UK Working Holiday visa rules reformed

October 28 2008 by Robbie Ragless

New UK visa rules will make it easier for young nationals of New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Japan to find work in the UK.

The changes are aimed at helping 18-30 year old participants in the Youth Mobility Scheme to find employment in their chosen field for two full years. For the first time, applicants will be able to apply for and accept jobs in the UK before leaving their home country.

Previously, participants in the programme were faced with several restrictions before being allowed to receive a UK visa. These includes rules about how long they could stay in one job.

British high commissioner to Australia Helen Liddell welcomed the reforms: "Some of the old restrictions are going and the visas will be cheaper by half. Britain's immigration system rewards those who come, work hard, bring their skills and strengthen cultural ties and Australians fit the bill very well."

The changes to Working Holiday visas represent just one part of a package of reforms that will transform the UK's immigration system. The introduction of an Australian-style points system for potential immigrants forms the major part of the UK immigration overhaul.

See the latest Immigration News