(1888PressRelease)
November 11, 2006 - The quota for the Chilean work and holiday visa arrangement has been increased from 100 to 500 to meet increasing demand, Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs Amanda Vanstone announced today.
'Australia is becoming a more popular destination for young Chileans,' Senator Vanstone said today.
'The cap until now of 100 visas has been reached within the first four months of the year, with many more applicants awaiting visas.
'The increase to 500 – effective today – will give more young people from both countries new opportunities to travel and experience different cultures.'
The Chilean Government has also increased from 100 to 500 the cap for Australians travelling to Chile.
The work and holiday programme allows tertiary students and young professionals aged between 18 and 30 years from Australia and Chile to work and travel in either country for up to 12 months.
The work and holiday visa differs from a working holiday visa, as it requires an applicant to have the support of their government, hold or be studying towards tertiary qualifications, and to speak functional English or Spanish respectively.
National Visas
Web site: http://www.nationalvisas.com.au
Address: 3 - 118 Church Street
Hawthorn, Victoria
Australia 3122
Phone: +61 (0) 3 9697 4922
Fax: +61 (0) 3 9815 1544
