How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) Australia
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
Last Updated: February 2026
Work, Travel, and Explore Abroad
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows young people to live, work, and travel in Australia legally while supporting their stay through short-term employment.
This visa suits travellers who want international experience, flexible work, and the option to extend their stay for up to three years through approved regional work.
What Is a Working Holiday Visa?
A Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is for young adults who want an extended holiday in Australia and the right to work to fund their stay.
This experience may also support future pathways such as a Student visa, Employer Sponsored visa, or Skilled Migration.
Available Streams
First Working Holiday Visa
Second Working Holiday Visa
Third Working Holiday Visa
Each additional visa requires completion of approved regional work.
Available Subclasses
Subclass 417 – Working Holiday visa
Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday visa
Both subclasses operate under Australia’s Working Holiday Program but apply to different passport countries.
What Can You Do With a WHV?
Your Rights on a Working Holiday Visa
Full-time work rights in Australia
Stay for 12 months per visa
Extend up to 3 years if regional work is completed
Gain Australian work experience
Option to apply for another visa later (such as a Student visa) from inside Australia
6-Month Employer Rule
You cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months unless an exemption applies.
You may work longer than 6 months with the same employer if:
You work at different locations for the same employer
You work in farming or animal cultivation
You work in disaster recovery
You work in a critical sector, including:
Health
Aged care
Childcare
Agriculture
Tourism
Hospitality
You work in certain industries in Northern Australia, including:
Fishing
Construction
Mining
Forestry
General Requirements
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa, you usually must:
Be 18–30 or 18–35 years old (depending on passport country)
Have at least AUD $5,000 in funds
Hold a valid passport
Have funds for onward or return travel
Meet basic health and character requirements
Eligible Countries and Age Limits
The age limit and visa type depend on your nationality.
Age Range | Typical Countries |
18–30 | Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, USA |
18–35 | United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada, Italy, Spain, Netherlands |
Country lists and age limits are set by the Australian Government and may change.
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Step 1 – Check Your Eligibility
Confirm your age, passport country, and basic requirements.
Step 2 – Choose the Correct Subclass
Subclass 417 or
Subclass 462
Your nationality determines which visa you can apply for.
Step 3 – Prepare Your Documents
Passport
Evidence of funds
Health and character documents (if required)
Step 4 – Lodge Your Online Application
Applications are submitted through the Australian Government’s visa system.
Step 5 – Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary by country and background checks.
Can You Extend Your WHV?
Yes. You may extend your stay if you complete approved regional work:
Visa Stage | Work Required |
Second WHV | 88 days of regional work |
Third WHV | 6 months of regional work |
This allows a total stay of up to 3 years.
Regional work must meet rules under Australia’s regional migration programs.
Common Jobs for WHV Holders
Farm and harvest work
Hospitality (cafes, hotels, restaurants)
Tourism and events
Aged care and support work
Construction and labouring
Regional resorts and hospitality
Eligible regional jobs are defined by the Australian Government under the Working Holiday Maker program. To check exactly what work counts towards your second and third year visa, see the official specified work lists for Subclass 417 and Subclass 462 on the Department of Home Affairs website.
Ready to Start Your Working Holiday?
The Working Holiday Visa offers flexibility, work experience, and global opportunities.
Contact RACC Australia for consultation and guidance on your WHV application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a Working Holiday Visa while outside Australia?
Yes. Your first Working Holiday Visa must usually be lodged while you are outside Australia.Second and third WHV applications may be lodged onshore if you meet the regional work requirements.
Can I study in Australia on a WHV?
Yes. You may study for up to 4 months on a Working Holiday Visa.If you plan to study longer, you must apply for a Student visa.
How long does a Working Holiday Visa take to process?
Processing times vary depending on your nationality, health checks, and background assessments.Some applications are finalised within days, while others may take several weeks.
Can I work more than one job on a WHV?
Yes. You may work for multiple employers, as long as you do not work for the same employer for more than 6 months, unless an exemption applies.
Is the Working Holiday Visa a pathway to permanent residence?
The WHV does not provide permanent residence, but many holders later transition to student, employer-sponsored, or skilled migration visas.
What happens if I do not complete my regional work?
If you fail to complete the required regional work, you cannot apply for a second or third WHV.
Can I leave and re-enter Australia on a WHV?
Yes. The WHV is a multiple-entry visa, allowing you to travel in and out of Australia during your visa period.
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