Working Holiday Visa Australia
Everything you need to know about getting, using and extending your Australian Working Holiday Visa — from application to your third year.
What Is the Working Holiday Visa?
The Australian Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a temporary visa that allows young people from eligible countries to live, work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s one of the most popular visas in the world — over 200,000 are granted each year — and it’s the foundation of Australia’s backpacker economy.
There are two types of Working Holiday Visa in Australia:
Subclass 417 — Working Holiday
The most common WHV. Available to citizens of 19 specific countries including the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and more.
- Age: 18–30 (35 for Canada, France, Ireland, UK)
- Can be extended to Year 2 and Year 3
- Apply online via ImmiAccount
- Cost: AUD $635 (2025)
Subclass 462 — Work and Holiday
Available to citizens of countries that have a bilateral agreement with Australia — USA, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Brazil, Argentina and others.
- Age: 18–30
- May require a letter of support from your government
- Annual quota limits apply for some countries
- Cost: AUD $635 (2025)
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for either WHV subclass, you generally need to:
Age Requirement
Be between 18–30 years old when applying. Some countries extend to 35.
Passport
Hold a valid passport from an eligible country at the time of application.
Health & Character
Meet health and character requirements. No serious criminal convictions.
Funds
Demonstrate you have sufficient funds (typically AUD $5,000+) to support yourself initially.
Eligible Countries — Subclass 417
How to Apply — Step by Step
The application is entirely online and usually takes 1–4 weeks to process. Most applicants receive their visa within a few days.
Create an ImmiAccount
Go to immi.gov.au and create an ImmiAccount. This is the official Australian Government immigration portal.
Complete the Online Application
Fill in the application form — personal details, passport info, health and character declarations. Allow 30–60 minutes.
Pay the Visa Fee
Pay AUD $635 (2025 rate) by credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable even if your application is refused.
Health Check (if required)
Some applicants may be asked to complete a medical examination. You’ll be notified via ImmiAccount if this applies to you.
Receive Your Visa Grant
Most visas are granted within 24 hours to 2 weeks. You’ll receive an email with your visa grant letter. The visa is electronic — no sticker needed.
Enter Australia Within 12 Months
You must enter Australia within 12 months of the visa grant date. Your 12-month stay begins from your first entry date.
What Can You Do on a Working Holiday Visa?
| Activity | Subclass 417 | Subclass 462 |
|---|---|---|
| Work in Australia | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Work for one employer (max 6 months) | ✓ 6 months | ✓ 6 months |
| Study (max 4 months) | ✓ 4 months | ✓ 4 months |
| Travel freely within Australia | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Work any job type | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Extend to Year 2 | ✓ With 88 days | ✓ With 88 days |
| Extend to Year 3 | ✓ With 179 days | ✓ With 179 days |
| Bring a partner | ✗ Separate visa | ✗ Separate visa |
| Work for same employer beyond 6 months | ✗ Need employer approval | ✗ Need employer approval |
Extending Your Visa — Year 2 & Year 3
One of the biggest reasons backpackers choose Cairns is its proximity to the farm work needed for Year 2 and Year 3 extensions.
Year 2 Extension — 88 Days Regional Work
To get a second-year WHV (another 12 months), you must complete 88 days (3 months) of specified regional work during your first year. The most common options near Cairns:
- Fruit picking and farm work on the Atherton Tablelands (Mareeba, Atherton, Malanda)
- Agricultural work in Innisfail (bananas, sugar cane)
- Mining, fishing or construction work in regional Queensland
- Bushfire recovery work in eligible postcodes
Year 3 Extension — 179 Days Regional Work
A third-year extension requires 179 days (6 months) of specified work in a designated regional area. The same types of work qualify as for Year 2. You must also have completed your Year 2 extension first.
Second WHV Application Cost
The second and third-year visas cost the same as the first — AUD $635 each. Apply online through ImmiAccount before your current visa expires. You can apply while still in Australia.
Why Cairns is the Best WHV Base
Cairns is perfectly positioned for Working Holiday Visa holders. Here’s why thousands of backpackers choose it every year:
88 Days on Your Doorstep
The Atherton Tablelands is 1.5 hours from Cairns — one of Australia’s most accessible farm work regions. Many backpackers earn money in Cairns, do their 88 days on the Tablelands, then come back.
Jobs Year-Round
Cairns has a tourism economy that never stops. Hospitality, dive boats, tour companies and resorts hire WHV holders constantly. No Australian experience required for many roles.
Adventures Between Shifts
The Great Barrier Reef, Daintree Rainforest and dozens of day trips are right there. Most backpackers split time between working and exploring.
Backpacker Community
Cairns has one of Australia’s largest backpacker communities. Making friends, finding work and getting advice is easy compared to bigger cities.
Lower Cost of Living
Compared to Sydney or Melbourne, Cairns is significantly cheaper. Hostel beds from AUD $28/night, groceries at Woolworths from AUD $60/week.
Year-Round Sun
Tropical climate means no depressing winters to sit out. Even the wet season (Nov–Apr) is warm, just wetter in the afternoons.
Working Holiday Visa FAQ
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