Last Updated: October 21, 2026

Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 and Subclass 462)

UK passport holders aged 18 to 35 can apply for Australia's Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), allowing eligible applicants to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. The first subclass 417 visa costs AUD 840. Under arrangements introduced on 1 July 2024, eligible UK passport holders can apply for a second and third subclass 417 visa without completing specified regional work. This can allow a total stay of up to three years, subject to eligibility and visa approval.

Australia offers two Working Holiday Maker visa subclasses: subclass 417 and subclass 462. The appropriate visa depends on your passport country and the eligibility requirements that apply to you. Before applying, check the latest visa fees, age limits, application requirements and any announced changes to the Working Holiday Maker program.

Australian Working Holiday Visa: Key Facts

• Visa subclasses: 417 and 462
• First subclass 417 visa fee: AUD 840
• Second subclass 417 visa fee: AUD 1,000
• Third subclass 417 visa fee: AUD 1,000
• Standard stay: Up to 12 months per granted visa, subject to the applicable conditions
• Age eligibility: Generally 18–30, with an upper age limit of 35 for eligible passport holders
• Financial requirement: Usually around AUD 5,000, plus funds for onward or return travel
• UK specified-work exemption: Eligible UK passport holders applying for a second or third subclass 417 visa under the arrangements introduced on 1 July 2024 do not need to complete specified work
• Application method: Online through the Department of Home Affairs

Visa fees, eligibility requirements and processing times can change. Confirm the current requirements on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

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What Is the Australian Working Holiday Visa?

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program allows eligible young adults from participating countries to visit Australia, travel and undertake temporary employment during their stay.

There are two visa subclasses:

• Subclass 417 - Working Holiday visa: Available to eligible passport holders from designated countries and jurisdictions.
• Subclass 462 - Work and Holiday visa: Available to eligible passport holders from a separate list of participating countries, with additional eligibility requirements that vary by country.

The visa you can apply for depends on your passport and the criteria applicable to your country. The two subclasses are not interchangeable.
 

Benefits of the Australian Working Holiday Visa

• Work While You Travel: Earn money while exploring Australia.
• Explore Australia: Discover vibrant cities, beautiful beaches and regional destinations.
• Easy Tax Setup: Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) to work in Australia.
• Superannuation Benefits: Save for retirement and potentially claim eligible super when you leave Australia.
• Healthcare Support: Eligible UK visitors can access medically necessary healthcare under the reciprocal agreement. Travel insurance is still recommended.
   

Who Can Apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa?

Eligibility depends on your passport country, age, previous Australian visa history and the subclass you are applying for.

You generally need to:

• Hold a valid passport from an eligible participating country.
• Meet the applicable age requirements.
• Meet the financial requirements for your stay and onward or return travel.
• Meet the relevant health and character requirements.
• Satisfy the conditions applicable to your visa subclass and application.
• Provide the information and supporting documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

Where must you apply?

For a first subclass 417 visa, you must apply from outside Australia. A second or third subclass 417 visa may be applied for from inside or outside Australia, subject to the relevant eligibility and visa-status requirements. Subclass 462 applicants must follow the application-location rules applicable to their particular visa stage and circumstances. Always check the official requirements before lodging your application.

What Is the Difference Between Subclass 417 and Subclass 462?

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program has two visa subclasses. Both allow eligible applicants to combine travel with temporary employment, but their eligibility criteria differ.
 

Check the current Department of Home Affairs country lists before applying. Education, English-language and further-visa requirements must be assessed against the rules for your particular passport country.
 

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What's Changed for Working Holiday Visa Applicants?

1 July 2026: Visa fees and age eligibility

The first subclass 417 visa application fee is AUD 840, while the second and third applications cost AUD 1,000 each. The age limit also increased to 35 for eligible passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea, according to the changes identified in this update.

17 September 2026: Proposed ballot for second and third visas

The Australian Government announced a proposed ballot system for second and third Working Holiday years, with 45,000 places for second-year applicants and 5,000 places for third-year applicants. The announcement described a policy change requiring legislation. Applicants should check whether the proposal has been legislated, when it commences and how it applies to their passport country before applying. UK passport holders should not assume that they are exempt from, or subject to, any new ballot requirement until the Department of Home Affairs confirms the applicable rules.

Important: The ballot announcement and its implementation status must be checked against current legislation and official Home Affairs guidance before this section is published.
 

Working Holiday Visa Australia Requirements

To apply for an Australian Working Holiday visa, you must generally:
 

• Meet the age limit: Usually 18–30, or up to 35 for eligible countries.
• Hold an eligible passport: Be a citizen of a country included in Australia's Working Holiday Maker program.
• Apply from the right location: Apply for your first visa from outside Australia. Further visas may have different rules.
• Leave dependent children behind: You cannot include dependent children in your application.
• Show enough money: Have around AUD 5,000 for your initial stay, plus funds for onward or return travel.
• Meet health and character rules: Satisfy Australia's health and character requirements.
• Check health insurance: Arrange suitable insurance for your stay.
• Meet further-visa requirements: Follow the rules for a first, second or third visa.
• Follow visa conditions: Obey Australia's work, travel and stay rules.
   

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Documents Required for an Australian Working Holiday Visa

You may need the following documents, depending on your visa subclass and personal circumstances:
 

• Valid passport: A passport from an eligible country.
• Online application: Complete the application through the Australian immigration website.
• Proof of funds: Bank statements or other evidence showing you have enough money.
• Travel funds: A return or onward ticket, or proof that you can afford one.
• Health documents: Medical examination results if requested.
• Police certificates: Provide them if required by the Department of Home Affairs.
• Previous visa details: Information about earlier Australian visas, if applicable.
• Specified-work evidence: Required for some second or third visa applicants, but not for eligible UK passport holders applying for subclass 417 under the UK arrangements.
• Additional documents: Provide any other documents requested during your application.
   

What Is the Age Limit for an Australian Working Holiday Visa?

Applicants must generally be aged 18 to 30 inclusive, although eligible passport holders from certain countries can apply up to age 35 inclusive. UK passport holders can apply for a subclass 417 visa up to age 35. The age limit also increased to 35 for eligible passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea from 1 July 2026, according to the changes identified in this update. Age eligibility depends on the passport used for the application. Applicants approaching their upper age limit should confirm the relevant application deadline and Australian time-zone requirements before lodging.
 

How Long Can You Stay in Australia with Australia Working Holiday Visa?

A granted Working Holiday visa generally allows an eligible applicant to stay in Australia for up to 12 months, subject to the visa conditions. Eligible applicants may be able to obtain a second or third Working Holiday visa, allowing a longer stay. UK passport holders can potentially stay for up to three years in total through a first, second and third subclass 417 visa. Each further visa requires a separate application and approval. A second or third visa is not automatic. You must meet the applicable requirements and pay the relevant application charge.
 

Work and Travel Rules: Second and Third Visas

• UK passport holders applying for subclass 417

Under arrangements introduced on 1 July 2024, eligible UK passport holders do not need to complete specified regional work to qualify for a second or third subclass 417 visa. You must still submit a new application, meet the other applicable eligibility criteria and pay the relevant visa fee.
 

• Applicants of other nationalities

For eligible subclass 417 applicants who do not qualify for the UK specified-work exemption, a second visa generally requires at least three months of specified work, while a third visa generally requires at least six months of specified work. The work must meet the applicable eligibility and evidence requirements.
 

• Subclass 462 applicants

Subclass 462 applicants are subject to separate eligibility and specified-work requirements. The UK subclass 417 exemption should not be assumed to apply to subclass 462.
 

• Are second and third visas automatic?

No. Each further visa requires a separate application and approval. Applicants must check the requirements that apply to their passport, visa stage and circumstances.
 

How to Apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa

Step 1: Confirm that your passport country is eligible for subclass 417 or subclass 462. Review the age limit, previous visa history and other requirements applicable to your circumstances.

Step 2: Determine whether subclass 417 or subclass 462 applies to your passport. Do not select a subclass solely because its requirements appear more suitable.

Step 3: Gather your valid passport, evidence of funds and any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs. Requirements can differ according to your circumstances.

Step 4: Use the Department of Home Affairs application process and provide accurate information. Pay the applicable visa application charge and respond to any requests for additional information.

Step 5: Processing times vary according to demand, application completeness and individual circumstances. Check the official visa processing-time guide for current estimates.

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Australian Working Holiday Visa Processing Times

Processing times can change and are not guaranteed. The Department of Home Affairs publishes processing-time guidance based on recently decided applications.
 

Processing-time estimates reflect recently decided applications and do not guarantee when an individual application will be finalised. Check the relevant subclass and application type before relying on an estimate.
 

Australian Working Holiday Visa Fees

The following visa application charges apply to subclass 417 according to the fee information in this update.
 

Other expenses may include:

• Biometrics, if requested.
• Medical examinations, if requested.
• Flights and local transport.
• Accommodation and living expenses.
• Travel insurance.
• Other supporting-document or administrative costs, where applicable.

The charges above are visa application fees, not the total cost of a trip. Confirm the current fees for your visa subclass before applying. Remove undated currency conversions from the page or label them as approximate with the conversion date
 

How Much Money Do You Need for an Australian Working Holiday?

You should budget for the visa application fee, initial living expenses, travel and accommodation. The Department of Home Affairs generally expects Working Holiday visa applicants to have around AUD 5,000 available for their initial stay, plus enough money for onward or return travel.

Illustrative starting budget
 

The visa fee and initial funds guide total approximately AUD 5,840 before flights, accommodation costs, insurance and other expenses. The AUD 5,000 figure is a planning guide, not a guarantee that the amount will cover your trip. Your actual budget will depend on where you live, how long you take to find work and your personal spending needs.
 

What Happens After Your Working Holiday Visa Expires?

Your next step depends on your eligibility, circumstances and the visa rules in force at the time.

Possible options may include:

• Applying for another eligible Working Holiday visa, if you qualify.
• Exploring an eligible skilled or employer-sponsored visa.
• Applying for another visa for which you meet the requirements.
• Leaving Australia before your authorised stay expires.

Do not assume that a Visitor visa will allow you to extend your stay or work in Australia. The Australian Government announced plans on 17 September 2026 to introduce a No Further Stay condition on visitor visas. Check whether the measure has commenced, which visas it covers and the conditions applicable to your circumstances before applying.
 

Australian Working Holiday Visa Rejection

An application may be refused if the applicant does not meet the relevant eligibility criteria or cannot satisfy the Department of Home Affairs about matters required under the visa rules.

Potential issues include:

• An ineligible passport or failure to meet the applicable age limit.
• Failure to satisfy the requirements for the relevant visa subclass or visa stage.
• Insufficient evidence of funds where required.
• Health or character concerns.
• Incorrect, incomplete or misleading information.
• Failure to provide requested documents or respond to a request from the department.
• Failure to meet applicable specified-work requirements when they apply.

Specified-work requirements are not required for eligible UK passport holders applying for a second or third subclass 417 visa under the UK arrangements introduced on 1 July 2024. The grounds and requirements applicable to each application vary. Review the official criteria for your particular visa before lodging.
 

How can Y‑Axis help you?

Y-Axis UK is a leading immigration and visa consultancy. We have experience assisting people in their applications for international visas. Our team gives support to ensure your Australian Working Holiday Visa application is accurate and meets immigration needs.

Our services include:

• Checking if you are eligible and giving visa guidance
• Preparing documents and verifying support
• Helping with the online application process
• Visa interview preparation (if required)
• Providing updates on visa rules, work rights, and regional job options
• Personalized guidance on extensions and work eligibility
• Supporting people in their second or third Working Holiday Visa applications
   

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