Matters

The Subclass 417 visa allows eligible nationals to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the option to extend in certain circumstances. Previously, applicants from Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea had to be under 31 at the time of application. Under the updated arrangements, they may now apply up to the age of 35.

This change aligns these four countries with the broader 35-year age ceiling already available to nationals of most other 417 visa eligible countries. The update results from renegotiated bilateral agreements between Australia and each respective country.

Who Is Affected

The following nationals benefit from the increased age limit, effective from the date of the updated bilateral arrangements:

CountryPrevious Age LimitNew Age LimitCyprusUnder 31Under 36FinlandUnder 31Under 36GermanyUnder 31Under 36South KoreaUnder 31Under 36

This means nationals of these four countries who are aged 31 to 35 at the time of application may now be eligible to apply for the Subclass 417 visa for the first time.

Other Eligibility Requirements Remain Unchanged

Age is one of several eligibility criteria for the Subclass 417 visa. Applicants must still meet all of the following requirements at time of application:

Hold a passport from an eligible country.
Be outside Australia at the time of application (in most cases).
Have no dependent children accompanying or joining them in Australia.
Meet health and character requirements.
Hold sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay (generally AUD 5,000).
Not have previously held a Subclass 417 visa (unless applying for a second or third year grant under specified conditions).

The 417 visa is distinct from the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa, which applies to a different set of eligible countries and has its own age and eligibility criteria.

Practical Steps for Affected Applicants

If you are a citizen of Cyprus, Finland, Germany or South Korea and are aged between 31 and 35, you should verify that your application is lodged while you are within the eligible age range. Age is assessed at the time the application is submitted, not at the time of decision.

Applicants who were previously refused or deemed ineligible solely on age grounds may now wish to submit a fresh application. However, any prior visa history, refusals or character concerns will still be assessed. Seek legal advice if your immigration history is complex.

Key Takeaways

The Subclass 417 Working Holiday visa age limit has increased from 30 to 35 for nationals of Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea.
The change follows updated bilateral arrangements confirmed by MIA on 2 July 2026.
Applicants aged 31 to 35 from these four countries may now apply for the first time.
All other eligibility criteria for the 417 visa remain unchanged.
Age is assessed at the date of application, not the date of decision.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.