(Last updated Feb 2025)

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What is the Working Holiday Visa?

 

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 462 & 417) offers young individuals an incredible opportunity to experience life in Australia while working to support their travels. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture, Australia is a top destination for those looking to combine work and adventure.

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If you are between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 for Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, and UK), this visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to one year, offering the perfect balance of travel and employment.​

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Benefits of the Working Holiday Visa

 

The Working Holiday Visa lets you:

• Stay and travel anywhere in Australia for up to 12 months

• Work in Australia for up to 12 months with the same employer

• Study for a maximum of four months

• Apply for a second Work and Holiday Visa if you meet specific work requirements in regional Australia

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Eligibility Criteria for First Working Holiday Visa

 

To apply for your first Working Holiday Visa (subclass 462 or 417), you must:

• Be outside Australia when applying

• Be at least 18 but not yet 31 years old (or 35 for Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, and UK)

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country

• Meet health and character requirements

• Demonstrate functional English proficiency

• Have sufficient funds to support your stay and purchase an onward or return ticket

• Not have any dependent children accompanying you

• Have a letter of support if required (not applicable for applicants from Israel, China, and the USA)

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Eligibility Criteria for Second Working Holiday Visa

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If you have already held a Working Holiday Visa and wish to extend your stay, you may be eligible for a second visa if you:

• Have met all conditions of your first Work and Holiday Visa

• Have not held more than one Work and Holiday Visa previously

• Completed three months (88 days) of specified Working Holiday Maker (WHM) work

• Are still under 31 years of age when applying (or 35 for Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, and UK)

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Eligibility Criteria for Third Working Holiday Visa

 

If you have already held a Second Working Holiday Visa and wish to extend your stay, you may be eligible for a second visa if you:

• Have previously held 2 working holiday visas in Australia

• Completed 6 months of specified Working Holiday Maker (WHM) work

• Are still under 31 years of age when applying (or 35 for Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, and UK)

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Eligible Countries for Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

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• Argentina

• Austria

• Brazil

• Chile

• China, People's Republic of

• Czech Republic

• Ecuador

• Greece

• Hungary

• India

• Indonesia

• Israel

• Luxembourg

• Malaysia

• Mongolia

• Papua New Guinea (PNG)

• Peru

• Poland

• Portugal

• San Marino

• Singapore

• Slovak Republic

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Switzerland

• Thailand

• Türkiye

• Uruguay

• United States of America

• Vietnam

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Eligible Countries for Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

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• Belgium

• Canada

• Republic of Cyprus

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

• Republic of Ireland

• Italy

• Japan

• Republic of Korea

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Norway

• Sweden

• Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders)

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English Language Requirement for Working Holiday Visa

 

Applicants must provide evidence of functional English, which can be demonstrated by:

• IELTS: Minimum overall score of 4.5 (test taken within 12 months of application)

• PTE Academic: Minimum overall score of 30

• TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 32

• Cambridge English (CAE): Minimum overall score of 147

• Completion of five years of study in an English-medium institution

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Health & Character Requirements

 

To qualify for the Work and Holiday Visa, you must:

• Undergo health examinations if required

• Provide police clearance certificates from countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (since turning 16)

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Health Insurance for Visa Holders

 

Work and Holiday Visa holders are responsible for their own healthcare costs while in Australia. It is recommended to obtain Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) unless your country has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia.

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Bringing Family Members

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• Dependent children are not permitted on this visa

• Your partner may travel with you, but they must apply for their own separate visa

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Financial Requirements & Debts to the Australian Government

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• Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves

• Any outstanding debts to the Australian Government must be repaid or arrangements made before visa approval

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Get Expert Assistance

Applying for a Work and Holiday Visa can be a complex process. Book a consultation with our migration experts to receive tailored guidance and ensure a smooth visa application process.

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Contact RACC Australia today!