two year working holiday enquiry

[Janine]

hi there

Is it possible for someone who has previously had a UK two year working holiday visa (and been eligible to work for the two years rather than one year as it is now) to go back to their country for six months and then reapply for another visa if they are under a certain age?

Is there any way in which someone can get another two year working holiday visa in the uk?

Thanks for your help.
I look forward to hearing from you...

[tekaweni]

Sorry, you only get one shot at the 2-year working holiday. I've yet to hear of any exceptions. But perhaps you would qualify under a different visa category - student or hsmp?

[Janine]

Thanks for coming back so quickly.

I have heard of at least one case where someone has managed to do this from South Africa. Ive mentioned this to a few friends as well who have also said that they heard that there was a law change recently? and that this might now be possible...?

[Dawie]

There is absolutely no law change in the rules regarding working holiday visas. It is a once in a lifetime visa.

What you have may have heard (and I have too) is South Africans who have gone back to South Africa after their visa has expired, "lost" their passport and obtained a new one, and then used this new passport to reapply for a new working holiday visa on the basis of having never obtained one before.

This may have worked a few years ago, but only a fool would try to do it these days. If you got caught you risk prosecution in South Africa for fraud, and you definitely will be prohibited from ever entering the UK again.