Working Holiday visa 417
For eligible passport holders generally aged 18 to 30, or up to 35 for some countries or jurisdictions. First, second and third visa stages have different criteria.
Subclass 417Eligible passports
Working Holiday Visas 417 and 462
Choose the correct Working Holiday Maker subclass, understand work and study limits, and plan specified work or a later skilled, sponsored or student pathway without breaching conditions.
Registered agent MARN 2519006 Passport-specific eligibility Condition and timing checks
Two Working Holiday Maker subclasses
The applicant's passport determines which program may be available. Both are designed for young adults who want an extended holiday and short-term work to help fund it.
Work and Holiday visa 462
For eligible passport holders aged 18 to 30 inclusive. Additional education, English, government support, cap or ballot settings can apply depending on nationality.
Subclass 462Extra criteria may apply
First, second or third visa
Later Working Holiday Maker visas generally depend on the required period and type of specified work completed while holding an eligible earlier visa.
Specified workKeep records
Work rights still have limits
A Working Holiday Maker visa provides broad short-term work rights, but it is not the same as an unrestricted permanent work visa.
- Work is allowed to help fund the holiday, subject to the visa's conditions.
- Work with one employer is generally limited to six months unless an exemption or permission applies.
- Study is generally permitted for up to four months; longer study may require a Student visa.
- Dependent children cannot accompany the applicant on these visas.
- Check VEVO and current Home Affairs settings before changing jobs or continuing beyond a limit.
Plan before relying on specified work
For a second or third Working Holiday Maker visa, the location, industry, duties, dates and hours may all matter. Keep evidence while it is available.
Confirm subclass
Use the passport to identify 417 or 462 and the correct visa stage.
Check eligible work
Confirm industry, location and current specified-work rules before starting.
Keep records
Retain contracts, rosters, payslips, bank, tax and employer evidence.
Count accurately
Calculate the required period under the official rules for the pathway.
Apply at the right time
Check location, age, passport, previous visas and lodgement requirements.
Looking beyond the working holiday
Start planning early if the longer-term goal is skilled migration, employer sponsorship, study or a partner pathway.
- Map the current job's duties to a skilled occupation rather than relying on the job title.
- Check skills-assessment qualification and employment requirements.
- Plan English testing before results are needed for sponsorship or points.
- Allow time for employer sponsorship, nomination and visa stages where relevant.
- Do not assume that lodging another visa automatically changes current conditions.
Working Holiday visa questions
What is the difference between 417 and 462?
Passport eligibility differs, and subclass 462 can include additional nationality-specific requirements. Use the current Home Affairs country list rather than choosing based on preference.
Can I study while on a working holiday?
Home Affairs generally allows up to four months of study. If study is the main purpose or the course is longer, compare the Student visa requirements.
Does farm work guarantee another visa?
No. The work must satisfy the current specified-work rules for the relevant subclass and stage, and the applicant must meet all other criteria. Location, duties, period and evidence should be checked.
Want a plan beyond your working holiday?
Send your passport, age, work history, qualifications, current visa and employer or study plans for review.