A benefit of Brexit? Impossible!

The UK’s political decisions have always been a bit of a mystery to outsiders, probably none more so than Brexit. Even the pro-Leave side now accept that the complications continue to stack up and the challenges mount from that choice. But there is a little bit of an upside for one group who probably wouldn’t have expected it.

Post Brexit the UK could negotiate it’s own international trade deals. And one of the first, the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), came into force at the end of May. I am not going to pretend to understand the complexity and economic risks, benefits, opportunities and costs of that. But it does have a little nugget for anyone on - or planning to get - a SC417 Working Holiday Visa. The increase in age to 35 (from 30) has been pretty well publicised. What has received much less coverage is the fact that UK passport holders no longer have to meet the specified work requirements for second and subsequent SC417 visas. So if you are from the UK you no longer have to go through that dreaded rite of passage of picking mangos in FNQ, working the bar in a dusty roadhouse or shearing sheep in the middle of the Territory in order to extend your stay!

I know a lot of people who have served their time doing ‘farm work’ to qualify for a second visa and the experiences have been almost universally positive. So there is a tiny twinge of sadness at seeing a really authentic Australian experience disappear. As a Migration Agent though this is very important news. It simplifies matters for anyone on a UK passport and a SC417. It makes it easier for them to extend their stay and gives more flexibility to how they can use their work rights. All good things. Crucially these benefits also apply to UK passport holders who received their first SC417 on a non-UK passport. Which is where the irish | to oz team got very interested - if you came to Australia on SC417 and an Irish passport but qualify for a UK passport then you can take advantage of this relaxation of the rules.

Who would have thought that a consequence of Brexit would be to allow young Irish people to stay in Australia without picking pineapples? It is a strange world we live in!

If you would like migration advice on this or any other subject we are always happy to help, please send an email to hello@mcdonaghmigrations.com.au and we will schedule a time to chat.

As always this content is considered correct at time of publication (21st June 2024) but may no longer be current through subsequent changes to legislation, regulation or policy. This is generic information provided for context and education and is not specific migration advice. Always consult a Registered Migration Agent for information tailored to your specific circumstances.

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