What is the Working Holiday program?
The Australian Working Holiday program allows young people from eligible countries to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It is designed to encourage cultural exchange and close ties between Australia and partner countries, while giving travellers the chance to fund their stay through employment.
With this visa, you can work for any employer in any industry across Australia. You can also study for up to four months and travel freely in and out of the country during your visa period.
The program is one of the most popular visa pathways for backpackers and young professionals worldwide, with tens of thousands of visas granted each year.
Two visa subclasses: 417 and 462
Australia offers two types of Working Holiday visas. The one you apply for depends on your nationality.
Subclass 417
Working Holiday
Available to passport holders from countries including the UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and many European nations.
Subclass 462
Work and Holiday
Available to passport holders from countries including the USA, Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Spain, Portugal, Brazil, and several other nations.
Key differences: 417 vs 462
| Feature | 417 (Working Holiday) | 462 (Work and Holiday) |
|---|---|---|
| Age limit | 18-30 | 18-30 (some countries 18-35) |
| Eligible countries | ~19 countries (mostly EU + Asia-Pacific) | ~25 countries (Americas, Asia, others) |
| Education requirement | None | Tertiary education (for some countries) |
| English requirement | None | IELTS 4.5+ (for some countries) |
| Government support letter | Not required | Required (for some countries) |
| Eligible extension work | Farm, fishing, mining, construction | Farm + Northern AU (tourism, construction, etc.) |
Duration and extensions
Your first Working Holiday Visa grants you 12 months in Australia. But you can extend your stay:
- --Second year -- complete 88 calendar days of specified work in regional Australia during your first year.
- --Third year -- complete an additional 179 calendar days (approximately 6 months) of specified work during your second year.
That means you can potentially live and work in Australia for up to 3 full years on the Working Holiday program.
Work rights
- --You can work full-time in any industry.
- --You can work for any employer across Australia.
- --6-month employer limit -- you cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months unless you receive written permission from the Department of Home Affairs.
- --You can study for up to 4 months (17 weeks) during your visa period.
Visa cost
The application fee for both the 417 and 462 visa is currently AUD 650. This fee applies to first, second, and third year applications.
Visa fees are reviewed periodically. Verify the current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before applying.
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