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Thinking about a life-changing adventure in Australia, with the chance to fund your travels through short-term work? That’s exactly what the Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa offers for young travelers who want to explore Australia without just being tourists. This visa isn’t just a holiday pass; it’s a ticket to immerse yourself in Australian culture, explore the country’s diverse regions, and build new skills while supporting yourself financially.
The Subclass 417 Visa is designed for travelers between 18 and 30, or up to 35 if you’re from Canada, France, or Ireland. It gives you the chance to stay for 12 months, allowing multiple entries in and out of Australia. Besides traveling, this visa lets you work with any one employer for up to six months, with a study limit of up to four months.
If you’re keen to extend this incredible experience, a second Working Holiday Visa is available if you complete at least three months of “specified work” in regional areas. And as of July 1, 2019, a third Working Holiday Visa is up for grabs if you meet additional requirements.
Starting in 2022, Swiss citizens aged 18 to 30 can now apply for Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program through the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa. This visa lets young adults holiday in Australia for up to three years while they work to support themselves and gain valuable life experiences. Initially granted for 12 months, it’s renewable for two additional 12-month periods – enough time to see Australia from coast to coast.
The Subclass 417 and Subclass 462 visas both offer fantastic opportunities for young adults to travel and work across Australia, helping cover expenses while making unforgettable memories. Typically valid for a year, each visa can be extended, and recent updates have introduced new work options to qualify for extensions.
To earn the option for a second or even third Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need to complete “specified work” in regional Australia. This is work designated by the government to address labor shortages and contribute to the community. Here’s what you should know about specified work options:
👉 Flood Recovery Work
Eligible for work completed after December 31, 2021, in flood-affected regions in New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (QLD).
👉 Bushfire Recovery Work
Eligible for work undertaken after July 31, 2019, in areas affected by bushfires.
👉 Tourism and Hospitality
Recently expanded with new postcodes for eligible work locations in Queensland (4406, 4416, 4498) and Tasmania (7215).
Typically, three months of specified work qualifies you for a second Working Holiday Visa, while a six-month stint is required if you’re aiming for the third.
Depending on your visa type, there are specific kinds of work in regional areas to help meet the extension requirements:
For Subclass 417 Holders:
👉 Plant and Animal Cultivation: Opportunities across regional Australia.
👉 Fishing and Pearling: Work that keeps Australia’s seafood industry thriving.
👉 Tree Farming and Felling: Vital to Australia’s sustainable forestry efforts.
👉 Mining: The backbone of Australia’s natural resources industry.
👉 Construction: Essential for building infrastructure in remote areas.
For Subclass 462 Holders:
👉 Plant and Animal Cultivation: Primarily in Northern Australia and other specified regions.
👉 Fishing and Pearling: Limited to Northern Australia.
👉 Tree Farming and Felling: Only in Northern Australia.
👉 Tourism and Hospitality: Jobs available across Northern Australia.
👉 Construction: Open in both Northern Australia and other specified regional zones.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian government has also included healthcare and medical sector work in the specified work category. This update allows working holiday visa holders to work in these roles anywhere in Australia – not just in regional zones.
Eligible work in healthcare includes roles in medical treatment, nursing, contact tracing, testing, research, and support services like cleaning in medical facilities. However, general administrative roles and sales of personal protective equipment (PPE) don’t qualify.
Extending your Working Holiday Visa isn’t complicated, but it does take some planning. Here’s a quick guide to make sure you’re set up for success:
Secure Specified Work in Eligible Regions: Find specified work that aligns with your visa requirements. Rural job boards, online classifieds, and local networks can help you locate suitable employers.
Track Your Work Hours: Document every shift. Accurate records ensure you meet the minimum days needed for your second or third visa.
Submit Proof of Employment: Once you’ve finished the required work period, collect pay slips, letters of employment, or other proof as documentation for your visa extension application.
Apply for Extension: After meeting all requirements, submit your application for the next visa period – and get ready for more adventures Down Under!
If you’re considering a second or even third Working Holiday Visa in Australia, there’s a requirement to complete “specified work” in certain industries and regions. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure you’re well-prepared to meet these criteria.
To be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need to complete paid work in specific industries, including:
👉 Plant and Animal Cultivation: Work on farms or in nurseries, from fruit picking to other agricultural tasks.
👉 Fishing and Pearling: Involves labor within Australia’s fishing and pearling sectors.
👉 Tree Farming and Felling: Forestry-related work, including planting and managing trees.
👉 Mining: Positions in Australia’s mining industry.
👉 Construction: Working on construction sites across regional Australia.
Note: Only paid work counts toward this requirement—unpaid or voluntary work does not qualify.
To meet the “specified work” requirement, the length of time you work is just as important as the type of work. The work period is broken down as follows:
👉 For a second Working Holiday Visa, you must complete three months (88 calendar days) of specified work.
👉 For a third Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need six months (176 calendar days) of specified work.
The term “three months” doesn’t necessarily mean 12 straight weeks of work. Here’s how it’s calculated:
👉 Full-time work for three continuous months: This would generally mean working five days a week at the full-time rate for that industry. It could include piecework agreements if applicable.
👉 Part-time or Piecework: You can work fewer than five days a week, but your combined workdays must total the equivalent of five full-time days a week over three months.
👉 Spread Work Over Time: If you work part-time, this period could extend beyond three calendar months, provided it adds up to the three-month requirement.
👉 Public Holidays and Sick Days: Paid public holiday leave and paid sick days are counted as workdays.
👉 Unpaid Leave and Weather Interruptions: Any unpaid leave, seasonal delays, or unpaid days due to weather are not counted as part of the specified work period.
You’re also free to work for multiple employers to reach your required workdays, and you can work beyond the minimum requirement if desired. However, make sure each job is within “regional Australia” as defined by specific postcodes.
Once your specified work is complete, here’s a quick rundown of the application process to secure your second or third Working Holiday Visa:
👉 Submit Application to the Department of Home Affairs (DOHA): Lodge your application along with any supporting documents.
👉 Show Proof of Funds: You’ll need to show you have enough funds to support yourself at the beginning of your holiday stay.
👉 Health and Character Requirements: This might include health screenings, character references, or even proof of travel insurance.
👉 Enter Australia Within 12 Months: Once your visa is granted, you’ll need to enter Australia within 12 months to start your Working Holiday.
With its vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture, Australia is a premier choice for young travelers seeking adventure, professional experience, and cultural exchange. From the Great Barrier Reef to the outback and from Sydney to Tasmania, Australia’s diverse opportunities make it a top destination for working holiday travelers.
