Visa for Working Holiday in Australia (Subclass 417)

It can be a dream come true to take a working holiday to Australia. But it’s not as easy as it might seem. To be eligible for an Australian Working Holiday visa, one must adhere to a number of severe restrictions and conditions.

What is a working holiday visa for Australia?

Students and young adults who want to explore the world and work in Australia for up to a year should apply for this visa.

How do I find out if I qualify for an Australian Working Holiday visa?

You may be able to obtain this visa if you:

• Are at least 18 but under the age of 31.
• Have never been to Australia on a Work and Holiday (Temporary) visa (subclass 462).
• Possess a valid passport from a country participating in Australia’s Working Holiday Program.
• Are you a genuine visitor looking for a vacation in Australia?
• Have enough money to last you through your working vacation.
• Have enough money to purchase a return or onward flight at the end of your stay.
• During your stay in Australia, you will not be accompanied by a dependent child.
• Meet certain health and personality requirements.

Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa a second time?

You may, but only if you meet the following requirements:

• All of the requirements for your initial Working Holiday visa have been met.
• You have only ever received one Working Holiday visa.
• You completed the required three months of work in a rural area of Australia while on your first Working Holiday visa.
• You are still under the age of thirty-one.

What constitutes “specified work”?

The Australian Department of Immigration and Border Control defines’specified work’ as ‘work that is undertaken in a’specified’ field or industry in a designated regional area’.

There are currently five industries approved for Australian Working Holiday visas:

1. Plant and animal farming. For example, harvesting and/or packing of fruit and vegetable crops, as well as the production of dairy products from raw materials.
2. Fishing and pearling are two activities. An example would be directly taking or catching fish and other aquatic species.
3. Tree farming and felling. You could, for example, fell trees in a plantation or forest.
4. Mining. Oil and gas extraction is one example of permitted work in this industry.
5. Residential building construction is an example of construction.

Can I bring my family with me on this visa?

As previously stated, you cannot bring a dependent child to Australia on this visa. Partners may accompany you, but each partner must apply for their own visa.

Is there anything else I should be aware of?

You should know how to calculate your working hours because there is a 3-month requirement, and you should be aware that you must submit evidence of your work. This page contains all of the information you require. There is also information on where to look for specific jobs.