WHV Australia: Updates Effective July 1, 2025
Are you planning to embark on a working holiday in Australia soon? Or have you already kicked off your Working Holiday Visa (WHV)? There are a few important changes coming into effect from July 1, 2025, that you should be aware of as they could affect your experience.
Visa Costs – What to Expect
Mark your calendars! The fee for the Australian Working Holiday Visa will increase to $670 from July 1, 2025. If you’re still thinking about applying, be prepared for these new fees.
Minimum Wage Increase – More for Your Efforts
Here’s some great news for working holiday makers: the national minimum wage in Australia is rising from AU$24.10 to AU$24.95 per hour. That’s a boost of AU$0.85 (3.5%)! This means, for a typical 38-hour workweek, you’ll earn at least AU$948 before tax.
Of course, depending on your job type or contract, your earnings could be even higher. If you’re hunting for work, check out our tips on the best job sites for finding work in Australia during your working holiday.
Pension Contributions – Planning for the Future
On the same date, pension contributions are set to rise from 11.5% to 12% of your gross income. This is an important detail to note because as a working holiday maker, you’ll automatically contribute to a retirement fund known as superannuation, or “super” for short.
Your employer will take care of these payments, which you can claim back at the end of your visa. So, while you’re enjoying your time working in Australia, you’re also putting money aside for the future!
New Fiscal Year – Keep Track of Your Earnings
While this isn’t a change, it’s good to be aware that each fiscal year in Australia runs from July 1 to June 30. If you work in Australia on your WHV between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, and your income exceeds AU$45,000, you’ll need to declare your taxes.
If you’re just starting a job and expect to earn over this threshold soon, it’s wise to prepare for tax filing in 2026!
In summary, these upcoming changes are designed to improve the experience for working holiday makers in Australia. Remember, understanding your rights and responsibilities, including visa costs, wages, and taxes, will help you settle in more easily.
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