417 vs 462 Visa: The Complete Guide for Working Holiday Visas!

If you're planning a working holiday in Australia, knowing the difference between the 417 vs 462 visa is essential. While both visas allow young adults to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months, they have different requirements depending on your passport, education, and English proficiency. This guide outlines everything you need to know before you apply, including costs, eligibility, and extension pathways.

Who Can Apply for the 417 and 462 Visas?

Before applying, it’s important to understand that eligibility for a 417 or 462 visa depends heavily on your country of passport. Choosing the right visa from the beginning will help avoid delays or rejections and ensure you meet the conditions for future visa extensions.

417 Visa Eligibility

• Age: 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for UK, Canada, France, Ireland)

• No education or English test required

• No government support letter needed

• Eligible countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Ireland, France, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan

462 Visa Eligibility

• Age: 18 to 30 (inclusive)

• Must have completed at least 2 years of post-secondary study

• Must meet functional English requirements (e.g. IELTS 4.5 or equivalent)

• Requires a government support letter (except US citizens)

• Applicants from China, India, and Vietnam must enter a pre-application ballot

• Eligible countries: Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam

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Visa Costs, Work Rights, and Stay Duration

Both the 417 and 462 visas offer similar benefits once granted:

• Cost: AUD 650 per application

• Stay period: 12 months

• Work limit: 6 months per employer

• Study limit: Up to 4 months

• Health insurance: Required

• You may apply for a second and third visa if you meet work eligibility

Be careful: if you're granted another visa (like an eVisitor) while holding a 417 or 462, your working holiday visa will automatically end.

How to Extend a 417 or 462 Visa

Both visas offer a pathway to a second and third visa, allowing up to three years in Australia if you meet specified work requirements.

417 Visa Extension Requirements

• Second visa: 3 months of specified work in regional Australia

• Third visa: 6 months of specified work in regional Australia

462 Visa Extension Requirements

• Second visa: 3 months of specified work in regional or northern Australia

• Third visa: 6 months of specified work in regional or northern Australia

Acceptable work includes sectors such as farming, fishing, construction, mining, tourism and hospitality (in approved areas), and disaster recovery work such as bushfire or flood clean-up. Accurate records, including payslips, bank statements, and daily work logs, are essential when applying for your second or third visa.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants unknowingly delay or risk refusal by making avoidable mistakes. Some of the most common issues include:

• Not checking if your passport country is eligible

• Missing the ballot window (for China, India, Vietnam)

• Submitting incorrect or incomplete evidence of specified work

• Booking travel before your visa is granted

• Applying with insufficient English evidence for 462

• Forgetting to declare correct current location during application

417 vs 462 Visa: Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	417 Visa	462 Visa
Age limit	18–30 (up to 35 for some countries)	18–30 (inclusive)
Education requirement	None	Yes – 2 years post-secondary
English requirement	None	Yes – functional English
Government support letter	Not required	Required (except USA)
Ballot process	Not required	Required for China, India, Vietnam
Extension work area	Regional Australia	Regional or northern Australia
Cost per visa	AUD 650	AUD 650

Ready to Apply for the 417 vs 462 Visa?

Choosing between the 417 and 462 visas may seem straightforward on paper, but country caps, ballot systems, and specified work rules can complicate the process. Whether you're applying for your first visa or preparing for a second or third stay, our 20 years migration experience can guide you with confidence. To avoid costly mistakes or delays, speak to us before you apply. Book your free consultation today!

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