Dreaming of an adventure in Australia while earning money along the way? The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) is your gateway to experiencing the vibrant lifestyle, beautiful landscapes, and exciting job opportunities across Australia. Whether you want to fund your travels, gain international experience, or simply take a gap year, this visa is the perfect solution.
What Is the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)?
The Work and Holiday Visa allows young adults aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries) to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. There are two streams:
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Subclass 417 – Working Holiday Visa
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Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa
Both visas allow multiple job opportunities and travel flexibility, with the option to extend your stay up to three years if you meet specific work requirements.
Key Benefits of Subclass 417 & 462 Visas
Live in Australia for up to 12 months
Work to support your travel
Study for up to 4 months
Travel in and out of Australia freely
Extendable to 2nd or 3rd year (with eligible regional work)
Who Can Apply for Subclass 417 & 462?
Eligibility depends on your nationality:
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Subclass 417 is for passport holders from countries like the UK, Canada, Germany, Ireland, and Sweden.
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Subclass 462 includes countries like the USA, China, Indonesia, Argentina, and others.
You must:
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Be 18 to 30 years old (or 35 for some 417 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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For 462: Provide educational qualifications and an English proficiency certificate (if required)
What Jobs Can You Do on a Work and Holiday Visa?
You can work in almost any industry while on a 417 or 462 visa. Popular job sectors include:
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Hospitality (cafés, bars, restaurants)
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Farming & fruit picking (especially for second or third-year extensions)
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Construction and labor
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Retail and customer service
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Tourism & travel (hotels, resorts, tour companies)
How to Extend to a Second or Third Year?
To be eligible for a second or third Work and Holiday visa, you must complete specified regional work during your stay. This includes:
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Farm work or harvesting
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Construction in regional areas
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Bushfire recovery efforts
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Fishing, tree farming, or mining
Extensions require:
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88 days of specified work for the 2nd-year visa
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6 months of additional specified work for the 3rd-year visa
Application Process for Subclass 417 & 462
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Check your eligibility
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Gather documents (passport, proof of funds, educational certificates, etc.)
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Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website
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Pay the visa fee (AUD $635 as of 2025)
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Wait for a decision – processing usually takes 21–40 days
Why Choose the Work and Holiday Visa?
This visa is ideal for:
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Gap year students looking for adventure
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Backpackers who want to fund their travels
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Young professionals seeking global experience
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Anyone who wants to explore Australia beyond tourism
You get the freedom to work, earn, and explore — all in one amazing year!
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 417 & 462 Work and Holiday Visas are your passport to unforgettable experiences in Australia. From earning money while picking fruit in the outback to enjoying beach life in Sydney or exploring the Great Barrier Reef — this visa offers the perfect mix of work and wanderlust.
