Overview
The Subclass 417 Working Holiday visa lets eligible young people (generally 18–30, or up to 35 for some passports) from eligible countries holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Completing eligible specified work — often in regional Australia — can unlock second and third Working Holiday visas.
The 417 is the classic work-and-travel visa — up to 12 months in Australia, with the freedom to work as you go. The key planning point is specified work, which unlocks the second and third visas.
Who can apply (age and passport)
You must hold an eligible 417 passport and be aged 18 to 30 at the time you apply — up to 35 for several countries, so check the official list for your nationality. You can’t be accompanied by dependent children, and you need to show adequate funds to support yourself when you arrive. The first Working Holiday visa is usually applied for from outside Australia.
How long can you stay and work?
Each Working Holiday visa lasts 12 months, and you can generally work the whole time — the main rule is a 6-month limit with any one employer. Since 1 January 2024 there are broad exemptions (different locations, plant and animal cultivation, critical sectors like agriculture, care, healthcare and hospitality, and more) that let you stay longer with the same employer without asking the Department. Study is capped at 4 months.
Second and third-year visas (specified work)
This is where planning pays off. Completing 3 months (88 days) of eligible specified work during your first visa lets you apply for a second Working Holiday visa; 6 months during the second unlocks a third. Specified work covers eligible regional work and certain critical sectors — keep careful evidence (payslips, employer details, dates) as you go.
Who is eligible
- Hold an eligible passport for the 417 program
- Be aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for certain countries) at time of application
- Have adequate funds and no dependent children accompanying you
- Meet health and character requirements
Costs
Fees change with annual indexation. See the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
See the official global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Confirm passport eligibility. The 417 is for specific countries; others use the 462 Work and Holiday visa.
- Apply for the first visa. Apply online with evidence of funds; the first Working Holiday visa is usually applied for from outside Australia.
- Plan specified work. Eligible regional or critical-sector work can unlock a second or third Working Holiday visa.
How it compares
| To get this visa | You first need |
|---|---|
| Second Working Holiday (417) | 3 months (88 days) of eligible specified work |
| Third Working Holiday (417) | 6 months of eligible specified work during your second visa |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the 417 and 462 visas?
Both are youth work-and-holiday visas. The 417 (Working Holiday) and 462 (Work and Holiday) cover different countries, and the 462 historically has extra requirements such as education and English.
How do I get a second or third Working Holiday visa?
By completing the required period of eligible specified work during your earlier visa: 3 months (88 days) for the second, and 6 months for the third. Specified work includes eligible regional and certain critical-sector work.
What is the age limit?
Generally 18 to 30, but several countries have an age limit of 35. Check the official list for your passport.
Can I work for the same employer for more than 6 months?
By default no — Working Holiday visa holders are usually limited to 6 months with the same employer. From 1 January 2024 you can work longer with the same employer without asking the Department in several situations, including: working in different locations (including from home); plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia; natural disaster recovery work; and critical sectors anywhere in Australia such as agriculture and food processing, aged and disabled care, childcare, healthcare, and tourism and hospitality. In Northern Australia, you can also work longer than 6 months in fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction or mining. If your work does not fall within one of these exemptions, you must apply to the Department for permission before continuing beyond 6 months with the same employer.