Work & Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) Guide

Work & Holiday visa guide: eligibility, documents, costs & processing times.

This guide covers the key information you need to know about the subclass 462 visa, including eligibility requirements, required documents, visa costs, processing times and the application process. It also explains how Turner-Rowe Migration can assist you throughout your application.

At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide professional advice and personalised guidance to help you understand your visa options and assess your circumstances, with support available in both English and Spanish.

 

Work & Holiday visa overview:

What is the official visa name → Work & Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

Who can apply to this visa → Applicants aged 18 to 30 seeking to travel around Australia while working during their stay to help cover their expenses

How long can you stay in Australia with this visa → Applicants can stay in Australia up to 12 months. If applicants wish to stay longer, they can either apply for a second Work & Holiday visa, a third Work & Holiday visa, or explore other visa options

Can applicants work under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to do short-term work during their stay to help fund their travels

Can applicants study under this visa → Yes, applicants are allowed to study up to 4 months during their stay

Can I include family members in the visa application → No, applicants can’t include family members in their application

Does this visa lead to Permanent Residency → No, this visa does not lead to Permanent Residency

 

What’s the difference between a Work & Holiday visa and a Working Holiday visa?

The Work & Holiday visa (subclass 462) and Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) are both part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program. The main difference is that each visa is available to passport holders from different eligible countries and has different eligibility requirements.

The Work & Holiday visa (subclass 462) has additional requirements, which may include educational qualifications and functional English, depending on the applicant’s circumstances.

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) has different eligibility requirements based on the applicant’s passport country or jurisdiction.

 

Are you eligible for a Work & Holiday visa?

To be eligible, applicants generally must meet the following requirements:

  • Must hold a valid passport/citizenship of certain countries

  • Be the right age

  • Must not have entered Australia on certain visas

  • Meet education requirements

  • Meet English language requirements

  • Have a letter of support (if applicable)

  • Have enough money to support your stay

  • Have enough money to support your departure

  • Have specified subclass 462 work (second and third Work & Holiday visa)

  • Meet health requirements

  • Meet character requirements

  • Have paid back any debt owed to the Australian Government (if applicable)

  • Not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused (if applicable)

  • Sign the Australian Values Statement

Eligibility requirements may vary depending on your personal circumstances.

For detailed information on eligibility requirements, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 462 Work & Holiday visa eligibility page.

 

What documents do you need to apply?

The common documents required for a subclass 462 visa application include:

  • Identity documents

  • Education documents

  • English language documents

  • Government support documents (if applicable)

  • Financial evidence

  • Evidence of specified subclass 462 work (second and third Work & Holiday visa)

  • Character documents

For detailed information on documents required, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 462 Work & Holiday visa step by step page.

 

How many Work & Holiday visas can you apply for?

First Work & Holiday visa: Designed for eligible applicants aged 18 to 30, inclusive, this visa provides an opportunity to enjoy an extended holiday in Australia while undertaking work to help fund their stay.

For detailed information please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 462 first Work & Holiday visa page.

Second Work & Holiday visa: Designed for eligible applicants aged 18 to 30, inclusive, this visa allows applicants who currently hold, or have previously held, a Work & Holiday visa to undertake a second working holiday in Australia.

For detailed information please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 462 second Work & Holiday visa page.

Third Work & Holiday visa: Designed for eligible applicants aged 18 to 30, inclusive, this visa allows applicants who currently hold, or have previously held, a second Work & Holiday visa to undertake a third working holiday in Australia.

For detailed information please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 462 third Work & Holiday visa page.

 

How much will the Work & Holiday visa cost you?

The cost depends on the number of applicants included in the visa application.

First Work & Holiday visa: $840 AUD

Second Work & Holiday visa: $1,000 AUD

Third Work & Holiday visa: $1,000 AUD

Costs are subject to change and may vary depending on your individual circumstances and any additional charges, such as our Registered Migration Agent Fees.

For detailed information on visa costs, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa pricing estimator page.

 

How do you apply for a Working Holiday visa?

The process generally includes the following steps:

  1. Meet eligibility criteria

  2. Gather your documents

  3. Lodge the visa application

  4. Attach more information (if asked)

  5. Department of Home Affairs decision

Turner-Rowe Migration can support you at every stage of your application in English and Spanish.

For detailed information on how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs subclass 462 Work & Holiday visa step by step page.

 

How long will you wait for the visa to be processed?

Work & Holiday applications are processed within:

  • 50% of applications are processed within 8 days

  • 90% of applications are processed within 22 days

Processing times are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of your application.

For the latest information on processing times, please visit the Department of Home Affairs visa processing times page.

 

What happens after your visa is lodged?

After your subclass 462 visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.

As part of our services, we provide ongoing post-lodgement support, including:

  • Responding to Department of Home Affairs requests

  • Keeping you informed of application updates

  • Providing guidance throughout the processing period

The final step is the Department's decision on your application.

 

How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?

Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:

  • Professional advice & personalised guidance

  • Understanding eligibility requirements

  • Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes

  • Improving the quality of your application

  • Preparing and lodging your visa application

  • Post-lodgement support & updates

  • Responding to department requests

Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application, our Registered Migration Agent provides migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support based on your goals and individual circumstances.

 

Ready to start your Work & Holiday visa (subclass 462) application?

 

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general information purposes only and is based on information published by the Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs. Australian visa requirements, policies, fees, processing times and eligibility criteria may change. For the latest and most accurate information, applicants should refer to the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant visa subclass requirements.

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Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Guide

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Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491) Guide