Working Holiday Visas (417 & 462)
Work and travel in Australia for young adults. A fast, flexible visa that is perfect for experiencing life Down Under — with options to extend to a second and third year.
Quick Answer:
- 417 visa: Working Holiday visa for eligible countries. Ages 18-30 (35 for some).
- 462 visa: Work and Holiday visa for a different country list. Ages 18-30.
- Both visas: 12 months, full work rights, from $650, granted in 1-4 weeks.
- Extensions: 88 days of specified work unlocks a 2nd year; more unlocks a 3rd.
2
Visa Subclasses
1-4wk
Processing
$650
Base Fee
3 yrs
Max Stay
We are not registered migration agents. This information is for general guidance only. For personalized immigration advice, consult a MARA-registered migration agent.
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Each subclass suits different circumstances. Compare requirements, costs and outcomes below.
Subclass 417 — Working Holiday Visa
A visa for young adults from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to a year, with options to extend for a second and third year through specified work.
Quick Answer for Subclass 417:
For passport holders aged 18-30 (or 35 for some countries) from eligible nations. 12-month visa with full work rights. From $650. Extendable to a 2nd and 3rd year by completing specified regional work.
Key Benefits
- Work and travel anywhere in Australia for 12 months
- Full work rights with most employers
- Extend to a second year with 88 days of specified work
- Extend to a third year with a further 6 months of specified work
- Study for up to 4 months
Requirements
- Hold a passport from an eligible country or region
- Be aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for certain countries) at time of application
- Apply without dependent children accompanying you
- Have sufficient funds to support your initial stay
- Meet health and character requirements
- Young travellers from eligible countries
- Those wanting flexible work and travel
- People exploring Australia before committing long-term
- Applicants over the age limit
- Those seeking permanent residency
- Travellers bringing dependent children
Residency
Temporary
Processing Time
1-4 weeks
Base Application Fee
$650
Work and Travel in Australia
The working holiday program lets young adults experience life in Australia while funding their travels through short-term work. There are two visa subclasses — the 417 Working Holiday visa and the 462 Work and Holiday visa — which are almost identical in what they offer. The difference lies in which countries' passport holders are eligible and, for the 462, some additional education and government support requirements.
Both visas grant 12 months of stay with full work rights, allowing you to take on most jobs, study for up to four months, and travel freely around the country. They are among the fastest visas to be granted, often within a week or two, making them a popular choice for a gap year or an extended working trip.
A key feature of the program is the ability to extend. By completing 88 days of specified work — typically in agriculture, construction, or other eligible industries in regional Australia — you can apply for a second year. A further six months of specified work qualifies you for a third year, giving committed travellers up to three years in the country.
Eligibility and How to Extend
Eligibility is based primarily on your nationality and age. Most applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 at the time of application, though some countries allow applications up to age 35 for the 417 visa. You must also apply without dependent children accompanying you and have enough funds to support yourself when you arrive.
To extend beyond your first year, keep careful records of your specified work — including payslips and employer details — as you will need to evidence it when applying for your second or third year. Many working holiday makers use their time in Australia to explore regional areas, and some go on to pursue skilled or employer sponsored visas once they have built local connections and experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 417 and 462 visas?
The 417 Working Holiday visa and 462 Work and Holiday visa offer the same core benefits — 12 months of work and travel with full work rights. The difference is which countries' passport holders are eligible. The 462 also has additional education and, for some countries, government support requirements.
How old do I need to be for a working holiday visa?
Most applicants must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application. Some countries have a reciprocal arrangement allowing applications for the 417 visa up to age 35. You must apply before your relevant age limit.
Can I extend my working holiday visa?
Yes. Completing 88 days of specified work in eligible industries and regions qualifies you for a second year. A further six months of specified work qualifies you for a third year. Keep detailed records of your work to support your extension applications.
Can I work full-time on a working holiday visa?
Yes. Working holiday visa holders have full work rights and can work full-time. There was previously a six-month limit with a single employer, though this has been relaxed in many sectors. You can also study for up to four months.
Can a working holiday visa lead to permanent residency?
Not directly, but it can be a useful first step. Many working holiday makers use their time in Australia to build experience and connections, then transition to a skilled, student, or employer sponsored visa that offers a pathway to permanent residency.
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