The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) allows young people from eligible countries to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending for a second and third year.
This visa is part of a reciprocal arrangement between Australia and specific partner countries. It is designed to promote cultural exchange and closer ties between nations, while allowing visa holders to supplement their travel funds through short-term employment.
Visa holders can work for any employer, but are limited to six months with a single employer unless an exemption applies. Completing specified work in regional areas, such as agriculture, mining, or construction, may qualify you for second and third year extensions.
Who is this permit for?
This visa is for young adults from eligible countries who want to spend time in Australia, working to fund their travels, exploring different parts of the country, and experiencing Australian life without a long-term commitment.
You hold a passport from an eligible Working Holiday country (e.g., UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, and others)
You are aged 18 to 30 (inclusive) at the time of application, or 18 to 35 for some passport holders
You do not have dependent children accompanying you
You have sufficient funds to support yourself initially (approximately AUD 5,000)
You have not previously held a Subclass 417 visa (for first application)
You meet health and character requirements
Common reasons for rejection
Passport country not eligible: The Subclass 417 is only available to passport holders from specific countries with a bilateral working holiday arrangement with Australia. Applicants from ineligible countries, even those with other valid visa options, will be refused under this subclass.
Age limit exceeded: The standard age limit is 18 to 30 at the time of application. For some nationalities the upper limit is 35. Applying after the cutoff date, even one day past your birthday, results in automatic refusal. The age is assessed at the date of application, not at the date of travel.
Dependent children accompanying the applicant: The Subclass 417 does not allow dependent children to accompany the primary applicant. If you have children who will be accompanying you to Australia, this visa is not available and an alternative family visa pathway must be considered.
Insufficient funds: Applicants must demonstrate they have at least AUD 5,000 in accessible funds at the time of application. Providing bank statements that do not reflect this amount, or using funds that are not genuinely accessible, is a common reason for refusal.
Previous Subclass 417 held (for first application): A first Subclass 417 visa cannot be granted if you have previously held one. If you are applying for a second or third year, the extension pathway applies, and you must meet the specified regional work requirements.
Health or character requirements not met: All applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements. Depending on your nationality, health examinations or police clearances may be required as part of the application.
Application process
1. Eligibility Check
We verify your passport eligibility, age, and financial requirements to confirm you qualify for the Subclass 417 visa.
2. Application Preparation
We assist with compiling the required documents including passport, proof of funds, health insurance, and any prior visa history.
3. Online Lodgement
The application is submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount system.
4. Health and Character Checks
You may need to undergo a health examination and provide police clearances depending on your circumstances and country of passport.
5. Visa Grant
Once approved, the visa is electronically linked to your passport. You have 12 months from the date of grant to enter Australia.
6. Extension (if applicable)
If you complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia during your first year, you can apply for a second year. A further 6 months of specified work in the second year may qualify you for a third year.
Key considerations
You can only hold one Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) at a time, second and third year visas are separate grants.
The six-month employer limitation means you cannot work for the same employer for more than six months without permission.
Specified work for extensions must be in designated regional areas and in eligible industries such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, or construction.
You can study for up to four months on this visa.
Health insurance is strongly recommended for the duration of your stay.
The age cut-off for some nationalities has been extended to 35, check the current eligibility list for your country.
This visa does not lead directly to permanent residency, but time spent in Australia may contribute to future visa applications.
Costs
The Working Holiday visa has relatively straightforward costs. The main expense is the government visa application charge.
Government Visa Fee (First Year): AUD 840
Government Visa Fee (Second/Third Year): AUD 1,000
Health Examination (if required): AUD 300 - 400
Police Clearance (if required): AUD 50 - 200
Health Insurance: AUD 40 - 100/month
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
Government fees are subject to change. Health examination and police clearance requirements vary by nationality.
Processing timeframes
Working Holiday visa applications are generally processed quickly, particularly when all documentation is provided upfront.
Application to Decision: 14 - 45 days
Entry to Australia: Within 12 months of grant
Visa Duration: Up to 12 months per grant
Job offer requirements
A job offer is not required for the Working Holiday visa. The visa is designed to allow flexible employment arrangements during your stay.
Many Working Holiday visa holders find work in hospitality, agriculture, retail, and other sectors upon arrival. Regional work is particularly accessible and may qualify you for visa extensions.
New World Immigration can provide guidance on regional work opportunities and employer connections to help you make the most of your Working Holiday experience.
How to apply — step by step
1. Confirm your passport country is eligible
Check the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm your passport country has a bilateral working holiday arrangement with Australia for the Subclass 417. This list includes the UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea and others.
2. Confirm you meet the age requirement
You must be aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some nationalities) at the date of application. Confirm the current age limit for your specific passport country before applying.
3. Gather required documentation
Prepare your valid passport, evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements showing at least AUD 5,000), and any health or character documents required for your nationality.
4. Lodge the application online
Submit your application through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount. Most Subclass 417 applications can be lodged entirely online and are processed electronically.
5. Await processing and visa grant
Processing is typically fast, between 14 and 45 days. Once granted, the visa is electronically linked to your passport. You have 12 months from the grant date to enter Australia for the first time.
6. Complete 88 days of specified regional work (for second year)
If you wish to extend for a second year, complete 88 days of specified work in a designated regional area of Australia during your first visa year. Specified work includes agriculture, fishing, mining, construction and bushfire recovery.
7. Apply for second and third year extensions (if applicable)
After completing the required regional work, lodge a new application for a second year (and later third year) Subclass 417 visa. Keep records of all regional work, including employer details, dates, payslips and PAYG summaries.
Quick tips
Apply before your birthday if you are approaching the age limit, the age is assessed at the date of application submission, not the date of travel.
Organise your regional work strategically. Agriculture and horticulture are the most accessible sectors for first-time arrivals, with strong demand in Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia.
Keep meticulous records of your regional work, employer name, ABN, dates worked, total days and payslips. You will need all of this for the second year visa application.
The six-month employer limit applies unless you receive specific permission to continue. Track your time carefully and do not overstay with a single employer without confirmation of an exemption.
Health insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended. Australia has excellent public healthcare, but it may not cover all costs for visa holders who are not covered by Medicare.
You can study for up to four months on this visa. If you want to study for longer, you will need a separate student visa.
Once you have completed your regional work for the second year, apply for the extension before your current visa expires to avoid any gap in your lawful status.
Documents needed
Valid passport (from an eligible Subclass 417 country)
Evidence of sufficient funds (bank statements showing AUD 5,000+)
Health examination results (if required for your nationality)
Police clearances (if required for your nationality)
Evidence of regional work completion (for second and third year extensions): employer name, ABN, dates, payslips, PAYG summary
Statutory declaration from employer confirming regional work (if required)
Frequently asked questions
Which countries are eligible for the Subclass 417?
Eligible countries include the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and several others. The full list is maintained by the Department of Home Affairs.
Can I extend my Working Holiday visa?
Yes. If you complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia during your first year, you can apply for a second year visa. Completing a further 6 months of specified work during the second year may qualify you for a third year.
What is specified work?
Specified work includes plant and animal cultivation, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, mining, construction, and bushfire recovery work in designated regional areas.
Can I study on this visa?
Yes, you can study or train for up to four months during your visa validity period.
Is there an age limit?
You must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of application for most countries. Some countries, including Canada, France, and Ireland, have an extended age limit of 35.
Can I bring my partner?
Your partner cannot be included in your Working Holiday visa application. They would need to apply for their own visa independently.
Get expert help
If you're considering a Working Holiday in Australia, the next step is to confirm your eligibility and understand the application requirements.
Our team can guide you through the process and help you plan for extensions if you intend to stay beyond the initial 12 months.