There are 2 types of Australian Working Holiday Visas you can opt for – the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).
Both visas allow people ages 18 to 30 years old to take a 12-month long holiday in Australia and to support themselves by doing jobs in any industry. However, the eligibility requirements are different for each visa.
If you want to go on a unique adventure to the Land Down Under, this page will provide you with the information you need to get started. Let’s have a look at the requirements and conditions of each Australian Working Holiday Visa.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
This visa is ideal for people who want to travel and work in Australia for an extended period. If you are 18 to 30 years old and a citizen or passport holder of an eligible country, or 18 to 35 years old and a passport holder of Canada, Ireland, or France, then you can apply for this visa.
With this visa, you can stay in Australia for 12 months and do many things including exploring the entire country, doing short-term jobs in any industry, and studying for a maximum of 4 months.
You can also travel in and out of the country as you wish within the duration of your visa. If you’re able to complete a specified work of at least 3 months, you become eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday Visa in Australia.
Working Holiday Visa Australia Requirements (Subclass 417)
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) requirements are as follows:
- Be a citizen or a valid passport holder from one of the eligible countries or jurisdictions
- Be 18 to 30 years old or 18 to 35 years old for passport holders of Canada, France, and Ireland
- Not have traveled to Australia previously bearing the subclass 417 or subclass 462 visas
- Not have any dependent companion during your travel
- Have enough finances to support yourself whilst in the country
- Meet certain health and character requirements
- Not have any previous visa applications that were cancelled or refused
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
The second Working Holiday Visa Australia is granted to people from eligible countries that are not included into the Subclass 417 working holiday in Australia partner agreements. There are additional requirements that are needed to obtain this visa such as specific educational requirements, proof that you speak functional English, and a letter of support from your government (unless you’re from the United States).
This visa offers the same perks and benefits as the Subclass 417 visa. You can also stay for a duration of 12 months while having the opportunity to work for an employer for at least 6 months or study for 4 months. You can also go in and out of the country as you wish as long as your visa is valid.
Working Holiday Visa Australia Requirements (Subclass 462)
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) requirements are as follows:
- Be an eligible passport holder of the countries listed under this category visa
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30
- Not have previously traveled to Australia with a Subclass 417 visa
- Have sufficient funds for your stay
- Not be accompanied by a dependent
- Provide proof that you speak functional English
- Secure a letter of support from your government (US applicants are exempt from this)
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Meet specific education requirements
Eligible Countries for the Working Holiday Visas
These countries also provide the same working holiday arrangement for Australian citizens and passport holders.
- For Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417), people aged 18-30 years old with passports from Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Taiwan, Sweden, and the United Kingdom and people aged 18-35 years old with passports from Canada, France, and Republic of Ireland can apply.
- For Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462), people aged 18-30 years old with passports from Austria, Argentina, People’s Republic of China, Chile, Czech Republic, Hungary, Israel, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Poland, Peru, Portugal, Singapore, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Spain, Slovenia, Turkey, Thailand, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam can apply.
At present, the Australia Working Holiday Visa is not available to all nationalities.
Australia Working Holiday Visa Process
You can opt for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia by visiting your nearest Australian Consulate or Embassy, visiting the government website, or hiring the assistance of an immigration consultancy.
You will need to prepare all the necessary documents that the Australian government requires from you as stated above. In processing your visa application, keep in mind that the timing of your submission, incomplete or incorrect information and policy changes may affect the time it would take to process your visa application. In fact, it is important to prepare your visa application thoroughly to avoid any application refusals.
If you want to make things easier for you and ensure your visa gets approved, hiring immigration consultants is a smart move.
Have questions? Speak with an Accredited Consultant
UIS Australia is a leading consultancy for Australia immigration and visa matters. With a dedicated team of certified consultants, we would be happy to support you on your journey to Australia. Consult with our team today about possible immigration routes for you and your family.
- We have a keen attention to details
A minor error in your document can affect the entire process of your visa. It can delay the process or worse even cancel your application. With the help of professionals, you will be guided every step of the way up to the smallest detail in your application.
- We know the rules and regulations
As immigration consultants, we are well versed in the standards and specific regulations in Australia. It is our responsibility to ensure that your application won’t have any part that causes ambiguity.
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As professionals, it’s our aim and commitment to provide you with unquestionable support and offer solutions to all of your problems.
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FAQ
Applying for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia requires several documents proving your identity and financial capability such as your passport and financial proof that you can support yourself while you're in the country. You also need to meet certain character and health requirements.
At present, the Working Holiday Visas in Australia is not yet open to all nationalities. 19 countries made it to the list of the working holiday partner agreement which include Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Taiwan, Sweden, United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Republic of Ireland.
The Working Holiday Visa Australia can be held twice. If you wish to stay longer in Australia and continue your working holiday, you can apply for a second Subclass 417 visa which will allow you to extend your stay for another 12 months. The first time you apply for this visa, you must be outside of the country. In your second application, you can apply while in Australia provided that you've rendered at least 3 months of specified work in the country.
The age limit for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia is 18 to 30 years for passport holders of Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Hong Kong, Italy, Germany, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Taiwan, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The age limit is 18 to 35 years old for passport holders of Canada, France, and Republic of Ireland.
There are several factors that affect the approval process of your working holiday visa in Australia such as peak processing season or personal circumstances. If all your documents are submitted promptly and you meet all the criteria, you can expect to get your visa approved within 48 hours, which is the standard processing time. But if the Australian immigration office needs to check your documents further it may take up to four weeks to get finalized.
Depending on the accuracy and completeness of your documents, you can hear a response in as little as 48 hours to two weeks. In some cases, especially if further verification and checking are needed to be done on your documents, you may wait for 40 days or more. Other factors that affect the time to process include your personal circumstances as well as the time of the year you applied. The busiest time of the year is during summer.