Doc Summary
Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program offers two pathways for eligible young travellers who wish to work and travel in Australia: the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). This guide explains eligibility, documents, the application process, costs, conditions, and how to extend your stay.
Which visa: 417 or 462? #
- Subclass 417 – Working Holiday: for passport holders from specific partner countries.
- Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday: for a different list of partner countries and may include extra requirements (e.g., education level, English, letter of support).
Check the official country lists and requirements to choose the correct subclass before you apply.
Eligibility at a glance #
- Age: typically 18–30 (inclusive); some nationalities 18–35. Confirm your country’s limit on the Home Affairs pages above.
- Passport: must be from an eligible country and valid for your intended stay.
- Funds: evidence of sufficient savings and an onward ticket or funds to purchase one.
- Health and character: meet health requirements and have no substantial criminal record.
- Subclass 462 extras: may include English ability, education, and a government letter of support.
- Previous WHV: you must not have previously held the same subclass unless applying for a second or third WHV.
How to apply (step-by-step) #
- Confirm eligibility and choose your subclass. Review the official criteria for 417 or 462.
- Create or log into ImmiAccount. Apply online via ImmiAccount.
- Complete the online form. Enter accurate personal, travel, work, health, and character details. Be consistent with your passport.
- Upload supporting documents. See the document checklist below.
- Pay the visa application charge. Use the visa pricing estimator for current fees.
- Complete health checks/biometrics if requested. Follow any instructions sent to your ImmiAccount email.
- Wait for a decision. Refer to global processing times.
- If granted, read your visa grant notice carefully. Check conditions in VEVO: check visa details and conditions.
- Arrange travel, insurance, and arrival plans. Keep proof of funds and documents handy for border checks.
Documents you typically need #
- Passport biodata page (clear colour copy)
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Bank statements showing sufficient funds
- Resume/CV and evidence of education (more common for 462)
- Letter of government support (462, if required)
- Health insurance evidence (strongly recommended for WHM)
- Police certificates and any translations (if requested)
Costs, timing, and where to apply #
Application charges and processing times change. Always verify the latest figures via the pricing estimator and processing times. Most applicants apply outside Australia, though circumstances can vary by subclass and application stage—follow the instructions in ImmiAccount.
Key visa conditions and work rights #
- Stay: usually up to 12 months from first entry (check your grant notice).
- Work: you may be limited to working up to six months with any one employer unless you have permission or an exemption. Confirm your specific conditions in VEVO.
- Study: generally allowed up to four months.
- Health insurance: strongly recommended for your entire stay.
- Workplace rights: you have the same rights as Australian workers. Learn more at the Fair Work Ombudsman: visa holders and migrants.
Second and third Working Holiday visas #
You may be able to extend your WHM stay by applying for a second or third WHV if you complete eligible “specified work” in eligible locations for the required time while on your previous WHV(s). Requirements vary by subclass and nationality. Review the official guidance here: specified work for Working Holiday Makers.
Common mistakes to avoid #
- Choosing the wrong subclass for your passport country
- Insufficient or unclear proof of funds
- Missing 462-specific requirements (e.g., letter of support)
- Inconsistent personal details vs. passport
- Ignoring emails in ImmiAccount regarding health/biometrics
How Skills Campus can help #
As Australian education and migration consultants, Skills Campus can guide you through eligibility, document preparation, application strategy, and pathways to extend your stay (including study or Recognition of Prior Learning options). Begin your journey with us: Skills Campus or contact our team directly at skillscampus.com.au/contact.
Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and subject to change. Always check the latest requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website and seek professional advice for your circumstances.
