Australia is a sought-after holiday destination. The surf and adventure attract thousands of young travellers each year. If you are someone who wishes to explore Australia while having the opportunity to earn money and fund your travels, the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) could be perfect for you.
If you are wondering whether these visas are related, you are thinking in the right direction. And yes, they indeed are! Both the Working Holiday visa subclass 417 and the Work and Holiday Visa subclass 462 are designed to allow you to enjoy an extended vacation in Australia while also working to fund the same.
Two different visas to serve the same purpose; sounds tricky, right? It is so because, despite serving the exact same purpose, they apply to different countries, and hence, the eligibility criteria and Australian immigration rules that apply are slightly varied.
Here’s everything you need to know about these visa types, in simple terms.
Working Holiday Visa Australia Age Limit
Check this first — Are You Eligible by Age?
Generally, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30 to be eligible for working holiday visas, both 417 and 462. However, citizens of some countries may be eligible up to the age of 35.
Your Passport Matters Too.
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) are designed for different sets of countries. While subclass 417 is offered to citizens of the UK, Canada, Germany, and more, subclass 462, on the other hand, is available to nationals of countries like the USA, India, China, Argentina, and Vietnam.
Working Holiday Visa Australia Cost
Whether you are eligible for subclass 417 or 462, the application fee usually remains the same. Currently, the cost of these working holiday visas is AUD 670. This is a one-time fee that you must pay when applying online through the official Australian immigration website.
During the process, you might incur other potential costs like:
- Health checks (if required)
- Police certificates (if needed)
- Travel insurance
- Flight tickets
Although the working holiday visa cost is a one-time investment, you should be prepared for a few more expenses other than the visa itself along the way.
Australian Working Holiday Visa Rules
Let’s look over some important rules for the Australian working holiday visa that apply to both 417 and 462 visa subclasses:
- This visa permits a 12-month stay in Australia.
- You cannot include any family members or dependent children in your application.
- You are also liable to meet the health and character requirements.
- There are no restrictions on travelling to and from Australia while you are on a working holiday visa
- You can take up any work, but generally only for 6 months, and that too with the same employer.
- You can pursue studies, but only for up to 4 months.
There may be slight differences in requirements depending on your country of passport.
The work and holiday visa subclass 462 has some additional requirements apart from those mentioned above. The 462 visa holders need to:
- Extend evidence of post-secondary education.
- Provide proof of English proficiency.
- Mandatorily get a health cover to cover their stay.
- Depending on your country, you might also need to get a letter of support from your government.
Working Holiday Visa Australia Extension
The working holiday visa extension cannot be done. However, if you are eligible, you can apply for a second working holiday visa 417 or work and holiday visa 462.
To get a second 417 or 462 visa, you must:
- Complete 3 months of specified work in approved industries or areas in regional Australia while on your first visa. This work includes farm work, construction, mining, fishing, working in bushfire recovery zones, etc.
- Apply before your first visa expires or while holding another eligible visa.
Once approved, your second 417 or 462 visa gives you another 12 months in Australia.
Besides a second visa, there’s also an option to go further for a third working holiday or a work and holiday visa!
To be eligible for a third 417 or 462 visa:
- You must complete 6 months of specified work in regional areas while on your second visa.
- You must still comply with the age and country requirements.
All in all, you can stay in Australia for up to 3 years on working holiday visas, as long as you meet the work and time conditions for each step.
So, whether you’re on a 417 or 462 visa, you can work, travel, and extend your adventure in Australia for up to 3 years!
Take into Consideration
- These visas are popular and sometimes have limited spots (especially the 462).
- There’s a mandatory pre-application process (ballot) to be followed by the citizens of India, Vietnam, and China. This means, whether you can proceed to apply for the first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa will depend on whether you are randomly selected in the ballot.
- Keep records of your regional work, including payslips and employer letters. This will serve as an aid to your future applications and make them easier.
- Get health insurance for the length of your stay. Australia recommends it, and it’s helpful in case of unforeseen emergencies.
Conclusion
If you’re between 18 and 30, have a passport from an eligible country, and want to explore Australia while working along the way, the Working Holiday visa subclass 417 or Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 is a great choice.
This way, you get to see the country, meet new people, and even earn money for up to 3 years provided that you’re up for some regional work.
Need help with the process? Reach out to Asia Pacific Group, a team of registered migration agents in Australia. We have experienced experts who will streamline the process and simplify it for you.
