What are the 88 days?
To apply for a second Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462), you need to complete 88 calendar days (approximately 3 months) of specified work in designated regional areas of Australia.
This is not 88 working days -- it is 88 calendar days. That means weekends, public holidays, and rest days during your employment period all count toward the total, as long as you are employed by the same employer during that time.
The 88-day requirement is the Australian government's way of encouraging WHV holders to contribute to industries and regions that need seasonal workers. In return, you earn the right to stay another year.
What work counts?
Not all jobs qualify. The type of eligible work depends on whether you hold a subclass 417 or 462 visa.
| Work Type | 417 (Working Holiday) | 462 (Work and Holiday) |
|---|---|---|
| Plant & animal cultivation (all farm work) | Yes | Yes |
| Fishing & pearling | Yes | Northern AU only |
| Tree farming & felling | Yes | Northern AU only |
| Mining | Yes | No |
| Construction | Yes (regional) | Northern AU only |
| Bushfire / flood recovery | Yes | Yes |
| Tourism & hospitality | No | Northern AU only |
How are days counted?
- --88 calendar days including weekends and rest days during your employment period.
- --Work must be paid and at full-time equivalent hours. Voluntary or unpaid work does not count.
- --You can combine multiple employers and different types of eligible work to reach 88 days.
- --Days do not need to be consecutive. You can take breaks between jobs and still accumulate your total.
Where are regional areas?
Regional areas are defined by postcode and generally include everything outside the metropolitan areas of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Most of rural and regional Australia qualifies, including popular backpacker destinations like Bundaberg, the Barossa Valley, and the Kimberley.
Each state has its own set of eligible postcodes. It is essential to verify that your work location falls within a designated area before you start.
View the full list of regional postcodes →How to prove your days
When you apply for your second visa, you will need to provide evidence of your 88 days. The Department of Home Affairs accepts several types of documentation:
- --Payslips -- the most important and reliable proof. Keep every single one.
- --Bank statements -- showing regular deposits from your employer.
- --Employer reference letter -- on company letterhead, stating your dates of employment and the type of work performed.
- --Tax records -- your PAYG payment summary or income statement from myGov.
Keep all your documents organized from the very first day. Missing documentation is one of the most common reasons for visa extension delays.
Tips & warnings
💡 Start tracking from day one
⚠️ Cash-in-hand work does NOT count
🚨 Always verify current rules