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Australia working holiday visa overview Australia offers two working holiday visas: Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462). Your passport decides which stream you can apply for. Official eligibility includes being 18 to 30 (or 35 for…
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Documents, budget, insurance, and timelines you should lock in early.
Common mistakes
Late applications, wrong savings level, and weak job prep.
Why this guide matters
Follow the steps in order to reduce visa stress and avoid wasted money.
Australia working holiday visa overview
Australia offers two working holiday visas: Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462). Your passport decides which stream you can apply for. Official eligibility includes being 18 to 30 (or 35 for some 417 countries) and not being accompanied by dependent children.
417 vs 462: what changes
- Each subclass has its own official passport list.
- Subclass 462 adds extra requirements such as Functional English, education by country, and a government letter of support for some passports.
- China, India, and Vietnam passport holders must pass the official pre-application ballot before applying for a first subclass 462 visa.
What the first visa allows (official)
- Stay up to 12 months.
- Do short-term work and study for up to 4 months.
- Travel to and from Australia while the visa is valid.
Plan your second and third year early
Home Affairs sets minimum specified work for extensions. For both 417 and 462, the requirement is 3 months of specified work for a second visa and 6 months for a third visa. UK passport holders applying for 417 on or after 1 July 2024 have an exemption from the specified work requirement for second and third visas.
Know the 6 month work limitation
Working holiday visas usually limit you to 6 months with one employer. Home Affairs also lists exceptions, such as working in different locations for the same employer, plant and animal cultivation, and certain industries in northern Australia. You can request permission in other cases.
Community notes
- Community Q and A highlights that the visa is for holidaying. Work is allowed, but the main purpose should remain travel.
- Community Q and A confirms your visa grant letter includes a first entry date. Plan your flight before that date.