462 Visa Australia
Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462 Guide 2026
Last updated: 18 Sep 2026
The Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 is a temporary Australian visa for eligible young adults who want to holiday in Australia and work during their stay.
With a 462 visa, you can usually:
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stay in Australia for up to 12 months
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work to help fund your holiday
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study for up to 4 months
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travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid
There are three Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 options:
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First Work and Holiday visa
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Second Work and Holiday visa
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Third Work and Holiday visa
A first 462 visa is for eligible first-time applicants. A second or third 462 visa may be available if you complete the required specified subclass 462 work.
Planning to apply for a 462 visa, extend to a second or third 462 visa, or check whether your passport country is open? Book a consultation with RACC Australia so our team can help you review your eligibility, prepare your documents and plan your next visa pathway.
Quick Answer: What Is a 462 Visa?
A 462 visa is an Australian Work and Holiday visa for eligible passport holders aged 18 to 30 inclusive. It allows short-term work, tourism, study for up to 4 months, and a stay of up to 12 months in Australia.
There are three types of subclass 462 visa:
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First Work and Holiday visa: for eligible first-time applicants
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Second Work and Holiday visa: for eligible applicants who have previously entered Australia on a 462 visa and completed at least 3 months of specified subclass 462 work
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Third Work and Holiday visa: for eligible applicants who have held two 462 visas and completed at least 6 months of specified subclass 462 work while holding the second visa
The first 462 visa costs AUD 840 from 1 July 2026. A second or third 462 visa costs AUD 1,000.
Latest Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa Updates 2026
The Department of Home Affairs regularly updates Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 settings, including visa charges, annual country caps, ballot arrangements and country-specific requirements.
September 2026: National Caps on Second and Third Visas
From 17 September 2026, second and third Work and Holiday visas are capped nationally for the first time, as part of a wider migration overhaul confirmed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke:
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Second visa: 45,000 places a year — down from 57,000. The 88-day specified work requirement still applies, but no longer guarantees a grant.
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Third visa: 5,000 places a year, allocated by ballot — down from 31,000. The 6-month specified work requirement still applies before you can enter the ballot.
These are national caps, separate from the existing country-specific caps and ballots that apply to first visas (China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia). Exact effective dates haven't been published yet.
From 1 July 2026:
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a first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 costs AUD 840
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a second Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 costs AUD 1,000
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a third Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 costs AUD 1,000
Country cap and ballot status can change during the program year. Home Affairs states that applications for countries subject to annual caps under the Work and Holiday subclass 462 program generally open each program year on 2 July Australian Eastern Standard Time.
As of 20 August 2026, the Home Affairs country cap page lists Indonesia as "CHECK BALLOT STATUS", meaning Indonesian first Work and Holiday visa applications will be managed through a ballot process. Ballot registrations are expected to open later in 2026. Home Affairs notes that first Work and Holiday visa applications from Indonesian passport holders will be managed through a ballot, and ballot registrations are expected to open later in 2026.
There are no caps for second or third Work and Holiday visas. Country caps and ballot arrangements apply to first Work and Holiday visa applications for certain countries.
Applicants should always check the latest official Home Affairs information before lodging an application or making travel plans.
First, Second and Third 462 Visa Compared
The subclass 462 visa has three stages. The right visa depends on whether you are applying for the first time, whether you have previously entered Australia on a 462 visa, and whether you completed the required specified subclass 462 work.
First Work and Holiday visa 462
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Cost: AUD 840
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For: eligible first-time applicants
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Main requirements:
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eligible passport
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age 18 to 30 inclusive
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apply from outside Australia
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be outside Australia when the visa is decided
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meet Functional English requirements if required
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meet education requirements if required
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provide government support evidence if required
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have enough money to support yourself and leave Australia
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have not previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 or subclass 417 visa
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Second Work and Holiday visa 462
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Cost: AUD 1,000
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For: eligible applicants who have previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa
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Main requirements:
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previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa
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requires prior 462 entry and 3 months (88 days) of specified work. Places are now capped at 45,000 a year nationally, effective from 17 September 2026.
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hold an eligible passport
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be aged 18 to 30 inclusive
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have complied with visa conditions
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meet health, character and other requirements
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Third Work and Holiday visa 462
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Cost: AUD 1,000
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For: eligible applicants who have already held two subclass 462 visas
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Main requirements:
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previously held two subclass 462 visas
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requires two prior 462 visas and 6 months of specified work on the second visa. Places are now cut to just 5,000 a year nationally, allocated by ballot, effective from 17 September 2026.
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be aged 18 to 30 inclusive
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have complied with visa conditions
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meet health, character and other requirements
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Each visa can usually allow a stay of up to 12 months.
462 Visa Processing Time
Subclass 462 visa processing times are not fixed. The Department of Home Affairs updates processing information based on recently decided applications.
Processing time can vary depending on:
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the visa type you apply for
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whether your application is complete
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whether your supporting documents are clear and consistent
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health examination requirements
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character or police check requirements
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whether Home Affairs needs more information from you
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the number of Work and Holiday visa applications being processed
For first Work and Holiday visa applicants, country cap status, ballot timing and overall demand can also affect when an applicant is able to lodge or progress their application.
To reduce avoidable delays, applicants should:
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apply for the correct 462 visa type
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check the latest country cap or ballot status before lodging
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upload clear identity documents
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provide correct Functional English evidence if required
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provide education documents that match the passport country requirement
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provide government support evidence if required
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include financial evidence, usually about AUD 5,000 plus onward travel funds
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provide specified work evidence for second or third 462 visa applications
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respond quickly if Home Affairs requests more information
Applicants should check the official Home Affairs Visa Processing Times Guide before making travel plans.
Do not book flights or make non-refundable travel plans until the visa is granted in writing.
Who Can Apply for a 462 Visa?
To apply for a first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462, you generally must:
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hold a valid passport from an eligible country
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be aged 18 to 30 inclusive when you apply
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apply from outside Australia
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be outside Australia when the visa is decided
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not be accompanied by dependent children
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apply individually, because family members cannot be included
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have enough money to support yourself and leave Australia
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meet health and character requirements
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meet education requirements if they apply to your passport country
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meet Functional English requirements if required
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provide government support evidence if required for your nationality
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not have previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 or subclass 417 visa
If you have already entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa, you may need to check whether you are eligible for a second or third Work and Holiday visa instead.
Eligible Countries for the 462 Visa
The subclass 462 visa is available to passport holders from specific countries.
Eligible countries currently include Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, 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 of America and Vietnam.
Eligibility can depend on your passport country, annual cap status, ballot rules, education level and government support requirements.
462 Visa vs 417 Visa
The subclass 462 visa and subclass 417 visa are both part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program, but they apply to different passport countries.
Subclass 462 applicants may need to meet additional requirements such as Functional English, education criteria, government support evidence, country caps or ballot selection.
Subclass 417 is available to a different group of passport holders and generally has different country arrangements.
If you are unsure which visa applies to your passport, you can explore RACC’s broader migration services or speak with a Registered Migration Agent before preparing documents.
462 Visa Age Limit
You must usually be 18 to 30 years old inclusive when you apply for a subclass 462 visa.
This means you can apply while you are still 30, but you should not wait until your eligibility is close to expiring. Age is assessed at the time of application.
How Long Can You Stay on a 462 Visa?
A first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
You must enter Australia within 12 months of the visa grant date. Your 12-month stay starts when you first enter Australia.
Once your visa starts, you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want while the visa remains valid. Time spent outside Australia does not extend the 12-month stay period.
Can You Work on a 462 Visa?
Yes. A subclass 462 visa allows you to work in Australia during your stay.
However, the visa is designed for holiday and short-term work. In most cases, visa condition 8547 means you can only work for the same employer for up to 6 months unless an exemption applies or you receive permission.
There are exemptions for certain work arrangements, industries and locations. Applicants should check current Home Affairs rules before committing to long-term work with one employer.
Can You Study on a 462 Visa?
Yes. You can study for up to 4 months, or 17 weeks, while holding a 462 visa.
If your main purpose is to study in Australia for longer than 4 months, a Student visa subclass 500 may be more suitable. If you later complete eligible study in Australia, you may also want to understand future post-study options such as the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485.
462 Visa Financial Requirement
You must have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in Australia and to leave Australia at the end of your stay.
Home Affairs commonly refers to about AUD5,000 for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.
Evidence may include bank statements, proof of savings, or evidence that you already have a return or onward ticket.
Functional English Requirement for the 462 Visa
Some subclass 462 applicants must show evidence of Functional English.
For English tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Home Affairs lists Functional English scores such as:
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IELTS Academic or General Training: average band score of at least 4.5
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PTE Academic: overall band score of at least 24
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TOEFL iBT: total score of at least 26
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CELPIP General: overall band score of at least 5
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MET: overall band score of at least 38
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OET: overall band score of at least 1020
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LANGUAGECERT Academic: overall band score of at least 38
Home Affairs does not accept English tests taken completely online or at home for Australian visa purposes.
Some applicants may be able to prove Functional English through passport nationality or education history instead of an English test. Requirements should always be checked against the latest Home Affairs Functional English rules before lodging.
Education Requirement
Subclass 462 education requirements vary by passport country.
Depending on your nationality, you may need to show evidence such as tertiary qualifications, post-secondary study, undergraduate university study, secondary school qualifications, or other country-specific education evidence.
Because education rules differ between countries, applicants should not assume that another applicant’s requirement applies to them.
Letter of Government Support
Some subclass 462 applicants must provide evidence of government support from their home country.
Not all nationalities require this. For example, certain passport holders are exempt from providing government support evidence under current arrangements.
Because the support letter requirement is country-specific and can change, applicants should check their passport country’s current requirement before applying.
China, India and Vietnam 462 Visa Ballot
China, India and Vietnam passport holders must participate in the Work and Holiday visa pre-application process, also known as the visa ballot, before applying for a first subclass 462 visa.
The ballot is used for high-demand countries and involves random selection. Being selected in the ballot allows a person to apply for the visa, but it does not guarantee visa approval.
For the 2026-2027 program year, registrations for China, India and Vietnam closed on 25 June 2026. The ballot selection period runs from 2 July 2026 to 30 April 2027. Applicants should check the official Home Affairs WHM ballot information before making plans.
Indonesia 462 Visa Ballot Update
First Work and Holiday visa applications from Indonesian passport holders will be managed through a ballot process.
As of 20 August 2026, the Department of Home Affairs country cap page lists Indonesia as CHECK BALLOT STATUS* and states that ballot registrations are expected to open later in 2026.
The annual grant cap for Indonesia is 5,000 first Work and Holiday visas per program year.
Being selected through a ballot does not guarantee visa approval. Applicants must still meet all subclass 462 eligibility requirements, including:
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age requirement
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education requirement
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Functional English requirement
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government support requirement
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financial requirement
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health requirement
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character requirement
Indonesian passport holders should monitor the official Home Affairs country caps and Work and Holiday ballot pages before preparing or lodging an application.
Second Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462
You may be eligible for a second Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 if you previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa and completed at least 3 months of specified subclass 462 work.
As of 17 September 2026, second Work and Holiday visas (subclass 462) are capped at 45,000 places a year, down from 57,000. Completing the 88-day specified work requirement makes you eligible to apply — it no longer guarantees a grant on its own.
To apply for a second 462 visa, you generally must:
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have previously entered Australia on a subclass 462 visa
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hold a passport from an eligible country
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be aged 18 to 30 inclusive when you apply
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have completed 3 months of specified subclass 462 work
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not be accompanied by dependent children
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have complied with visa conditions
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meet health, character and other requirements
A second 462 visa can allow another stay of up to 12 months, depending on your circumstances when the visa is granted. Applicants should check the official second Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 requirements before applying.
88 Days Specified Work for 462 Visa
To qualify for a second 462 visa, many applicants must complete 3 months of specified subclass 462 work.
This is commonly referred to as 88 days work.
Specified work must meet Home Affairs rules. It must usually be completed in eligible industries and eligible locations, and it must be properly documented.
Evidence may include payslips, bank statements, tax records, payment summaries, employer references, employment contracts, piece rate agreements or other proof requested by Home Affairs.
Applicants should check the correct postcode, industry and work type before relying on any job for their second visa.
Completing 88 days of specified work makes you eligible to apply for a second visa — as of 17 September 2026, it no longer guarantees a grant, since second-visa places are now capped at 45,000 a year nationally.
Third Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462
You may be eligible for a third Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 if you completed at least 6 months of specified subclass 462 work while holding your second 462 visa.
As of 17 September 2026, third Work and Holiday visas (subclass 462) are cut to just 5,000 places a year, down from 31,000, and allocated through a ballot system. Completing the 6-month specified work requirement on your second visa makes you eligible to enter the ballot — it no longer guarantees a grant.
A third 462 visa may allow another 12-month stay, meaning eligible applicants may be able to stay in Australia for up to three years under the Work and Holiday visa program.
You must still meet the age requirement and comply with all visa conditions.
Can You Bring Family on a 462 Visa?
You cannot include family members in a subclass 462 visa application.
You also cannot be accompanied by dependent children while you are in Australia on this visa. If your partner wants to come to Australia, they must apply for their own visa.
Is the 462 Visa a Pathway to Permanent Residency?
The subclass 462 visa is not a direct permanent residency pathway.
It is a temporary visa for holiday, cultural exchange, short-term work and limited study.
However, some visa holders later explore other Australian visa options, such as a Student visa, Skilled visa, Employer Sponsored visa or Partner visa, depending on their circumstances.
If your long-term goal is permanent residency through skilled migration, you may need to understand SkillSelect, occupation lists, skills assessment and state nomination. You can start with RACC’s SkillSelect guide and occupation list guide.
Holding a 462 visa does not guarantee eligibility for another visa.
Common 462 Visa Refusal Reasons
A subclass 462 visa application may be refused if the applicant does not meet the requirements or cannot provide enough evidence.
Common issues include:
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applying from the wrong location
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not meeting the age requirement
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insufficient financial evidence
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missing government support evidence
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English evidence not meeting Home Affairs rules
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education evidence not matching the passport country requirement
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incorrect or incomplete documents
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unclear identity or travel history
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health or character concerns
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insufficient specified work evidence for second or third visa applications
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relying on work that does not meet eligible industry or location rules
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incorrect postcode classification for specified work
Careful document preparation is important, especially for applicants applying close to the age limit, country cap limit or visa expiry date.
Need Help Checking Your 462 Visa Documents?
Small mistakes in a Work and Holiday visa application can cause delays or refusal, especially when country caps, English evidence, education documents, financial proof or specified work evidence are involved.
RACC Australia can help you review your eligibility, prepare your documents and understand whether the 462 visa is the right option for your situation.
Book a consultation with RACC Australia before lodging your application.
What Happens After a 462 Visa?
If your Work and Holiday visa is ending, your next option depends on your eligibility, visa history, study plans and long-term goals.
You cannot simply extend a subclass 462 visa. You must apply for another visa if you want to stay longer in Australia.
There are generally three common pathways after a 462 visa.
1. Apply for a Second or Third 462 Visa
You may be able to apply for another Work and Holiday visa if you completed the required specified subclass 462 work.
You may apply for:
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a second 462 visa after completing at least 3 months of specified subclass 462 work
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a third 462 visa after completing at least 6 months of specified subclass 462 work while holding your second 462 visa
You must still meet the age requirement, comply with your visa conditions, and meet all other eligibility requirements.
2. Apply for a Student Visa
If you want to study in Australia for more than 4 months, you may need to consider a Student visa subclass 500.
Common study options may include:
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English language courses
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diploma programs
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trade or hospitality qualifications
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bachelor degrees
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master degrees
If you complete eligible Australian study, you may later want to compare your options under the Temporary Graduate visa subclass 485.
Studying in Australia does not automatically lead to permanent residency, so it is important to choose a course that matches your background, goals and long-term visa strategy.
3. Explore Work or Skilled Visa Pathways
If your goal is longer-term work or permanent residency, you may need to explore other Australian visa options.
Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
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skilled migration pathways linked to the Australia occupation list
The best pathway depends on your occupation, English level, qualifications, work experience, employer options and visa history.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 462 Visa
What is a 462 visa?
A 462 visa is an Australian Work and Holiday visa that allows eligible young adults to holiday, work and study short-term in Australia for up to 12 months.
Are there different types of 462 visas?
Yes. There are three Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 options: first, second and third. A first 462 visa is for eligible first-time applicants. A second 462 visa generally requires at least 3 months of specified subclass 462 work. A third 462 visa generally requires at least 6 months of specified subclass 462 work while holding the second 462 visa.
How much does a 462 visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 costs AUD 840. A second or third Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 costs AUD 1,000. Other costs may apply, including health examinations, police certificates, biometrics, English tests or document translation.
Does Indonesia use a ballot for the 462 visa?
Yes. Home Affairs states that first Work and Holiday visa applications from Indonesian passport holders will be managed through a ballot. As of 20 August 2026, ballot registrations are expected to open later in 2026.
Do second and third 462 visas have country caps?
There's no country-specific cap on second or third visas — but as of 17 September 2026, there's a new national cap: 45,000 second-visa places and 5,000 third-visa places (allocated by ballot) a year, regardless of nationality. Country caps and ballots still apply separately to first visas for certain countries, including China, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
How long does a 462 visa take to process?
Processing times are not fixed and can change. Applicants should check the official Home Affairs Visa Processing Times Guide for current processing information before lodging or making travel plans.
How long can I stay on a 462 visa?
A first 462 visa usually allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
How much does a 462 visa cost in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 costs AUD840. A second or third Work and Holiday visa costs AUD1,000.
Can I work full-time on a 462 visa?
You can work in Australia on a 462 visa, but the visa is intended for holiday and short-term work. In most cases, you can only work for the same employer for up to 6 months unless an exemption applies.
Can I study on a 462 visa?
Yes. You can study for up to 4 months, or 17 weeks.
Can I apply for a 462 visa from inside Australia?
For a first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462, you must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is decided.
Can I apply for a second 462 visa?
Yes, if you meet the requirements, including completing at least 3 months of specified subclass 462 work.
What is 88 days work for a 462 visa?
The 88 days requirement refers to 3 months of specified subclass 462 work. It is commonly required for applicants who want to apply for a second 462 visa.
Can I get a third 462 visa?
You may be able to apply for a third 462 visa if you completed at least 6 months of specified subclass 462 work while holding your second 462 visa.
Is IELTS mandatory for a 462 visa?
Not always. Some applicants need to prove Functional English, but this can depend on nationality, education history or accepted English test evidence.
Is the 462 visa permanent?
No. The subclass 462 visa is temporary and does not directly lead to permanent residency.
Official Sources
This guide is based on official information from Australian Government sources, including:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is general information only and does not constitute migration, legal or education advice. Visa requirements can change. Applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs information or speak with a Registered Migration Agent before lodging an application.
Explore Your Next Visa Pathway
The Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) is a temporary visa. If you are planning to stay longer in Australia, it is important to understand your available pathways early.
Small careless mistakes may result in visa rejection. Book a FREE consultation with Registered Migration Agents will help you get the visa without any headaches.
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