The 462 visa Australia is the Work and Holiday visa. It lets young adults aged 18 to 30 spend up to 12 months in Australia, travel around and take on work to help pay for the trip. You can only apply if you hold a passport from an eligible country, and you cannot bring dependent children with you.
Many travellers mix it up with the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417). The two are close cousins, but they cover different passport countries and have different rules.
This guide explains who can apply, what the first, second and third visas cost, how long you may wait, and what to know before you book a flight.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Fees, ballots and processing times can change, so confirm them on the Home Affairs website before you apply.
In This Guide
- What Is the 462 Visa Australia?
- 462 Visa Australia Eligibility
- 462 Visa Australia Ballot for China, India and Vietnam
- First, Second and Third 462 Visa Australia
- 462 Visa Australia Cost
- 462 Visa Australia Processing Time
- How to Apply for the 462 Visa Australia
- 462 Visa Australia Documents to Prepare
- Work and Study Rules on the 462 Visa Australia
- 462 Visa Australia vs 417 Visa
- Common 462 Visa Australia Mistakes
- 462 Visa Australia: Frequently Asked Questions
- Get Help With Your 462 Visa Australia Application
- Disclaimer
What Is the 462 Visa Australia?
Subclass 462 is a temporary visa for young adults who want a long holiday in Australia. The idea is simple: you travel, and you work along the way to fund it.
Each visa lets you stay for 12 months. If you qualify, you can apply for a second and then a third 462 visa, which means up to three years in total.
You can take almost any kind of job while you are here. That makes the visa popular with travellers who want to move between cities, regional towns and farms.
462 Visa Australia Eligibility
The basic rules for a first visa are short:
- You must be between 18 and 30 years old, including both ages.
- You must hold a passport from an eligible country.
- You must not be travelling with dependent children.
- You must meet the health and character requirements.
Eligible countries are set by agreements between Australia and each partner country. The list can change, so check the Home Affairs country page rather than relying on an old blog post.
Some nationalities face extra steps. Depending on your passport, you may need to show tertiary education, a certain level of English, or a letter of support from your home government. These extras vary by country, so read the page for your own passport.
462 Visa Australia Ballot for China, India and Vietnam
If you hold a passport from China, India or Vietnam, there is one more step before you can apply for a first 462 visa. You must take part in a pre-application process and be picked at random in a ballot.
Being selected does not grant you the visa. It only gives you the chance to lodge an application. Read the Home Affairs page on the pre-application process for dates and instructions.
First, Second and Third 462 Visa Australia
The program runs in three stages. Each one has its own rules.
First 462 visa Australia
You must apply online from outside Australia. Once you are here, you can work. If you meet the rules, you can apply for a second visa later.
Second 462 visa Australia
This is for people who hold, or have held, a first 462 visa. You must have completed three months of specified subclass 462 work. If you apply from inside Australia, you need to hold a substantive visa, or your last substantive visa must have ended less than 28 days ago.
Third 462 visa Australia
This is for people who hold, or have held, a second 462 visa. You must have completed six months of specified subclass 462 work. The same in-Australia visa rule applies.
“Specified work” means work in certain industries and regions that Home Affairs lists. Check the current list before you start a job, because only approved work counts.
462 Visa Australia Cost
462 visa Australia application charges
| Visa | Cost (AUD) | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| First 462 | 840 | 12 months |
| Second 462 | 1,000 | 12 months |
| Third 462 | 1,000 | 12 months |
From 1 July 2026, a lower charge applies to eligible Papua New Guinea passport holders who lodge a valid first, second or third 462 application.
Other costs may apply, such as health checks and police certificates. The Visa Pricing Estimator on the Home Affairs website does not include these, so budget for them separately.
462 Visa Australia Processing Time
Home Affairs says it is bringing processing times back to normal for most Work and Holiday applications. The average is expected to be around three months.
That is an average, not a promise. The department also offers a processing time guide tool that shows how long recently decided applications took.
Here is the most important advice: do not book flights or make travel, work or study plans until your visa is granted.
How to Apply for the 462 Visa Australia
- Check your passport. Make sure your country is on the current list.
- Check the extras for your country. Look for any education, English or support letter rules.
- Enter the ballot if needed. This applies to China, India and Vietnam passport holders applying for a first visa.
- Gather your documents. Scan them clearly before you start the online form.
- Apply online from outside Australia. This is required for a first 462 visa.
- Pay the correct charge. Check the fee on the day you lodge.
- Complete any health and character steps. Respond quickly if the department asks for more.
- Wait for the grant. Book flights only after you receive the visa.
462 Visa Australia Documents to Prepare
The list depends on your country, but most people should be ready with:
- a valid passport from an eligible country,
- proof of your age, such as a birth certificate if asked,
- evidence of education or English level, if your country requires it,
- a letter of support from your government, if your country requires it,
- police certificates and health information, if requested, and
- for a second or third visa, proof of your specified work, such as payslips or employer letters.
Documents that are not in English may need translating. Always follow the checklist Home Affairs shows for your own situation.
Work and Study Rules on the 462 Visa Australia
You can do most kinds of work on the 462 visa Australia, but there are a few limits to know.
- Six months per employer. You can generally work for one employer for up to six months. Some work is exempt, and you can ask for permission to stay longer in certain cases.
- Four months of study. You can study or train for up to four months on each visa.
- Workplace rights. You have the same workplace rights as any other worker in Australia.
Check your own visa conditions in VEVO, since these rules can be updated.
462 Visa Australia vs 417 Visa
Comparison of the 462 and 417 visas
| Feature | 462 visa Australia | 417 visa |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Work and Holiday | Working Holiday |
| Who it is for | Passport holders from 462 countries | Passport holders from 417 countries |
| Extra requirements | May include education, English or a support letter | Different rules, check your country |
| Stay per visa | 12 months | 12 months |
Your passport decides which one you use. If you want to read about the other option, see our 417 visa guide.
Common 462 Visa Australia Mistakes
- Booking flights too early. Wait for the grant.
- Using an outdated country list. Always check the official page.
- Missing the ballot. China, India and Vietnam applicants need to be selected first.
- Applying from inside Australia for a first visa. A first 462 must be lodged from outside.
- Doing work that does not count. Only approved specified work counts for a second or third visa.
- Losing proof of work. Keep payslips and employer letters safe.
- Letting the visa lapse. If you apply from inside Australia for another visa, stay within the allowed window.
462 Visa Australia: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 462 visa Australia?
It is the Work and Holiday visa. It lets people aged 18 to 30 from eligible countries holiday in Australia for 12 months and work to fund their trip.
How old do I need to be for the 462 visa Australia?
You must be between 18 and 30, including both ages.
How much does the 462 visa Australia cost?
A first visa costs A$840. A second or third visa costs A$1,000 each. A lower charge applies to eligible Papua New Guinea passport holders from 1 July 2026.
How long does the 462 visa Australia take?
The department expects an average of around three months for most applications. Use the processing time guide tool for an indication, and do not book travel until you have the visa.
Can I apply for the 462 visa Australia from inside Australia?
A first visa must be lodged online from outside Australia. For a second or third visa, you need to meet the extra rules, including holding a substantive visa or having had one end less than 28 days ago.
Can I bring my children?
No. You must not be accompanied by dependent children.
Do I need to enter a ballot?
Only if you hold a passport from China, India or Vietnam and want a first 462 visa.
How much specified work do I need?
You need three months for a second visa and six months for a third visa. The work must be in approved industries and regions.
Can I work for any employer?
Yes, in most jobs. You can generally work for one employer for up to six months, unless an exemption applies.
Can I study on the 462 visa Australia?
Yes, but only for up to four months on each visa.
Can I stay longer than three years?
Not on this visa. A third 462 is the last one in the program, so you would need a different visa to stay on.
Get Help With Your 462 Visa Australia Application
The rules depend heavily on your passport. If you are unsure about your country’s requirements, the ballot, or whether your work counts as specified work, a registered migration agent can look at your case before you apply.
Disclaimer
Important: This article provides general information only. Visa requirements, charges, ballots and processing times change, and your eligibility depends on your passport and personal circumstances. Always check the latest information on the official Department of Home Affairs website before you apply. For advice about your situation, consider speaking with a registered migration agent or qualified legal professional.
