According to data from the Australian Department of Home Affairs, over 21,000 Irish residents were given Australian working holiday visas in the 12 months up to July of last year, which is the largest documented number in at least 16 years.

Between July 1, 2022, and June 30, 2023, Irish nationals were granted 21,525 working holiday visas, over twice as many as were granted the previous year (10,491 visas). Not even at the height of the 2008 recession were 12,847 visas issued. Travel experts predict that this year will see even more visas being issued, as many young people will be drawn to Australia by greater incomes and a better standard of living.

Ireland has had a significant surge in emigration over the last five years, as evidenced by the more than 11,077 visas that were issued for the period of July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2019. Travel experts anticipate a spike in applications this year, despite the fact that there was a minor decline in visa approvals during the pandemic, with 8,787 working holiday permits given to Irish nationals.

Nune Troy, the business development manager at Visa First, reportedly told the Sunday World that there may be an additional thirty percent increase in Irish travelers visiting Australia this year. Troy saw a notable increase starting in 2022 and predicted that the number of applications for working holiday visas would increase much more this year. She mentioned that 1,500 applications were processed by Visa First alone in the previous year.

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is intended for young adults who want to spend up to three years traveling and working in Australia. The purpose of the visa is to foster cultural interaction and improve ties between Australia and other qualified nations. Those who are interested may apply for the first, second, and third Working Holiday visas, which are good for a 12-month stay each.