Ubhi Immigration

Working Holiday Visa

Working Holiday Visa Consultant in Melbourne

WORKING HOLIDAY VISA (SUBCLASS 417)

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa that allows young people to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Here are the key details:

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 years (or 35 for some countries) and hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
  • Work Rights: Visa holders can work in any job for up to six months with each employer, allowing them to support their travels financially.
  • Travel Flexibility: The visa allows multiple entries into Australia, enabling holders to travel in and out of the country during their stay.

This visa program is designed to promote cultural exchange and tourism while allowing young travelers to gain work experience in Australia.

WORK AND HOLIDAY VISA (SUBCLASS 462)

The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows young adults from eligible countries to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Here are the key details:

  • Eligibility: Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 years (inclusive) and hold a valid passport from an eligible country, which includes nations like Argentina, Chile, China, and the United States. They must also meet educational requirements, typically having completed tertiary education or two years of undergraduate study.
  • Work Rights: Visa holders can work for up to six months with any one employer and can study for up to four months. Completing specified work in regional areas may allow for a second or third Work and Holiday visa.
  • Specified Work: To qualify for a second or third visa, applicants must complete a minimum of three or six months of specified work, respectively, in designated regional areas of Australia.
  • Travel Flexibility: The visa allows multiple entries into Australia, enabling holders to travel in and out during their stay.

This visa promotes cultural exchange while allowing young travelers to support themselves financially during their time in Australia.

Types and Purposes of the Working Holiday Visa

Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program offers two key visa types, allowing you to holiday in Australia for a maximum of 12 months, which enables you to support your stay easily.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

This visa is open only to citizens of certain countries. 

Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

This visa is open for citizens of different partner countries, often with additional language or educational requirements. 

Key Features & Advantages

  1. Stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date you first enter Australia. 
  2. While this visa offers you work rights and you can work in most jobs, there’s a 6-month limit per employer (visa condition 8547) unless you’ve got special permission.
  3. Obtain study rights for up to 4 months. 
  4. Have multiple entries within the validity of your visa.

Key Features of Specific Work & Visa Extensions

There’s a specific criteria if you want to extend your stay in Australia via a second or third WHM visa. 

  • Qualify for extension of a second or third WHM visa (depending on the subclass) by working in specific/regional/tourist-remote areas.
  • Gain extension eligibility for ‘specified work’ in one of the declared disaster recovery zones (in effect April 5, 2025).
  • Work in one of the approved industry types, including mining, agriculture, construction, and more to qualify for extension.
  • Work only in eligible postcodes.
  • Maintain up-to-date documents, such as tax records, payslips, employer’s contact details, etc. as proof.

Key Eligibility Criteria

  • Age between 18 and 30 years at the time of application
  • A valid passport from an eligible country under the 417 or 462 WHM program 
  • Police checks and medical exams to meet health and character requirements
  • Possession of sufficient funds to support both stay and holiday, along with the funds for departure
  • No WHM visa held anytime before 
  • An additional language or education requirement for Subclass 462

An Overview of the Application Process

Eligibility Check

Verification of the list of countries

ImmiAccount creation and application

Complete health/character checks (whenever required)

Visa application charge payment

Document submission

Waiting till the grant is received (typically, in ~14 days)

Entry in Australia and visa activation within 12 months after it’s granted

The Most Common Pitfalls & Tips

  • Working with the same employer without approval for more than 6 months can breach your visa conditions.
  • Applying after you turn 30 or 35 years old can account for your ineligibility for the visa.
  • Incorrect or missing document translations can delay approvals significantly.
  • The inability to show sufficient travel evidence or funds can raise red flags.
  • The requirement of police or medical checks can extend processing times.

Why Choose Ubhi Immigration As Your Partner

  • Based on your nationality, we help you select the right visa stream.
  • We provide you with a clear checklist to avoid missing documents.
  • We focus on getting the preparation and application correct the first time.
  • We guide you on approved regional jobs when it comes to visa extensions.
  • There is a lot of confusion between the eligibility for the visa Subclass 417 and the Subclass 462 eligibility. We help you get clarity before the process begins.

Avoid mistakes, reduce risks, and look up to your
Australian adventure!

FAQs

Many applications are processed within around 14 days. However, delays may occur if any additional checks are needed.

No, the first WHM should be applied for from outside Australia.

Yes, by doing specified work in regional or eligible areas, you may qualify for a second or third visa. Talk to our experts to learn more.

No, dependents aren’t allowed under WHM visas.

India recently joined the 462 program (from 2025–26).