The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) enables eligible young adults to travel throughout Australia and undertake short-term employment to support their stay. The program allows participants to experience Australian life, both in metropolitan and regional areas, while complying with visa conditions.
This guide provides information on visa types, eligibility requirements, application steps, and key compliance obligations for the Australian Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417).
What Is the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?
Subclass 417 is a temporary visa for citizens of certain countries, permitting travel and short-term work in Australia, with the intent to foster tourism, cultural exchange, and address workforce needs in designated sectors.
Holders of a first Working Holiday Visa may:
- Do short-term work in Australia
- Study for up to 4 months
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as needed while the visa is valid
- Complete three months of specified work to be eligible for a second Working Holiday Visa
Eligibility Requirements for a Subclass 417 Visa
Working holiday visas are only available to valid passport holders from eligible countries and jurisdictions.
Age Limits and Eligible Passport Countries
- Belgium – 18 to 30 years
- Canada – 18 to 35 years
- Republic of Cyprus - 18 to 30 years
- Denmark - 18 to 35 years
- Estonia - 18 to 30 years
- Finland - 18 to 30 years
- France - 18 to 35 years
- Germany - 18 to 30 years
- Hong Kong - 18 to 30 years
- Republic of Ireland - 18 to 35 years
- Italy - 18 to 35 years
- Japan - 18 to 30 years
- Republic of Korea - 18 to 30 years
- Malta - 18 to 30 years
- Netherlands - 18 to 30 years
- Norway - 18 to 30 years
- Sweden - 18 to 30 years
- Taiwan (other than official or diplomatic passport holders) - 18 to 30 years
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland - 18 to 35 years
Health, Character, and Insurance Requirements
You must meet the health and character requirements specified by the Department of Home Affairs. Medical examinations may be required depending on the length and nature of your intended stay.
Section 501 of the Migration Act 1958 sets the character requirements, where applicants must:
- Declare all criminal conduct
- Provide a police certificate
- Complete Form 80 Personal particulars for character assessment
- Complete Form 1563 – Statement of Character
- Provide a military certificate and/or a Form 1399 - Declaration of Service
- Provide a letter of good conduct from an employer
The authorities strongly recommend adequate health insurance coverage. The authorities may ask for a copy of a current private health insurance policy you hold with an Australian-registered private health insurer. Overseas travellers without Medicare benefits or reciprocal Medicare benefits may consider purchasing Overseas Visitors Health Cover from an Australian or international insurer.
Financial Requirements and Evidence of Funds
You are required to have sufficient funds to support yourself in Australia, typically at least $5,000, as well as additional funds for departure. Evidence may include bank statements or a return ticket.
Rule on Dependent Children
The 417 visa does not permit the inclusion of dependent children.
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Work, Study, and Travel Rights on a 417 Visa
Subclass 417 visa holders can work in short-term jobs, study for up to 4 months (17 weeks) and enjoy unrestricted travel in and out of the country. The visa supports seasonal employment across Australia, including roles in regional areas and metropolitan centres, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, hospitality, natural disaster recovery, and plant and animal cultivation.
Work Conditions and Employer Limitations
The visa holder:
- Must not work for the same employer for more than six months unless permission is granted by the Department of Home Affairs
- Must not be self-employed (as subclass 417 visa does not permit it)
- Must work in approved industries and locations to qualify for a second or third Working Holiday Visa
It is recommended that visa holders familiarise themselves with Australian workplace laws and entitlements. Information is available from the Fair Work Ombudsman.
Study Rights and Maximum Study Period
Subclass 417 restricts study or training rights to 4 months, unlike a full-term student visa pathway. This period includes 17 weeks and 3 days (weekends, public holidays, and non-teaching periods before exams) but excludes orientation and holiday periods.
The first working holiday visa holders can do work-based training and correspondence courses outside Australia. These do not count towards the 4-month study or training.
Travel Flexibility and Multiple Entry Permissions
The Australian working holiday visa allows multiple-entry travel. The visa holder can leave and return to Australia as many times as they want and visit different locations, provided the visa is valid.
Second and Third Working Holiday Visas Explained
The Australian government permits extensions of the Working Holiday Visa for individuals who complete specified work in designated sectors.
Specified Work Requirements for a Second 417 Visa
To be eligible for a second Working Holiday Visa, you must complete three months of specified work in approved industries in regional Australia. Specified work requirements include tree farming, plant and animal cultivation, construction, health, tourism and hospitality. Activities like harvesting fruit and vegetable crops, tanning manufacturing dairy produce, vegetable crops pruning, and handling plant and animal products also qualify as eligible work.
Additional Work Requirements for a Third 417 Visa
To qualify for a third Working Holiday Visa, you must complete six months of specified work while holding your second Working Holiday Visa, in designated regions and sectors.
Industries and Locations That Count as Specified Work
- Plant and animal cultivation across Australia
- Natural disaster recovery work anywhere in Australia
- Critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, tourism and hospitality, across Australia
- Certain industries, including fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in Northern Australia only
How to Apply for the Working Holiday Visa
Applications are lodged online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount.
Where and When to Lodge Your Visa Application
You must be outside Australia when you apply for your first Working Holiday Visa. Timing matters, especially if one is transitioning from another visa type or awaiting a bridging visa outcome.
You must lodge your application before turning 31 or 36, depending on your country of citizenship.
Processing Times and Visa Application Charges
The application processing time varies based on demand, nationality, and documentation. Use the visa processing time guide tool for an estimated time.
A visa application charge of $670.00 is payable for each Working Holiday Visa application.
Important Visa Conditions and Compliance Obligations
- Comply with all visa conditions and obligations to maintain lawful status in Australia
- Follow employment limits and complete recognised specified work
- Communicate with Home Affairs about changes to your passport, relationship status, and the birth of a child.
- Travel with valid documents and keep a tab on the visa expiry date
Breaching these conditions can affect future access to the Australian working holiday visa or other visa pathways.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Working Holiday Visa
What Is the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?
It is a temporary holiday visa that allows visitors from eligible countries to travel to Australia while working in approved sectors.
How Long Can I Stay and Work in Australia?
You can stay and work for 12 months with your first working holiday visa and a valid passport and request extensions by completing specified work in critical industries.
Can I Apply for a Second or Third Working Holiday Visa?
Yes, provided you have completed the required period of specified work and meet all other eligibility criteria.
What Work Counts as Specified Work for Extensions?
Agriculture, mining, construction, fishing and pearling, tree farming, and plant and animal cultivation are key specified work categories.
Do I Need Health Insurance to Apply?
You need to have adequate health insurance to apply for a working holiday visa.
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Why Choose Australian Migration Agents for Your Working Holiday Visa
Australian Migration Agents understands the complexities of applying for Australian visas. Our registered agents can assist with eligibility assessment, document preparation, and application submission for the Working Holiday Visa. Contact our team for guidance through the application process.
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