Overview
The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa lets eligible young people (generally 18–30) from participating countries holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Eligible specified work can unlock second and third visas. It is the counterpart to the 417 for a different set of countries and usually has additional education, English and government-support requirements, with annual caps.
The 462 mirrors the 417 work-and-travel visa for a different group of countries — with a few extra hurdles: education, English and (often) a government-support letter, plus annual caps that can fill. Check your country’s rules early.
Who can apply (age, country and extra requirements)
You must hold an eligible 462 passport and be aged 18 to 30 when you apply. Unlike the 417, most 462 countries require a level of tertiary or secondary education, an English test result, and for some, a letter of support from your home government. Requirements and caps are set per country, so confirm exactly what applies to your nationality.
Stay, work and the 6-month rule
Each 462 lasts 12 months with broad work rights. The main condition is the 6-month limit with any one employer, which since 1 January 2024 has wide exemptions (different locations, plant and animal cultivation, and critical sectors such as agriculture, care, healthcare and hospitality). Study is capped at 4 months.
Second and third visas (specified work)
As with the 417, specified work unlocks the next visa: 3 months (88 days) during your first visa for a second, and 6 months during the second for a third. Keep thorough evidence of every eligible day worked.
Who is eligible
- Hold an eligible passport for the 462 program
- Be aged 18 to 30 at time of application
- Meet education and English requirements (varies by country)
- Provide any required letter of government support
- Have adequate funds and 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
- Check country-specific requirements. 462 requirements vary by country (education, English, government support letter, annual caps).
- Apply for the first visa. Apply online with the required evidence — before your country's annual cap fills.
- Plan specified work. Eligible work can unlock second and third Work and Holiday visas.
How it compares
| To get this visa | You first need |
|---|---|
| Second Work and Holiday (462) | 3 months (88 days) of eligible specified work |
| Third Work and Holiday (462) | 6 months of eligible specified work during your second visa |
Frequently asked questions
How is the 462 different from the 417?
They are equivalent youth work-and-holiday visas for different countries. The 462 usually adds education, English and sometimes a government-support-letter requirement, and may have annual caps that can fill during the year.
Can I extend the 462?
Yes. By completing the required eligible specified work — 3 months (88 days) for the second visa and 6 months for the third — you may be able to apply for a second and then third Work and Holiday visa.
What is the age limit for the 462?
Generally 18 to 30 at time of application. Check the official requirements for your country.
Can I work for the same employer for more than 6 months?
By default no — Work and 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.