Australia guide

Australia Working Holiday Visa

Overview Australia offers Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas for young adults who want an extended holiday with work rights. Key official facts First visa stay: 12 months, with short term work and study up…

Use this guide to

  • Check eligibility and timing
  • Estimate total budget
  • Understand job realities
  • Plan arrival tasks

Next steps

Build your timeline and checklist before you apply.

Start planning

What you will learn

Eligibility rules, required documents, budgeting reality, and the best time to apply.

Overview

Australia offers Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas for young adults who want an extended holiday with work rights.

Key official facts

  • First visa stay: 12 months, with short term work and study up to 4 months.
  • Age: 18 to 30, or 35 for some 417 passports.
  • No dependent children and you must apply on your own.
  • Funds requirement: usually about AUD 5,000 plus onward travel.
  • 6 month work limitation with one employer, with official exceptions.

417 vs 462

Your passport decides which stream you can apply for. Subclass 462 adds Functional English, education requirements by country, and a letter of support for some passports. China, India, and Vietnam passport holders must complete a pre-application ballot for the first 462 visa.

Second and third year options

Home Affairs requires specified work for extensions: 3 months for a second visa and 6 months for a third visa. UK passport holders applying for 417 on or after 1 July 2024 do not need specified work for second and third visas.

Tax and pay essentials

The ATO WHM guidance explains tax withholding (15 percent up to 45,000 AUD for 2020 to 2021 and later income years if your employer is registered as a WHM employer) and how to manage tax returns and superannuation.

Community notes

  • Community Q and A notes that the visa is for holidaying, even if you work a lot.
  • Community Q and A confirms the first entry date on your grant letter matters for planning flights.

Sources