Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

The Australian Government introduced the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) to allow young visitors from eligible countries to travel and work throughout Australia. This visa enables you to live in one place or explore the country, connect with new people, experience Australian culture, and develop new skills. If you complete eligible regional work, you may be able to extend your stay for up to three years, provided you meet certain requirements each year. Review the eligibility criteria below, and contact us if you have any questions.

Eligibility

To be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462), you must:

Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
- Subclass 417 is available to citizens of Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
- Subclass 462 is for citizens of Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, India, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, USA, and Vietnam.
Be aged 18 to 30 years (up to 35 for applicants from France, Ireland, or Canada) at the time of application.
Not have previously held a Working Holiday Visa subclass 417 or 462, unless applying for a second or third year after completing the specified regional work requirements.
Be outside Australia when you apply for and when your first Working Holiday Visa is granted.
Demonstrate sufficient funds to support yourself during your initial stay (generally at least $5,000 AUD) and to purchase a return ticket.
Meet the Department’s health requirements (a health exam may be required based on your health or travel history). It is also recommended to arrange health insurance for your time in Australia.
Satisfy character requirements by providing evidence such as police checks or military certificates, if requested.

Professional Visa and Education Services can guide you through these requirements and help determine your eligibility based on the current Department of Home Affairs criteria.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) application process

The application process for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) involves several steps:

Step 1: Prepare to Apply

Contact us to schedule a consultation. Check if there are any annual caps for your country, as limits apply to some nationalities for Subclass 462 visas and reset each year on 1 July. If the cap is reached, you may want to consider a Student Visa instead. Arrange any required health examinations in advance if needed. While using a registered migration agent is optional, we are here to assist you at any stage.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documents, which may include:

Passport and full birth certificate (showing parents' names)
Evidence of name changes if applicable
Proof of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement)
Police checks for Australia and overseas, if requested
Military service records if applicable
For Subclass 462: education credentials, English language documents, and a letter of support from your government

Ensure all documents are in English, clear, in colour, and no larger than 5MB if submitting online.

Step 3: Complete the Visa Application

Most applicants must apply online via ImmiAccount. Complete the application form and attach your documents. For some nationalities under Subclass 462 (e.g., China), apply in person at an Australian Visa Application Centre.

Be honest, accurate, and ensure all details are correct to avoid processing delays or refusal.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

As of 1 July 2025, the fee is $670 AUD, payable online by credit card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY. Paper applications, if allowed, can be paid at the time of submission or upon invoice from Immigration.

Step 5: Monitor your Application

Check for any requests from Immigration for additional information, health exams, or biometrics. Notify the Department if your circumstances change or if you wish to nominate a representative.

Step 6: Await a Decision

Processing times vary—Subclass 417 usually takes 17–30 days; Subclass 462 takes 46–62 days, on average. To avoid delays, make sure you provide complete and accurate information and all required documents in English. Do not book travel until your visa is granted.

If you have questions at any stage, our team is ready to help you navigate the Working Holiday Visa application process.

How long can I stay in Australia on the First Year WHV?

Your Working Holiday Visa becomes active upon your arrival in Australia and is valid for 12 months from that date. Be sure to note your visa expiry date, as overstaying can affect your eligibility for future Australian visas.

What do I need to do once I arrive in Australia?

After you arrive in Australia, there are a few important steps to complete before you start working:

- Open an Australian bank account

- Set up an Australian phone number

- Arrange your accommodation

- Apply for your Australian Tax File Number (TFN) at https://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/tax-file-number/

What kind of work can I do on the WHV?

You are permitted to undertake any legal work in Australia, subject to specific rights and conditions. Generally, you cannot work for the same employer for more than six months without government approval. Exceptions may apply if your work is in different locations, with no more than six months in any single location, or if your role qualifies as Regional Specified Work.

The six-month limitation is determined by the total duration of your employment, not by the number of hours worked. This restriction resets if you are granted a second Working Holiday Visa or if a bridging visa takes effect after your current visa expires.

To be eligible for a Second Year Working Holiday Visa, you must complete the required Regional Specified Work. Regardless of the job you choose, you are entitled to workplace rights and protections. Ensure you understand your rights to avoid unfair treatment or pay.