Dreaming of traveling across Australia while earning money to fund your adventures? The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) gives young people the chance to do just that. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the beaches, cities, and outback of Australia—all while working legally to support your journey.
In this post, you’ll learn what the Work and Holiday Visa is, who’s eligible, and how to apply successfully.
What is the Work and Holiday Visa (417 & 462)?
The Work and Holiday Visa lets eligible young adults from select countries live, travel, and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the option to extend.
There are two subclasses under this program:
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Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa)
The difference mainly lies in eligible countries and application requirements, but both offer the same amazing experience.
Benefits of the Work and Holiday Visa
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Live in Australia for up to 12 months
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Work to support your travel (up to 6 months with one employer)
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Study short courses (up to 4 months)
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Option to extend to a 2nd or 3rd-year visa if you complete specific regional work
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Meet people from all over the world and build global experience
Whether you want to work in hospitality, agriculture, tourism, or other casual jobs, this visa gives you the flexibility to enjoy Australia and earn along the way.
Who Can Apply?
Eligibility depends on the subclass and your nationality:
Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa)
Eligible countries include: UK, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and more.
Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa)
Eligible countries include: USA, China, Argentina, Indonesia, Vietnam, and others.
General Requirements for Both:
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Age: 18 to 30 years old (35 for some countries)
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Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
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Have sufficient funds (usually AUD $5,000)
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Meet health and character requirements
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Not be accompanied by dependent children
Tip: Always check the updated list of eligible countries on the official Department of Home Affairs website.
Required Documents
When applying for Subclass 417 or 462, you’ll need:
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Passport (valid for the entire stay)
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Recent passport-sized photograph
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Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements)
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Health insurance (recommended)
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Letter of support (for Subclass 462 applicants from certain countries)
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Educational qualifications (if required by your country)
How to Apply for the Work and Holiday Visa
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Create an ImmiAccount on the official Australian immigration portal
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Choose the appropriate subclass: 417 or 462
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Fill in the online application form
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Upload documents and pay the visa fee (approx. AUD $635)
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Wait for a decision (processing time varies but is usually 1–3 months)
Once approved, you can enter Australia within 12 months from the date of grant.
Can You Extend the Visa?
Yes! You can apply for a:
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Second Work and Holiday Visa – after completing 3 months of specified regional work
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Third Work and Holiday Visa – after completing 6 months of specified work while on your second visa
This means you could potentially stay in Australia for up to 3 years!
Best Jobs for Work and Holiday Makers in Australia
Here are popular sectors where visa holders often find casual or seasonal work:
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Hospitality (cafes, bars, hotels)
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Agriculture (fruit picking, farm work)
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Construction and labour
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Tourism and events
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Retail and customer service
These jobs often offer flexibility and allow time for travel and exploration.
Final Thoughts – Start Your Australian Adventure Today
The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) is a unique chance to see Australia beyond just tourism. You’ll meet locals, gain international work experience, and immerse yourself in Aussie culture — all while earning money to keep traveling.
Whether you’re taking a gap year, seeking adventure, or looking to build your resume with global experience, this visa opens the door.
