Doc Summary
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program offers two visas that let eligible young travellers work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months: the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462). Below is a clear, step‑by‑step guide—plus eligibility, documents, processing times, and tips to help you apply with confidence.
Quick answer: steps to apply #
- Confirm your visa stream (417 or 462) and passport eligibility on Home Affairs.
- Create or log in to ImmiAccount.
- Prepare documents: passport, funds evidence, health insurance, character documents.
- Complete your online application (truthfully and accurately).
- Pay the visa application charge (VAC) listed by Home Affairs.
- Complete any requested biometrics, health exams, or police checks.
- Wait for a decision and, once granted, enter Australia within the validity period.
Which visa do I need: 417 or 462? #
The WHM program has two pathways, depending on your passport country:
Age limits are generally 18–30 inclusive, with some countries eligible up to 35. Country‑specific arrangements can differ (including age and specified work rules), so always check the official pages above.
Eligibility and core requirements #
- Passport: Hold an eligible passport for your visa stream.
- Age: Apply within the permitted age range for your nationality.
- Funds: Evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay (often around AUD 5,000) plus onward travel or additional funds—check your visa page for current guidance.
- Health insurance: You are strongly advised to hold adequate health cover for your stay.
- Character/health checks: You may be asked for police certificates, biometrics, and/or medical exams.
- Previous WHM visas: You may be eligible for a second or third WHM visa if you complete specified work requirements (see below).
How to apply online via ImmiAccount #
Applications are lodged online via ImmiAccount. Most first‑time applicants apply from outside Australia unless Home Affairs specifies otherwise. Typical steps:
- Set up ImmiAccount: Create/log in, choose the correct visa (417 or 462), and follow prompts.
- Complete the form: Provide personal details, travel history, and answer character/health questions.
- Upload documents: Passport biodata page, funds evidence, health insurance details, and any required supporting documents (e.g., educational or letter of support for some 462 applicants).
- Pay the VAC: The fee is published on the visa page. Check the latest price before submitting.
- Attend checks if requested: Biometrics, police certificates, and/or health exams may be required.
Processing times #
Processing can be fast for complete applications but varies by stream and country. Monitor current estimates on the official Global Visa Processing Times page. Avoid delays by ensuring accurate answers and clear, legible documents.
Work and stay conditions #
- Stay length: Usually up to 12 months from first entry; multiple entries permitted while the visa is valid.
- Work limitation: You can generally work for the same employer for up to 6 months, unless an exemption applies. Check your grant letter and current policy.
- Study: Study or training for up to 4 months.
Second and third Working Holiday visas #
You might earn a second and third WHM visa by doing “specified work” in eligible industries/locations for the required time.
- Second visa: Generally requires at least 3 months of eligible specified work while on your first WHM visa.
- Third visa: Generally requires at least 6 months of eligible specified work while on your second WHM visa.
Eligible specified work varies by stream and location (e.g., certain agriculture, construction, tourism/hospitality in northern or remote areas, disaster recovery). Check your visa stream’s official guidance:
Country‑specific arrangements may apply for some nationalities; always verify the latest policy before committing to work plans.
After arrival: practical setup #
- Tax File Number (TFN): Apply online via the ATO: Apply for a TFN.
- Tax and superannuation: Understand working holiday maker tax rates and super: ATO guidance.
- Bank account & pay: Open an Australian bank account and ensure you’re paid at least the legal minimum for your industry.
- Keep records: Keep payslips and evidence of specified work for future visa applications.
Common mistakes to avoid #
- Choosing the wrong stream: Confirm whether your passport is eligible for 417 or 462 before applying.
- Insufficient documents: Poor scans or missing evidence of funds can delay decisions.
- Mismatched information: Inconsistent dates or travel histories may trigger further checks.
- Ignoring visa conditions: Breaching work limits or conditions can lead to serious consequences.
Why work with Skills Campus #
As Australian education and migration consultants, Skills Campus guides you through the WHM process end‑to‑end—from choosing the right stream and preparing documents to planning “specified work” for a second or third visa. We also help you translate your Australian work experience into recognised qualifications through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and advise on study pathways if you decide to stay longer.
Ready to get started? Visit Skills Campus or book your consultation now: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact.
