The Australian is providing an incentive for Student and Working Holiday visa holders to return to Australia at earliest to help address present shortages of the workforce. The idea is to help Australia’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. The Department of Home Affairs (DHA), Australia periodically updating the immigration and visa rules in the country after assessing the present pandemic situation in the country.

Find out more details. 

VAC Refund for Student and Working Holiday Visa 

As per the latest announcement from the government, 

  • Any Student visa holderwho is presently offshore and arrives in Australia between 19 January and 19 March 2022 will be eligible for a refund of their visa application charge (VAC). The current VAC for a Student visa is AUD630. 
  • Any Working Holiday Maker visaholder who is presently offshore and arrives in Australia between 19 January and 19 April 2022 will be eligible for a refund of their visa application charge. The current VAC for a Working Holiday visa is AUD495. 

The VAC refund comprises secondary visa holders. The Department of Home Affairs has already revealed the details as to how to apply for a refund. The DHA has supported Australian businesses in the time of global pandemic, by allowing Student visa holders to work extra hours in critical sectors. 

Limit on working hours

Now, in view of the present workforce shortages, the Government is temporarily removing the limit on working hours for Student visa holders across all sectors. This will be applicable to secondary Student visa holders.

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