Work and Holiday visa

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Visa application charge

Processing times

The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows young adults aged 18 to 30 from eligible countries to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s part of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program, designed to foster cultural exchange and support regional workforce needs.

Who Can Apply?

You may be eligible if you:

• Are 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application.

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.

• Have functional English.

• Meet education requirements (typically at least high school completion).

• Have AUD 5,000 in funds plus a return or onward ticket.

• Are outside Australia when applying for the first visa.

• Have no dependent children accompanying you.

• Meet health and character requirements.

📌 Some countries may have additional requirements such as a letter of support from their government.

What You Can Do

Feature Details

Work Fund your stay—generally no more than 6 months per employer

Study Up to 4 months of study is permitted

Travel Multiple entry/exit during the visa validity period

Extend Your Stay: 2nd & 3rd Work and Holiday Visas

You can apply for up to three Subclass 462 visas, provided you complete the required specified work:

Specified Work Requirement

Second 462 Visa Minimum 3 months (88 days) of eligible work

Third 462 Visa Minimum 6 months of eligible work

What Counts as Specified Work?

To qualify for a second or third visa, your work must be:

• In an approved industry

• In a designated regional location

• Paid, and compliant with Australian workplace laws

Approved Industries:

• Plant & Animal Cultivation (e.g. fruit picking, pruning, livestock care)

• Fishing & Pearling (in Northern Australia only)

• Tree Farming & Felling (in Northern Australia only)

• Construction (in Northern or regional Australia)

• Tourism & Hospitality (in Northern or remote/very remote areas)

• Bushfire Recovery Work (after 31 July 2019 in declared areas)

• Flood & Natural Disaster Recovery Work (after 31 Dec 2021)

• Critical COVID-19 Healthcare Work (anywhere in Australia after 31 Jan 2020)

🔗 See the full list of eligible industries and postcodes

Important Notes

• If you’re granted another visa (e.g. Visitor or Transit) while holding a 462 visa, your 462 visa will cease.

• You must declare your correct location when applying—incorrect information may lead to refusal.

• Visa cost: AUD 635 (subject to change)