The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) is one of Australia's most popular visa programs, allowing young people from eligible countries to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months — with the option to extend for a second and even third year.
At a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18–30 (up to 35 for Canadian, French, and Irish citizens) |
| Duration | 12 months (extendable to 2nd and 3rd year) |
| Work | Full-time work permitted, max 6 months per employer |
| Study | Up to 4 months |
| Cost | AUD $640 (2026) |
| Multiple entries | Yes — enter and leave Australia as many times as you want |
Eligible Countries
Subclass 417 is available to passport holders from:
Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.
If your country isn't listed, check whether you're eligible for the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462), which covers different countries including the USA, Argentina, Chile, China, Indonesia, Thailand, and others.
Eligibility Requirements
- Age — 18–30 at the time of application (35 for Canadian, French, and Irish applicants)
- No dependent children — you must not be accompanied by dependent children
- Sufficient funds — approximately AUD $5,000 to support yourself initially, plus a return flight or funds for one
- Health and character — meet standard health and character requirements
- Not previously held a 417 visa — unless applying for a second or third year (see below)
The 6-Month Employer Rule
You can work full-time on a Working Holiday visa — there's no hourly limit like the student visa. However, you can only work for the same employer for a maximum of 6 months unless you apply for and receive permission to extend.
Exceptions exist for:
- Employers in regional Australia (may be granted 12-month permission)
- Aged care and disability care workers
- Agriculture workers in specified regions
Second and Third Year Extensions
This is one of the most attractive features of the 417 visa — you can potentially stay for up to three years in Australia.
Second Year Requirements
To apply for a second Working Holiday visa, you must complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia during your first year.
Third Year Requirements
To apply for a third Working Holiday visa, you must complete 179 days of specified work in regional Australia during your second year.
What Counts as "Specified Work"?
| Industry | Examples |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Fruit picking, pruning, harvesting, general farm work, dairy, livestock |
| Fishing and pearling | Commercial fishing, pearl farming |
| Tree farming and felling | Forestry, timber milling |
| Mining | Coal, gold, iron ore, oil and gas extraction |
| Construction | Building, renovation, civil construction |
| Bushfire recovery | Work in declared bushfire-affected areas |
| Flood recovery | Work in declared flood-affected areas |
Where Is "Regional Australia"?
For the purpose of specified work, regional Australia includes all of Australia except:
- Sydney metropolitan area
- Melbourne metropolitan area
- Brisbane metropolitan area
- Perth metropolitan area
- Gold Coast
The Department provides a postcode lookup tool to confirm whether a specific location qualifies.
Tax and Superannuation
Working Holiday Maker Tax Rate
Working Holiday visa holders have a specific tax rate:
| Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $45,000 | 15% |
| $45,001 – $120,000 | 32.5% |
| $120,001 – $180,000 | 37% |
| $180,001+ | 45% |
This is different from the standard Australian tax rates. Your employer should register as a Working Holiday Maker employer with the ATO.
Superannuation
You'll accumulate superannuation (retirement savings) from your employment. When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your super back through a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) — though a departure tax of 65% applies.
Practical Tips
- Apply before you travel — you must apply from outside Australia and be outside Australia when the visa is granted
- Get your TFN immediately — apply for a Tax File Number as soon as you arrive to avoid being taxed at the highest rate
- Document your regional work — keep payslips, employment contracts, bank statements, and ABN records. You'll need these to prove your 88 or 179 days of specified work
- Use the Harvest Trail — the Harvest Trail Information Service lists seasonal work opportunities by region
- Budget for your first 2 weeks — job hunting takes time, even in high-demand areas
- Don't work cash-in-hand — undocumented work doesn't count toward specified work days and may expose you to exploitation
Official Resources
- Working Holiday visa 417 — Home Affairs
- Specified work and regional postcodes
- Harvest Trail — seasonal work
- ATO — Working Holiday Maker tax rates
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Always verify with the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration agent.