Last Updated: 17 Aug 2026

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What is the Working Holiday Visa?

 

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 462 & 417) offers young individuals an incredible opportunity to experience life in Australia while working to support their travels. With its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming culture, Australia is a top destination for those looking to combine work and adventure.

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If you are between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 for Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, and UK), this visa allows you to stay and work in Australia for up to one year, offering the perfect balance of travel and employment.​

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Latest Working Holiday Visa Australia Updates 2026

As of August 2026, the Australian Government has announced several updates affecting the Working Holiday Maker program, including the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462).

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Applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs guidance before lodging an application, as country caps, ballot arrangements, visa charges and processing timeframes may change.

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Key Updates for Subclass 462 and Subclass 417

• The Department of Home Affairs is currently receiving a high volume of Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa applications. As a result, applications may take longer than usual to be finalised.

• From 1 July 2026, the visa application charge is AUD840 for a first Working Holiday Maker visa. The second and third Working Holiday Maker visa application charge is AUD1,000.

• Applicants should not book travel to Australia until they have received written confirmation that their visa has been granted.

• If applying from outside Australia, applicants must declare their current location correctly and remain outside Australia until a decision is made, unless Home Affairs states otherwise for the relevant visa stream.

• Visa condition 8547 generally limits Working Holiday Maker visa holders to a maximum period of 6 months’ work with any one employer, unless an exemption applies or written permission is granted.

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Subclass 462 Updates

For the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), country caps and ballot arrangements are important. China, India and Vietnam passport holders must participate in a visa pre-application process (ballot) and be randomly selected to apply for a first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.

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As agreed by the Australian and Indonesian Governments, the Indonesia Working Holiday Maker program will move to a ballot system, with the ballot anticipated to open later this year. Further details will be made available by Home Affairs once arrangements are finalised.

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Subclass 417 Updates

From 1 July 2026, passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa if they are 18 to 35 years of age (inclusive). Eligible applicants may lodge a Working Holiday visa application up to 11:59 pm (AEST) on the day before their 36th birthday.

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For other passport countries, age settings may differ depending on Australia’s bilateral arrangements.

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Working Holiday Visa 417 vs 462: Key Differences

The main difference between subclass 417 and subclass 462 is the passport you hold. Both visas are part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program, but they apply to different eligible passport countries and may have different requirements.​​​