Australia's Working Holiday programme allows young people from eligible countries to live and work in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for a second and third year. It's one of the most popular visa categories, with tens of thousands of young travellers arriving each year.
Two subclasses
Subclass 417 — Working Holiday
Available to passport holders from: Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
Subclass 462 — Work and Holiday
Available to passport holders from: Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Latvia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, and Vietnam.
The 462 has additional requirements: a functional level of English, tertiary qualifications (or completion of at least 2 years of study), and a letter of government support from some countries.
Eligibility requirements
- Age: 18-30 years old at time of application (35 for some 417 countries: Canada, France, Ireland, and the UK)
- Passport: Hold a passport from an eligible country
- Funds: Have approximately $5,000 AUD in savings plus a return flight or funds for one
- Health and character: Meet standard requirements
- No dependent children: Cannot bring dependent children on this visa
- Not previously held 417/462: First Working Holiday — you can only hold one first WHV
Work rules
- Can work for any employer, but limited to 6 months with any one employer (unless approved for longer)
- Full-time, part-time, or casual work is permitted
- Can study for up to 4 months
Second and third year visas
You can apply for a second 417/462 visa if you complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia during your first year. Specified work includes agriculture, mining, construction, fishing, forestry, and tourism in some areas.
A third year visa is available if you complete an additional 179 days of specified work during your second year.
Costs
- Visa application charge: $640
- Processing time: Usually 1-4 weeks
Tax
Working holiday makers are taxed at 15% on the first $45,000 of income and at ordinary rates above that. You are entitled to superannuation from your employer, and you may be able to claim a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) when you leave.
Tips for working holiday makers
- Apply before you arrive — you don't need to be in Australia to apply, but you must be outside Australia when the visa is granted (for 417)
- Get a TFN immediately — apply for a Tax File Number as soon as you arrive; without one, you'll be taxed at the highest marginal rate
- Open an Australian bank account — most employers pay via bank transfer
- Track your specified work days carefully — if you want a second year, you need exactly 88 days of eligible work with proper documentation (payslips, employer declaration)
- Keep all payslips and documentation — DHA may ask for evidence of specified work when you apply for your second or third year visa