Working Holiday Visa(Subclass 462)
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows eligible young adults from selected countries to experience Australia through cultural exchange, temporary employment, and short-term study. This visa is designed to foster mutual understanding and closer ties between Australia and participating countries.
With a subclass 462 visa, you can:
- Stay in Australia for up to 12 months from your first date of entry
- Work temporarily to help fund your travels (maximum 6 months per employer, unless exempt)
- Undertake short-term study or training (up to 4 months)
- Enter and leave Australia multiple times while your visa is valid
- Apply for a second or third visa if you meet eligible work and location requirements
General Eligibility Criteria
You must:
- Be aged 18 to 30 years at the time of application (inclusive), or up to 35 for some countries
- Not be accompanied by dependent children
- Have at least AUD 5,000 in savings to support your stay
- Be able to purchase a return or onward ticket
- Not have previously held a subclass 417 Working Holiday visa
- Meet education requirements (typically: tertiary qualification or 2+ years of undergraduate study)
- Demonstrate functional English (e.g., IELTS 4.5 or equivalent)
- Satisfy health and character checks
- Intend to visit as a Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
Second and Third Visa Eligibility (Extension)
Holders of the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) may be eligible to apply for a second or third visa if they complete specified work in approved industries and designated regional areas during their previous visa period.
Second Visa Requirements:
Must have completed at least 3 months (88 days) of full-time specified work during the validity of the first 462 visa.
Third Visa Requirements:
Must have completed at least 6 months (179 days) of full-time specified work during the validity of the second 462 visa.
Approved Industries for Specified Work Include:
- Agriculture and animal husbandry: such as fruit and vegetable picking, pruning, seeding, livestock farming, dairy production;
- Fishing and pearling: including commercial fishing, pearl harvesting, and related aquaculture;
- Forestry and logging: including tree planting, felling, and timber transport;
- Tourism and hospitality: including work in hotels, restaurants, cafes, tour operations, and guiding services;
- Construction and natural disaster recovery: including reconstruction, clean-up, and infrastructure support.
All specified work must be performed in Northern Australia (i.e., above the Tropic of Capricorn) or other government-designated regions, and must meet the legal standards for full-time paid employment under Australian workplace laws.
Not sure if you’re eligible for a Work and Holiday visa?
Speak with our migration advisors at MyCareerPrep to get tailored guidance and start your Australian adventure with confidence.