Working Holiday Visa Australia
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 35 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.
Types of Visas
Working Holiday Visa – Subclass 417
Requirements - Subclass 417:
- 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
Eligible Countries - Subclass 417:
People aged 18-30 years old with passports from:
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.
Requirements - Subclass 462:
- Be an eligible passport holder of the countries listed under this category visa
- Be between the ages of 18 and 30
- 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 - Subclass 462:
People aged 18-30 years old ONLY with passports from:
Australian 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.