From 21st August, 2010, amendments will be enacted in accordance with the Migration Regulations 1994, which will alter some provisions connected to the subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas.

The main purpose of the amendments is to prevent an individual who has previously held an Australian subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa, from applying for a subclass 417 (Working Holiday) Australian visa. The Schedule 1 provisions for the subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa will be amended to reflect this

The amendments will also mean that applicants for a subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa are not permitted to bring any dependent children (excepting where specified in writing by the Minister of Immigration and Citizenship) to Australia with them.

It is interesting to note that these amendments will only have a very limited application in practice. This is because subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visas can only be granted to citizens of Iran, Turkey, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the USA, and Australian immigration law does not permit any residents of these nations to apply for a subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa.

Therefore, the amendments preventing any previous holder of an Australian subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa from applying for a subclass 417 (Working Holiday) visa could only be applicable to individuals holding dual citizenship status which includes one of these nations.

The amendments will apply to all visa applications made on or after 21st August, 2010.