What does the Work & Holiday visa guide cover?
This guide covers the key information you need to know about the Work & Holiday 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 entire visa application, with support available in both English and Spanish.
What do you need to know about the Work & Holiday visa?
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 main difference is who can apply and what requirements they need to meet.
Work & Holiday visa (subclass 462): Available to passport holders from different eligible countries and has additional requirements, such as English language and education requirements. Some countries may also require applicants to enter a pre-application ballot.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417): Available to passport holders from certain eligible countries, with generally simpler eligibility requirements.
Both visas allow eligible young adults to travel around Australia, take an extended holiday, and work during their stay.
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 Work & Holiday 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:
Meet eligibility criteria
Gather your documents
Lodge the visa application
Attach more information (if asked)
Department of Home Affairs decision
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 Work & Holiday visa is lodged, the Department of Home Affairs assesses your application and may request additional information before making a decision.
The final step is the Department's decision on your application.
If your visa has been approved, the Department will provide you with:
Grant visa number
Date your visa starts
Visa conditions (if applicable)
If your visa has not been approved, the Department will provide you with:
Reason why it was refused
Rights to a decision’s review
Important: The Department will not refund you the application fee if your visa is refused.
How can Turner-Rowe Migration help you?
At Turner-Rowe Migration, we provide Australian migration and visa services in English and Spanish, with personalised support tailored to your goals and individual circumstances, backed by over 8 years of professional experience.
Our Registered Migration Agent helps you with:
Professional advice & personalised guidance
Eligibility assessment, visa options and migration pathway
Documentation support & avoiding application mistakes
Improving the quality of your application
Preparing and lodging your visa application
Post-lodgement support & application updates
Responding to Department of Home Affairs additional requests
Notify you the Department's decision on your application
Contact us today whether you're exploring your visa options, seeking guidance or advice, or ready to begin your Australian visa application.
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.