Fully Vaccinated International Students and Working Holiday Makers are returning to Australia

From 24 to 30 January Australia has witnessed the strong return of International Students to our shores – with almost 7,000 International Students making the journey to Australia ahead of course commencement at Australian campuses right around the nation.

Demand for Australian study visas has been particularly strong, in recent months, with more than 50,000 overseas student visa lodgements since late 2021.

“Australia is open for business. We are welcoming back increasing numbers of International Students, Backpackers, and Skilled migrants,” Minister Hawke said.

There was a 17% increase in the arrival of Working Holiday Makers in the last week.

From 24 to 30 January the number of Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417 and 462) applications has surged – with 2,600 visa applications lodged by overseas backpackers.

A total of 28,000 Working Holiday Maker visas have been approved in the last few months – since the reopening of international borders to fully vaccinated skilled workers, International Students and Working Holiday Makers – in line with the National Plan to safely reopen Australia.

The Australian Government has signed a number of new and increased Working Holiday Maker arrangements with partner countries, in recent years, with a total of 45 partner countries or regions now participating in the program.

Refunds of Visa Application Charges

Fully vaccinated International Students and Working Holiday Makers have been encouraged to return to Australia now to support our economic recovery and to commence studies through the launch of a new Visa Application Charge (VAC) refund window for eligible travellers.

Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclasses 417 or 462) who are outside Australia and arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 April 2022 are eligible for a VAC refund.

Student visa holders who are outside Australia and arrive in Australia between 19 January 2022 and 19 March 2022 are eligible for a VAC refund.

Further information about refunds is available online.