Work and Holiday Visa Finalized With China; Free Trade Agreement Proposes Streamlined Entry
November 25, 2014
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Work and Holiday Visa
The Work and Holiday visa will allow 5,000 skilled Chinese work and holiday travelers per year to visit Australia for up to twelve months, during which time they can work for one employer for up to six months.
Free Trade Agreement
Key provisions of the proposed Australia-China free trade agreement include expedited visa processing for travelers to and from each country and streamlined licensing and skills recognition procedures within the visa application process.
Details of the program are expected to be announced following the completion of the related treaty, which should streamline the following entry programs:
- Chinese intracompany transferees and independent executives traveling to Australia;
- Chinese business visitors to Australia;
- Contractual service suppliers traveling to and from each country; and
- Installers and servicers traveling to and from each country.
For the first time in any free trade agreement, China would offer equivalent entry and stay for dependents and spouses of Australian intracompany transferees or contractual service suppliers staying for longer than twelve months.
Investment Facilitation Arrangement
A new Investment Facilitation Arrangement would allow Chinese companies undertaking infrastructure projects in Australia valued above $150 million to sponsor subclass 457 visas for a wider range of occupations than under a standard subclass 457 sponsorship. Streamlined hiring processes are also anticipated. The new sponsorship program would be available on a case-by-case basis under arrangements similar to the Enterprise Migration Agreement.
What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals
The Work and Holiday Visa program is expected to increase tourism and support the development of Australia’s tourism sector, particularly in rural Australia.
Once the free trade agreement is implemented, skilled temporary workers should see streamlined travel between Australia and China and an expedited business visa and permit application process.
Lastly, the Investment Facilitation Arrangement should allow Chinese companies involved in large infrastructure projects to more easily hire foreign nationals.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
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