I've just found out that the UK Working Holidaymaker visa has changed again before it was changed a couple of years ago you could only work for up to half the time you were in the UK...in August 2003 they changed it that you could work as much as you want to and now they've changed it back again as of today ...


Working Holiday Maker Scheme
British High Commission media release: 8 February 2005
The United Kingdom will amend its popular Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Scheme worldwide to preserve the original "holiday" aspect and prevent abuse, the British High Commission announced today.

From 8 February 2005, WHM visas will be issued to allow work in the UK for a maximum of 12 months during the visa holder's two-year visit. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate that work is incidental to a holiday.

The Scheme was extended in August 2003, including the introduction of a higher age limit, and the removal of employment restrictions.

However, the UK Government has since become concerned the scheme could be used to subvert normal immigration controls on full-time work in the UK.

The changes announced today will ensure the original 'working holiday' aspect of the scheme is retained. It is also the case that the revised scheme remains more generous than its pre-August 2003 predecessor, and more generous than the working holiday maker schemes operated by many other countries.

The UK will continue to welcome young Australians and New Zealanders looking for an entertaining, interesting and exciting working holiday.

Background:

1. The Scheme is open to Australian citizens aged between 17 and 30
2. WHMs visas are issued for a maximum stay of two years in the UK
3. Persons holding an WHM visa prior to 8 February 2005 will not be affected by the changes announced today
4. Individuals are not permitted a second WHM visa.
5. More than 20,000 Australians take up WHM visas each year
6. WHM visas for Australians are issued by the British High Commission Consular Section in Canberra. Applicants must meet the visa requirements.
7. Information and application forms are available from www.britaus.net under the Visa button, or by calling 1902 941 555 (charges apply).

I wish they'd make up thier bloody mind!!

Give them a swift kick in the behind

How long are you planning to work there?

luv4u said:

well it's a 2 year visa...but now this has happened it changes my whole game plan I need to hang onto as much money as I can now if I'm going to be unemployed for half the time lol

Natisse said:

Awww, that stings. Is it too risky to work illegaly for awhile?

Stax said:

uh, yeah it is it's ok tho it's my own fault I was meant to have been over there a while ago now and it wouldn't have affected me lol. oh well...at least I'm lucky enough to be able to go at all

You could become a lady of the night!

althom said:

lol somehow I don't think so

... ..sorry to hear that love

althom said:

Ocean said:

thank you honey it does change a lot but as I guess I just need to be positive and remember, as I said, that I'm lucky enough to be going over in the first place

Ocean said:

What? It's a good suggestion!

althom said:

try "working under the table", as they say, if you have some friends there who could maybe help you out with some odd jobs?

i did that for a while over there, but most of my money came from centrelink.

mrdespues said:

thanks John but I'm not willing to work illegally...knowing me I'd get caught and it's too risky

thanks anyway tho

ok cool, but if you just did some sort of manual or lent some very casual help to someone you know, chances are slim to none of being found out.

otherwise...do you have any talents? musical or anything? is there anything you could teach one on one for a bit of extra moolah?

mrdespues said:

Yeah! Lady of the night!

althom said:

as long as you are not the pimp I am sure she will do just fine.

WHAT CRAP!! Don't worry it'll be right somehow!!

lilmissmissy said:

You tell them missy!

lilmissmissy said:

that's what I reckon too - WHAT CRAP!!!!! I can't believe they've changed it again

you're right, too, about it being alright somehow...thanks hon

althom said:

I'll kick em in da ass i willz!

mrdespues said:

no nothing like that...I want to keep it all legit

Natisse said:

You go girl!!!

lilmissmissy said:

YEEAAAAAH!! grrrr

Natisse said:

do you do EVERYTHING legit?

mrdespues said:

yep

Natisse said:

Don't doubt that is has a little in her!!! Don't u Nat love

Natisse said:

Lady of the night is legit!

Ocean said:

OH YEAH