The Australia Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program lets eligible young people live, travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months on their first visa, with options to stay longer if they meet specific work requirements. In practice, there are two main visa types:
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
- Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
This guide explains, in practical terms, what the visa lets you do, who can apply, how much it costs, how to apply, and what risks to consider before you commit.
1. What the Working Holiday Visa Actually Allows You to Do
Both subclass 417 and 462 are designed for young travellers who want to fund their time in Australia through short-term work. With a valid WHV you can:
1.1 Live in Australia for up to 12 months
Your first WHV generally lets you stay for up to 12 months from the date you first enter Australia. You can:
- Arrive and depart multiple times while the visa is valid
- Base yourself in one city or move frequently between regions
- Choose to leave earlier if you want – there is no minimum stay
1.2 Work legally to fund your trip
The WHV is one of the few visas that allows casual work with relatively flexible conditions. In general, you can:
- Work for most employers in Australia
- Work full-time, part-time, or casually
- Change jobs as often as you like
There are important limits (for example, how long you can work for the same employer) and special rules for some industries. You should always read your visa grant letter and the official conditions on the Department of Home Affairs website.
1.3 Study short courses
On a WHV you can usually study for up to 4 months. Many people use this to:
- Improve English
- Get basic tickets or certificates (for hospitality, construction, etc.)
- Take short vocational courses that help with job hunting
1.4 Apply for additional years (2nd and 3rd WHV)
If you complete the required amount of specified work in eligible industries and regions, you may be able to apply for a second or even third Working Holiday visa. This is where the “88 days” and “179 days” rules come in, which we explain later in this guide.
2. Basic Eligibility Requirements (417 and 462)
The detailed rules differ slightly between subclass 417 and 462, but the core ideas are similar. In general, to qualify for a first Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa you must:
2.1 Age requirements
At the time of writing, you must generally be:
- 18 to 30 years old (inclusive), or
- 18 to 35 years old for passport holders of certain countries (for example the UK, Canada, Ireland, France, Italy, Denmark and some others).
The exact age limit depends on your passport country and can change when new agreements are signed. Always confirm the current age rules for your nationality before applying.
2.2 Eligible passports
You must hold a passport from a country that has a reciprocal Working Holiday arrangement with Australia. The list of eligible countries is different for:
- 417 – typically “traditional” WHV partners such as the UK, Ireland, Canada, many European countries and some Asian partners.
- 462 – a separate list including countries such as the USA, China, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and others.
If your passport is not on either list, you cannot use the WHV program and must consider other visa options.
2.3 Education and English requirements (mainly 462)
For subclass 462 Work and Holiday, some countries have extra conditions such as:
- Minimum tertiary education level (e.g. at least 2 years of university or completed degree)
- English language proof (test scores or education in English)
- A government “letter of support” from your home country
Subclass 417 usually does not require formal English test scores or tertiary education, but you are still expected to have functional English to live and work in Australia.
2.4 Funds requirement
You must have enough money to support yourself at the beginning of your stay. Home Affairs often mentions around AUD $5,000 as a guideline, plus additional funds or a ticket for leaving Australia.
In practice, this means:
- Bank statements showing savings at or above the required level
- Either an onward/return ticket or extra cash to buy one
2.5 Health and character
You must meet Australia’s standard health and character requirements. This can include:
- Declaring any criminal history
- Police checks, if requested
- Health examinations or chest x-rays, depending on your country, past travel and planned work
3. 417 vs 462 – What Is the Difference?
The two visas look similar from the outside, but there are important differences.
3.1 Countries covered
The most obvious difference is the list of eligible passports. Some countries are only eligible for 417, others only for 462.
3.2 Extra conditions for 462
Many 462 applicants must meet extra conditions that do not usually apply to 417, such as:
- Education level
- English language test results
- Government support letters
3.3 Application process and quotas
Both 417 and 462 are applied for online, but:
- Some 462 countries use ballot systems or annual quotas
- Some 462 countries run pre-registration periods
- Processing rules and times can differ between countries
If you are eligible for both 417 and 462 (for example via dual citizenship), it is worth comparing conditions carefully before deciding which one to use.
4. How Much Does the Working Holiday Visa Cost in 2025?
From 1 July 2025, the Australian government increased the visa application charge for the Working Holiday Maker program. As of now, the base application fee for both WHV subclasses is:
- Around AUD $670 for the first WHV application
Fees can change almost every financial year. You must always confirm the current amount on the official Home Affairs website or through the Visa Pricing Estimator before you lodge your application.
In addition to the visa fee, you should budget for:
- Flights to and from Australia
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Health checks or police certificates, if required
- Initial accommodation and living costs for the first few weeks
5. How to Apply for an Australia Working Holiday Visa (Step by Step)
This is a simplified, practical overview of the application process. Exact steps and screens can change, but the logic is similar.
5.1 Step 1 – Confirm that you are eligible
Before you do anything else, check:
- Your age will still be within the allowed range on the day you apply
- Your passport country is eligible for 417 or 462
- You can meet any extra conditions (education, English, letters of support)
5.2 Step 2 – Prepare your documents
Typical documents include:
- Valid passport (with at least 6–12 months of validity remaining)
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- CV / resume (some people attach it, especially if asked)
- Education certificates (for 462, where relevant)
- English test results (if required by your country and visa)
- Police certificates (if requested)
5.3 Step 3 – Create or log in to your ImmiAccount
Applications are submitted online through the Australian government’s ImmiAccount portal. You need:
- A valid email address you check regularly
- Secure password and answers to security questions
5.4 Step 4 – Complete the online application form
You will answer questions about your:
- Identity and personal details
- Travel history
- Health and character
- Previous visa history in Australia
Answer honestly and consistently. Inconsistent or false answers can result in refusal and affect future visa options.
5.5 Step 5 – Upload documents
You then upload scanned copies or clear photos of your documents. Files must be legible; blurry screenshots can cause delays.
5.6 Step 6 – Pay the visa application charge
Once your form is complete, you pay the visa fee online (typically by card). Your application is not assessed until payment is successful.
5.7 Step 7 – Complete any health / biometrics if asked
Some applicants are asked to attend:
- Panel physician clinics for medical checks or x-rays
- Biometrics collection centres
Follow the instructions in your ImmiAccount carefully and keep all receipts.
5.8 Step 8 – Wait for the visa decision
Processing times can vary from a few days to several weeks or more. Once decided, you will receive a visa grant notice with:
- Your visa grant number
- Start and end dates
- Key conditions you must follow
6. How Long Does WHV Processing Take?
Processing times change depending on demand, your nationality, whether additional checks are required, and how complete your application is. Typical patterns:
- Fastest cases: a few days
- Common range: a few weeks
- Slower cases: several weeks or months if extra checks are needed
If you apply close to peak periods (for example, before Australian summer), expect longer waits.
7. Why Do People Choose the Australia WHV?
People rarely choose the WHV just for tourism. Common reasons include:
7.1 Higher wages than in many home countries
Even basic casual jobs in hospitality, retail or farm work can pay significantly more than equivalent jobs in many WHV source countries. This makes it realistic to:
- Cover your living costs
- Save money while travelling
- Repay parts of your initial setup cost
7.2 Flexibility and freedom
You decide:
- Where to live
- How often to move
- What kind of work to accept
7.3 Pathway to second and third year stays
If you meet the required days of specified work, you can extend your time in Australia beyond the initial 12 months. For many people, this is a way to:
- Experience different regions and industries
- Explore whether longer-term visas might make sense later
8. The 88 Days Rule and Specified Work
To qualify for a second Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa, most applicants must complete a minimum period of specified work in eligible industries and postcodes while on their first WHV.
8.1 What counts as specified work?
The exact list changes over time, but commonly includes:
- Certain types of farm and agricultural work
- Some construction work in regional areas
- Certain tourism and hospitality roles in regional Australia
- Some disaster recovery or critical sector work during specific periods
Only work in approved postcodes and industries counts. Casual work in big cities usually does not qualify.
8.2 Risks of “88 days” jobs
This area has the highest risk of:
- Underpayment or unpaid work
- Unsafe housing or overcrowded accommodation
- Exploitative piece rates with unrealistic targets
Always:
- Check that your employer pays at least the legal minimum wage
- Keep copies of pay slips, contracts and timesheets
- Confirm that the job and location appear on the official specified work list
9. Common Misconceptions About the WHV
9.1 “You must do farm work”
You do not have to do farm or regional work to use your first WHV. It only becomes mandatory if you want to apply for a second or third WHV and your nationality does not have special exemptions.
9.2 “You can work for any one employer as long as you like”
In most cases there are limits on how long you can work for the same employer on a WHV. Exemptions exist in certain industries and regions, but you must check the current rules rather than assuming you can stay in one job forever.
9.3 “WHV is only for backpackers who don’t care about money”
Many WHV holders take finances very seriously. It is common for people to:
- Work in skilled or semi-skilled roles
- Save aggressively during peak working periods
- Use WHV as a test run before considering long-term migration pathways
10. Risks and Limitations You Should Consider
10.1 Job and income instability
Casual employment is flexible but unstable. You might:
- Struggle to find work in slow seasons
- Lose shifts suddenly
- Have to move cities or towns to follow jobs
10.2 High living costs
Major Australian cities have high rent and living expenses. If you are not careful with budgeting, you can burn through savings faster than expected.
10.3 Physical and mental stress
Some WHV jobs – especially farm work and certain hospitality roles – can be physically demanding, involve long hours, and cause stress or burnout if not managed well.
10.4 Complex tax and super rules
WHV holders are still subject to:
- Australian income tax
- Superannuation (retirement savings) in many jobs
- Potential tax refund processes when leaving
If you ignore these topics until the end of your stay, you might lose money or overpay tax.
11. Practical Tips Before You Apply
11.1 Save more than the bare minimum
The official minimum funds level (for example, around AUD $5,000) is not a guarantee of comfort or safety. Many experienced WHV holders recommend:
- A higher buffer, especially if you plan to live in big cities
- Extra money for emergencies and sudden job loss
11.2 Buy travel insurance
The WHV does not automatically give you full access to Medicare (public health care). Medical costs can be very high. Long-term travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
11.3 Prepare digital copies of all documents
Scan or photograph your:
- Passport identity page
- Visa grant notice
- Important contact numbers
- Insurance policy details
11.4 Join WHV communities before you arrive
Online communities for WHV holders can help you:
- Understand typical wages in different jobs
- Spot common scams and bad employers
- Find shared accommodation and travel partners
12. Final Checklist Before You Apply
- Your passport will be valid for the full length of your intended stay
- You are within the age limit for your passport country
- Your country is on the current 417 or 462 eligible list
- You can meet any extra education or English requirements (for 462)
- You have at least the recommended savings in your bank account
- You understand the basic tax and superannuation obligations
- You have realistic expectations about both opportunities and risks
If you are comfortable with all of the above, the Working Holiday visa can be an extremely powerful way to test life in Australia, build savings, and get real international work experience in a relatively low-risk framework.
FAQ: Australia Working Holiday Visa
Can I apply for more than one Working Holiday visa in my life?
In many cases you can apply for a second and third WHV, provided you meet the specified work requirements. However, age limits and other conditions still apply each time.
Can I change to another visa while I am on a WHV?
Some people move from WHV to student visas, skilled visas or partner visas. This is complex and depends on your situation. You should get professional migration advice before making long-term plans based on this idea.
Can I do remote work for overseas clients while on a WHV?
Many WHV holders do occasional remote/freelance work for clients outside Australia. Whether this is allowed in your specific case depends on tax, employment law and your exact work pattern. When in doubt, speak with a qualified professional.
Can couples apply together?
Each person must qualify for and apply for their own WHV. There is no “partner WHV” where one person is attached to another’s Working Holiday visa, but couples can both hold their own WHVs at the same time.
Is the WHV a pathway to permanent residency?
The WHV is not a direct migration pathway, but it can give you Australian work experience, contacts and time to explore long-term options. If you are thinking about permanent residency, you should treat the WHV as an exploration phase, not a guarantee.