Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) 

The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program administered by the Department of Home Affairs.

This page provides a detailed breakdown of eligibility, English requirements, education criteria, second and third year pathways, regional work rules, visa conditions and compliance matters — based on current Home Affairs settings (updated February 2025).

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Indonesian applicants can read the complete Subclass 462 visa guide here:
https://racc.co.id/working-holiday-visa/
 

What Is the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?

Subclass 462 is a temporary visa that allows eligible applicants to:

• Stay in Australia for up to 12 months

• Work during their stay

• Study for a limited period

• Apply for a second and third visa if specified work is completed
   

It is a cultural exchange visa designed for young adults. It is not a permanent residency visa.

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Subclass 462 Age Limit

You must be:

• 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) at time of application
   

Unlike Subclass 417, the 462 visa does not generally extend to age 35 (unless specific bilateral updates apply). Always confirm the current age setting for your passport country.

You must apply before turning 31.

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Eligible Countries for Subclass 462

As of current Home Affairs arrangements, eligible passport holders include:

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• Argentina

• Austria

• Brazil

• Chile

• China (PRC)

• Czech Republic

• Ecuador

• Greece

• Hungary

• India

• Indonesia

• Israel

• Luxembourg

• Malaysia

• Mongolia

• Papua New Guinea

• Peru

• Poland

• Portugal

• San Marino

• Singapore

• Slovak Republic

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Switzerland

• Thailand

• Türkiye

• Uruguay

• United States

• Vietnam

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Country eligibility is based on bilateral agreements and may include annual caps.

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Key Differences Between 462 and 417

Subclass 462 differs from Subclass 417 in several important ways:

• English language requirement may apply

• Minimum education level may apply

• Letter of government support may be required (for certain countries)

• Annual visa caps apply for some nationalities
   

Applicants must check country-specific requirements before lodging.

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Subclass 462 Eligibility Requirements

To apply for your first 462 visa, you must:

• Hold a passport from an eligible country

• Be aged 18–30

• Have no dependent children accompanying you

• Have sufficient funds

• Meet health and character requirements

• Meet English language requirements (if applicable)

• Meet education requirements (if applicable)

• Provide a letter of government support if required for your nationality
   

Most first applications must be lodged from outside Australia.

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English Language Requirement (Subclass 462)

Subclass 462 applicants may need to demonstrate functional English.

Accepted tests and required scores depend on the test date.

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Tests Taken On or After 7 August 2025

• IELTS: 4.5 in each band

• PTE Academic: 24 overall

• TOEFL iBT: 26 overall

• CELPIP General: 5 each band

• OET: 1020 overall

• MET: 38 overall

• LANGUAGECERT Academic: 38 overall
   

Tests Taken On or Before 6 August 2025

• C1 Advanced (CAE): 147 overall

• IELTS: 4.5 each band

• PTE Academic: 30 overall

• TOEFL iBT: 32 overall
   

Some applicants may be exempt depending on passport or education history. Requirements must be confirmed against Home Affairs policy at time of application.

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Education Requirement

Subclass 462 may require applicants to meet a minimum education level, such as:

• Completion of secondary education, or

• At least two years of undergraduate university study
   

Education criteria vary depending on passport country.

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Letter of Government Support

For certain nationalities, a letter of support from the applicant’s home government is required.

Not all countries require this. For example, some countries such as the United States and Israel are exempt from the support letter requirement.

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How Long Can You Stay?

Your first Subclass 462 visa allows:

• Up to 12 months stay

• Entry within the validity period specified in your grant
   

The 12-month period begins from first entry.

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Work Rights on the 462 Visa

Subclass 462 allows you to work in Australia.

However:

• Employer limitation rules apply

• You are generally restricted to working with one employer for a limited duration

• Extensions may apply in certain industries
   

Always review your visa conditions and current Home Affairs settings before committing to long-term employment.

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Study Rights

You may study for up to 4 months while holding a 462 visa.

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Financial Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to:

• Support themselves during initial stay

• Purchase a return or onward ticket
   

Home Affairs may request documentary evidence.

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Health and Character Requirements

Applicants may be required to:

• Undertake health examinations

• Provide police certificates
   

Police certificates are generally required for countries lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years (since age 16).

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Second Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

You may apply for a second 462 visa if you:

• Held your first Subclass 462 visa

• Completed at least 3 months (88 days) of specified work

• Meet the age requirement at time of application

• Complied with all visa conditions
   

The second visa allows another 12-month stay.

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88 Days Specified Work for Subclass 462

To qualify for a second visa:

• You must complete 88 days of specified work

• Work must be in eligible industries

• Work must be in approved regional postcodes
   

Eligible industries typically include:

• Agriculture and plant cultivation

• Animal farming

• Fishing and pearling

• Tree farming

• Mining

• Construction

• Bushfire recovery work (where applicable)
   

Work must be paid and properly documented.

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You should keep:

• Payslips

• Employment contracts

• Employer ABN details

• Superannuation records
   

Incorrect postcode classification is a common issue in refusals.

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Third Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)

You may apply for a third Subclass 462 visa if you:

• Previously held two 462 visas

• Completed at least 6 months of specified work during your second visa

• Meet the age requirement

• Complied with visa conditions
   

This allows a total stay of up to three years under the WHM program.

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Annual Caps and Country Limits

Unlike Subclass 417, Subclass 462 may be subject to annual country caps.

When the cap is reached, no further applications may be accepted until the next program year.

Applicants from capped countries should apply early.

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Visa Conditions You Must Follow

Common conditions include:

• No dependent children

• Study limited to 4 months

• Employer limitation conditions

• Compliance with Australian workplace laws
   

Breaching visa conditions may affect future visa applications.

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Can You Bring Family?

Subclass 462 does not allow dependent children.

Your partner must apply for their own visa.

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Health Insurance

You are responsible for healthcare costs in Australia.

Unless covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement, you should arrange private health insurance.

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Common Reasons for Refusal

Applications may be refused due to:

• Not meeting English requirement

• Insufficient education level

• Missing government support letter (if required)

• Age ineligibility

• Insufficient funds

• Failure to meet 88-day requirement for second visa

• Incorrect documentation
   

Careful documentation is essential.

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Processing Times

Processing times vary based on:

• Country caps

• Application volumes

• Health or character checks
   

Applicants should check current processing times directly on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Subclass 462 a pathway to permanent residency?

No. It is a temporary visa. However, some visa holders later apply for skilled or employer-sponsored visas if eligible.

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Can I apply for a second 462 visa while in Australia?

Yes, if eligible and within the age limit.

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Is IELTS mandatory for Subclass 462?

It may be required depending on nationality. Always confirm before lodging.

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How many times can I apply?

You can hold a maximum of three Subclass 462 visas if you meet regional work requirements.

 

Who Is Subclass 462 Suitable For?

Subclass 462 is suitable for:

• Young adults seeking temporary work and travel experience

• Applicants from countries not eligible for Subclass 417

• Individuals prepared to meet English and education requirements

• Those planning to complete regional work for extended stay
   

It is not suitable for applicants with dependent children or those seeking direct permanent residency.

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