Age
You must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application for both the 417 and 462 visas. Some countries participating in the 462 program allow applicants up to 35 years old, including Canada, France, and Ireland.
Your age is assessed on the date you submit your application, not when the visa is granted. If you turn 31 (or 36) after lodging, your application is still valid.
Nationality
Only passport holders from eligible countries can apply. The list is different for each visa subclass.
Subclass 417 -- Working Holiday
Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom.
Subclass 462 -- Work and Holiday
Argentina, Austria, Brasil, Chile, China, Colombia, República Checa, Ecuador, Grecia, Hungría, Indonesia, Israel, Luxemburgo, Malasia, Mongolia, Nepal, Papúa Nueva Guinea, Perú, Filipinas, Polonia, Portugal, San Marino, Singapur, República Eslovaca, Eslovenia, España, Suiza, Tailandia, Turquía, Estados Unidos, Uruguay, Vietnam.
Financial requirements
You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your initial stay in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs requires proof of at least AUD 5,000 in savings, plus enough money for a return flight.
Acceptable proof includes recent bank statements (typically from the last 3 months), a letter from your bank confirming your balance, or a credit card statement showing available credit.
Health requirements
You must meet Australian health requirements. Depending on your country of origin and personal circumstances, you may be asked to complete a medical examination by an approved panel physician.
The medical exam typically includes a chest X-ray and a general physical examination. You will receive instructions through your ImmiAccount if a health check is required.
Character requirements
You must be of good character. This means you need to provide a police clearance certificate (also known as a criminal background check) from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more in the last 10 years.
Processing times for police clearances vary by country. Some take just a few days, while others can take several weeks. Apply for your police clearance early to avoid delays.
English language
Subclass 417: No English language test is required.
Subclass 462: Some countries require you to demonstrate functional English. An IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent is the minimum for most 462 applicants. Accepted tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and Cambridge CAE.
Citizens of English-speaking countries and those who have completed tertiary education in English may be exempt.
Education
Subclass 417: No education requirement.
Subclass 462: Some countries require you to have completed at least two years of undergraduate tertiary education. You will need to provide your academic transcripts or degree certificate.
Government support letter
Subclass 417: Not required.
Subclass 462: Some countries require a letter of support from your government (or a designated authority) as part of the application. The process varies by country -- some issue the letter through their embassy, while others require you to apply through a national youth or education agency.
No dependent children
You cannot have any dependent children accompanying you during your stay in Australia on a Working Holiday Visa. This applies to both the 417 and 462 subclasses.
🚨 Requirements vary by country