Australian Working Holiday Visa: Subclass 417 & 462 Guide
Live, work and travel across Australia for up to 12 months — one of the easiest ways to fund the adventure of a lifetime while you explore. Here's everything you need to know before you go.
What is the Australian Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday Visa is designed for young adults who want an extended holiday in Australia and the freedom to work here to fund it. Work full-time in any role (changing employers after a maximum of 6 months), and you may also be entitled to benefits like Medicare and tax refunds once you've finished working.
Australia has reciprocal visa agreements with a long list of countries. Depending on your nationality, you'll apply for either the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Planning to stay longer than 12 months? You may be eligible for a second or even a third-year visa.
Who it's for
Travellers aged 18–30 (up to 35 for some countries)
How long
Up to 12 months, extendable to a 2nd & 3rd year
Two types
Subclass 417 & 462 — nationality decides which
Work
Full-time, any job; up to 6 months per employer
Study
Up to 4 months
2026 fee
From AUD 840 for a first visa
New Changes from 1 July 2026
The upper age limit rose to 35 for four more subclass 417 countries — Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea. Visa fees also increased (see below), and your age is now assessed at the date you lodge your application, not the date it's decided.
417 Working Holiday Visa
The subclass 417 Working Holiday visa is available to passport holders from eligible countries. The age limit is 18–30 for most nationalities, and 18–35 for a growing group of countries.
417 eligible countries & age limits
| Age limit | Eligible passport countries |
|---|---|
| 18–35 | United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Canada, Denmark, France, Italy, and (from 1 July 2026) Cyprus, Finland, Germany & Republic of Korea |
| 18–30 | Belgium, Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway & Sweden |
What your 417 visa allows you to do
- Live, work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
- Extend your stay by a further 12 months on a 2nd-Year Visa, and another 12 months on a 3rd-Year Visa.
- Enter Australia within 12 months of your visa being granted.
- Leave and re-enter Australia multiple times while the visa is valid.
- Work with each employer for up to 6 months and study for up to 4 months.
417 eligibility requirements
- You must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted.
- You cannot have previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.
- You must apply no more than 12 months before you intend to travel.
Good news UK passport holders
You are no longer required to complete 88 days of specified work (such as fruit picking or farm work) to qualify for the 2nd and 3rd-year extensions.
How the 2nd & 3rd year visa works
If you'd like to extend your stay by another 12 months, you can work for 3 months (88 days) in a specified role — for example, fruit picking or farm work in a designated regional area — during your first year. On a 2nd-Year Visa extension, you can also return to work for an additional 6 months with an employer from your first Working Holiday Visa.
462 Work and Holiday Visa
The subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa is available to passport holders from countries including the USA, Argentina, Chile, Malaysia and Turkey, among others. It's valid for up to 12 months — enter any time within 12 months of the grant date, stay for up to 12 months, and re-enter multiple times. A second-year extension is possible if you complete 3 months of specified 462 work during your first year. The 462 age limit remains 18–30 for all countries.
Extra requirements for some 462 countries
| Country | Additional requirement |
|---|---|
| USA | Must have graduated from high school. |
| Argentina | Tertiary qualifications, or in the third year of an undergraduate degree. |
| Chile | Tertiary qualifications, or in the third year of an undergraduate degree. |
| Malaysia | Tertiary qualifications, or at least two years of an undergraduate degree. |
| Thailand | A degree or post-high-school diploma from an accredited institution. |
| Turkey | Tertiary qualifications, or at least two years of undergraduate study. |
The full list of eligible 462 countries is broader than the examples above and can change year to year, so always confirm your eligibility with the official source before applying.
How much does the Working Holiday Visa cost in 2026?
For applications lodged on or after 1 July 2026, the visa application charge is:
Fees are reviewed regularly, so check the Department of Home Affairs for the current charge before you apply.
Finding work in Australia
Finding work in Australia can be quick and easy, especially if you're flexible and willing to put in a bit of effort. Australia has been one of the most popular destinations for backpackers for decades, and most employers are happy to take on travellers on a casual or even full-time basis.
The most popular jobs are still hospitality roles — waiting, bar work, chefs and kitchen hands. But how about sheep shearing, tractor driving or flipping street signs? Less common jobs often pay a lot more and let you pick up a whole new set of skills. Other popular options include office and retail positions, warehouse and construction work, mining, and fruit-picking jobs.
Working holiday makers can generally stay with one employer for a maximum of 6 months. Many roles don't require much previous experience or qualifications — though if you're following a certain career path, experience is always a bonus. Here's the truth: if you really want a job, you'll get a job.
Ready to start your Australian working holiday?
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Get started with Ultimate TravelFrequently asked questions
What is the Australian Working Holiday Visa?
It's a visa that lets young travellers live, work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. There are two versions — the subclass 417 Working Holiday visa and the subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa — and your nationality determines which one you apply for. Both can be extended to a second and third year if you meet the requirements.
What is the age limit in 2026?
For most eligible countries it's 18–30 (inclusive). From 1 July 2026 the upper limit rose to 35 for four more subclass 417 countries: Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea. They join the UK, Ireland, Canada, Denmark, France and Italy, which already qualified up to 35. The subclass 462 visa stays 18–30 for all countries.
Can I extend to a second or third year?
Yes. A second-year visa requires 3 months (88 days) of specified work — such as farm work or fruit picking — in a designated regional area during your first year. A third-year visa requires 6 months of specified work during your second year. UK passport holders no longer need to complete specified work to qualify.
Do I need a job before I arrive?
No. Most working holiday makers arrive without a job and find work once they're here. Popular options include hospitality, retail, farm and fruit-picking work, construction, warehousing and mining. You can work with each employer for up to 6 months.
Visa rules, fees and eligible countries can change. Always confirm the latest details with the Australian Department of Home Affairs before applying. Last reviewed: July 2026.
