Work & Holiday Visa (417)
The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) lets eligible 18–30 year olds (35 for some countries) holiday in Australia for up to 12 months while working to fund their trip, with options to extend to a second and third year by completing specified regional work.
Overview
Subclass 417 is designed for young travellers from eligible countries/jurisdictions seeking an extended Australian holiday with the flexibility to work and study short‑term. You must not be accompanied by dependent children, must meet health/character and financial requirements, and must accurately declare whether you’re onshore or offshore at lodgement. If another substantive visa is granted later, your WHM visa ceases, which can end work rights. Each grant allows up to 12 months in Australia; second and third grants require 3 and 6 months of specified 417 work respectively. Processing times vary—don’t book travel until you receive a written grant notice.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ Be 18–30 years old (or up to 35 for some eligible countries).
- ✔ Hold a valid passport from an eligible Subclass 417 country/jurisdiction.
- ✔ Have no dependent children accompanying you.
- ✔ Meet health requirements (medical exams if requested).
- ✔ Meet character requirements (police certificates if requested).
- ✔ Have sufficient funds and evidence of onward travel or funds to depart.
- ✔ For Second 417: complete 3 months of specified 417 work on your first visa.
- ✔ For Third 417: complete 6 months of specified 417 work on your second visa.
- ✔ Accurately declare your location (onshore/offshore) when you apply.
- ✔ Agree to comply with all visa conditions, including any employer time limits.
Why Choose This Path?
- Live in Australia for up to 12 months per grant.
- Work to fund your holiday (broad job flexibility).
- Study for up to 4 months.
- Travel freely in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
- Pathway to a second and third year via specified work.
- Gain Australian work experience and references.
- Explore remote/regional Australia through specified work.
- Simple online application via ImmiAccount.
- Cultural exchange and networking opportunities.
- Flexible employment across multiple industries and locations.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Check your nationality is eligible and age fits the program.
- Gather documents: passport, funds evidence, health/character, resume.
- Create/log in to ImmiAccount and start the Subclass 417 application.
- Declare your correct location and complete all questions truthfully.
- Pay the visa application charge (AUD 670).
- Complete health checks/biometrics if requested.
- Await decision; do not book travel until granted in writing.
- Enter Australia and begin your working holiday.
- Complete specified 417 work (3 or 6 months) if seeking 2nd/3rd visas.
- Apply for the Second or Third 417 with evidence of specified work.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Temporary
Visa Pathways
Transition to Student Visa for Australian Education and Potential Skilled Migration
Many working holiday makers who develop strong connection to Australia during their year decide to pursue extended education through Student Visa Subclass 500 leading to potential skilled migration and permanent residency. This pathway uses working holiday year as exploration and trial period experiencing Australia, understanding lifestyle and opportunities, assessing whether Australia suits long-term goals, and potentially identifying education programs that interest you before committing substantial resources to Australian education.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD670.00 | For Each Stage |
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