Australia has two visas in its Working Holiday Maker programme: the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Both generally allow an initial stay of up to 12 months. Which one you can apply for depends primarily on your passport.

At a glance What it means for you
Initial stay Up to 12 months on your first working holiday visa.
Age Usually 18 to 30, with an upper age limit of 35 for certain subclass 417 passport holders.
Work Short-term work in Australia, generally limited to six months with one employer unless an exemption or permission applies.
Study Up to four months of study or training during your stay.

Which Australian working holiday visa can you apply for?

The subclasses offer similar opportunities, but the eligibility rules differ. The countries shown below are examples. Home Affairs publishes the full passport lists and current application status.

Working Holiday (subclass 417) Work and Holiday (subclass 462)
For passport holders from countries including the UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany and Japan. For passport holders from countries including the USA, India, China, Brazil, Indonesia and Thailand.
Applicants must generally be 18 to 30. For eligible passport countries, the upper limit is 35. Applicants must be aged 18 to 30, inclusive.
Standard age, passport, health, character and financial requirements apply. Additional education, English-language or government support requirements may apply. Some first-visa applications are subject to country caps or ballots.

A valid passport and the right age do not always mean you can apply immediately. Some subclass 462 applicants must first be selected through a ballot, and country-specific requirements may apply. If you hope to stay for a second or third year, check that your planned work will qualify as specified work.

Who is eligible for an Australian working holiday visa?

To qualify for a first working holiday visa, you will generally need to:

  • Hold a valid passport from a participating country and meet its age limit.
  • Have enough money to support yourself initially, usually around AUD 5,000, plus funds for travel out of Australia.
  • Meet the relevant health and character requirements.
  • Apply from outside Australia and not have previously entered Australia on a subclass 417 or 462 visa.
  • Travel without dependent children accompanying you during your stay.
  • Meet any additional requirements for your subclass and passport country.

A South African passport does not qualify for either working holiday subclass under the current participating-country lists. If you also hold another passport from an eligible country, that may change your options. If not, a different Australian visa may be more appropriate.

What can you do on an Australian working holiday visa?

Both subclasses let you travel around Australia, work to help fund your holiday and study for up to four months. You can work in different occupations, but you must follow your visa conditions.

The usual limit is six months with any one employer. Exemptions apply to certain work and circumstances, and you may be able to request permission to work longer where the rules allow. Check the conditions that apply before accepting a longer contract.

Can you stay for a second or third working holiday year?

You may qualify for a second and then a third working holiday visa, each offering a further stay of up to 12 months. For most applicants, a second visa requires three months of specified work. A third generally requires six months of specified work undertaken while holding the second visa. The type and location of the work must satisfy the rules for your subclass.

If you apply using a UK passport, you do not have to meet the specified-work requirement for a second or third subclass 417 visa under arrangements applying to applications lodged from 1 July 2024. You must still meet the other visa requirements, including the age limit.


A second or third year requires a separate visa application. It is not an automatic extension of your first visa.

How much does an Australian working holiday visa cost?

As of October 2026, the published Australian Government application charge is AUD 840 for a first subclass 417 or 462 visa and AUD 1,000 for a second or third visa. Concessions may apply to eligible subclass 462 applicants. Other costs, including health checks, police certificates and professional assistance, are additional.

Visa charges can change. Confirm the applicable fee with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

How do you apply?

01.

Check your passport, age and visa history to establish whether subclass 417 or 462 is the appropriate route.

02.

Confirm any additional conditions, including subclass 462 education, English, supporting-document, country-cap or ballot requirements.

03.

Prepare your passport details and supporting evidence, then lodge the appropriate application through ImmiAccount. First working holiday visa applications must be made from outside Australia.

04.

Monitor ImmiAccount for information requests, await the visa decision and review the conditions attached to your visa if it is granted.

How long does an Australian working holiday visa take to process?

The Department of Home Affairs currently expects average Working Holiday Maker processing times of around three months, but individual applications may take longer. Check its latest visa processing times and do not book flights or make firm work or study commitments before your visa is granted.

What if you want to stay in Australia longer?

A working holiday visa is a temporary route for travel with short-term work. It does not itself grant permanent residence. If your main goal is an ongoing career in Australia, employer sponsorship or a long-term move, it is worth checking whether you meet the requirements for a skilled or employer-sponsored visa instead.

How Sable International can help

The right visa is not always the one you searched for first. Our Australian migration team, led by Sam Hopwood, Director: Australia and Oceania Region, and a registered migration agent (MARN 1382205), can help you understand your eligibility, identify the appropriate subclass and prepare for your application. If a working holiday is not right for you, we can explore other Australian visa options.

Meet the team

  • Sam Hopwood: Director - Australia and Oceania regions
    Sam Hopwood
    Director: Australia and Oceania Region
  • Jamie-Lee Krumm
    Jamie-Lee Le Roux
    Australian Migration Manager
  • Nicole Bevie
    Senior Migration Administrator
  • Nicole Lawrence
    Nicole Lawrence
    Senior Migration Consultant
  • Hannah Wittels
    Senior Migration Administrator
  • Alison Lewis
    Senior Migration Administrator
  • Kelly-Ann Julies
    Migration Administrator
  • Kalcey Smith
    Migration Consultant
  • Allison Pick
    Migration Consultant
  • Jason Roper
    Registered Australian Migration Agent
  • David Penzhorn
    David Penzhorn
    Immigration consultant and caseworker
  • Tamara Thomas
    Registered Australian Migration Agent
  • Sam Hopwood
    Director: Australia and Oceania Region

    Sam is a registered migration agent and a member of the Migration Institute of Australia.

    Sam studied as an undergraduate at the University of Newcastle, NSW and later completed the postgraduate certificate in immigration law at Victorian University. He has worked in the area of Australian immigration law for 14 years and has helped thousands of people relocate to Australia.

  • Jamie-Lee Le Roux
    Australian Migration Manager

    After spending a number of years working in various retail, customer service and team leading positions, Jamie decided it was time for a change and applied for an administrative position at Sable international.

    Here she discovered a passion for helping individuals and families relocate to Australia and fast became part of the Migration team as a consultant, working with clients from the initial consulting stage right up to visa grant. She has since moved into a leadership role within the team and now works as the Australian Migration Manager, where she is hands on in ensuring a seamless and successful experience for every client.

    Outside of work, Jamie is a mom to twins and spends most of her time with family and close friends.

  • Nicole Bevie
    Senior Migration Administrator

    Nicole is a Senior Migration Administrator in Sable International's Australian Migration team, specialising in family reunification visas, including partner and parent visa applications. She works closely with clients throughout their migration journey, providing compassionate support and helping to ensure each application is managed smoothly and efficiently.

    Having studied Journalism at the University of Cape Town, Nicole brings strong communication and organisational skills to her role. Known for her kindness and genuine passion for helping others, she is continually expanding her migration expertise and developing her skillset with every case she handles.

    Outside of work, Nicole loves spending time with family and friends. She enjoys reading, going to the beach, and trying and tasting delicious food.

  • Nicole Lawrence
    Senior Migration Consultant

    Nicole is a Senior Migration Consultant in Sable International's Australian Migration team. She studied at the University of Cape Town, where she completed a Bachelor’s degree in Social Development and Sociology, as well as an Honours degree in Social Development. In her current role, she serves as a key point of contact for individuals and families pursuing Australian visa opportunities.

    With extensive experience managing complex migration matters, Nicole provides day-to-day support to visa applicants, guiding them through each stage of the process, from document preparation through to visa lodgement and outcome. She also works closely with Sable's OMARA Registered Migration Agents, providing technical and administrative support to ensure applications are prepared accurately and efficiently.

    Known for her approachable manner, attention to detail, and client-focused approach, Nicole is committed to helping clients navigate Australia's migration system with confidence. Whether assisting a skilled professional, supporting a family reunification application, or helping an individual take the next step in their migration journey, she strives to make the process as clear and stress-free as possible.

    In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, shooting pool, playing dominos and cheering on her favour soccer teams.

  • Hannah Wittels
    Senior Migration Administrator

    Born and raised in Cape Town, Hannah Wittels holds both an undergraduate degree and an Honours degree in Psychology from the University of Cape Town. Her academic background and ongoing volunteer work as a Lifeline tele-counsellor reflect her passion for understanding and helping people.

    Prior to her career in migration, Hannah worked for a non-profit organisation focused on teacher development and youth employment initiatives. Known for her approachable nature and strong people skills, she enjoys building connections with clients and colleagues alike.

    Outside of work, Hannah loves spending time with friends and family, exploring good food, enjoying movies, and being around animals.

  • Alison Lewis
    Senior Migration Administrator

    Alison is a Senior Migration Administrator in Sable International's Australian Migration team. After building valuable experience in the visa industry through roles at TLScontact and VFS Global, Alison joined Sable International's UK Immigration team, where she worked on a range of UK visa applications before transferring to the Australian Migration team in 2026.

    In her current role, Alison supports Sable's OMARA Registered Migration Agents, with a particular focus on employer-sponsored visa applications. Her strong industry background, attention to detail, and commitment to client service help ensure applications are managed efficiently and to a high standard.

    Alison studied at AFDA Cape Town, where she earned a Higher Certificate in Performing Arts. Known for her outgoing and approachable nature, she enjoys meeting new people and is always striving to grow both personally and professionally.

    Outside of work, Alison runs a side business providing makeup services for special occasions. She also enjoys baking and spending quality time with her friends and family.

  • Kelly-Ann Julies
    Migration Administrator

    Kelly-Ann is from the Southern Suburbs of Cape Town and holds an NQF Level 4 qualification in Transport and Logistics from the College of Cape Town. She gained valuable experience working at Worldwide Coordination, a logistics company that specializes in relocating customers' household goods from the United States to destinations around the world.

    Kelly-Ann is an adventurous spirit who loves the outdoors. She enjoys exploring new restaurants and binge-watching TV shows in her downtime. A fan of classical music, she is also a violinist who has performed with numerous orchestras.

  • Kalcey Smith
    Migration Consultant

    Kalcey is a Migration Consultant in Sable International's Australian Migration team, working closely with applicants and OMARA Registered Migration Agents on employer-sponsored and General Skilled Migration pathways. She works closely with individuals and families throughout the visa process, providing guidance, managing applications, and supporting clients as they pursue opportunities in Australia.

    Kalcey holds a Bachelor of Arts and BA Honours in Psychology from the University of the Western Cape. Before joining Sable International, she worked in the non-profit sector and as an Assistant Counsellor in the field of neurodiversity, developing strong communication skills and a people-centred approach that she brings to every client interaction.

    Known for her professionalism, empathy, and attention to detail, Kalcey is passionate about helping clients navigate Australia's migration system with confidence and clarity.

    A talented musician, Kalcey enjoys reading, outdoor activities, travelling, and exploring her interest in psychology. In her free time, she loves spending time with her family, friends, and beloved dog.

  • Allison Pick
    Migration Consultant

    Allison is a Migration Consultant in Sable International's Australian Migration team, working closely with applicants and OMARA Registered Migration Agents across a range of family and resident visa pathways. Her experience includes partner visas, parent visas, Resident Return Visas (RRVs), citizenship applications, and other family migration matters.

    Having spent several years living and working in South Korea and Taiwan, Allison brings valuable international experience and a broad perspective to her role. She is known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and commitment to helping clients navigate the migration process with confidence.

    Allison graduated from Helderberg College in Somerset West and combines her strong client service skills with a genuine passion for helping individuals and families achieve their migration goals.

    Outside of work, Allison enjoys travelling, spending time outdoors, and taking her dog for walks. She especially enjoys spending time with family and friends and exploring new places whenever she can.

  • Jason Roper
    Registered Australian Migration Agent

    Originally from the UK, Jason made the move to Australia in 2023 and now calls Melbourne home. In 2024, he completed a Graduate Diploma in Migration Law at Victoria University and successfully passed the Migration Agents Capstone Assessment.

    Before transitioning into migration services, Jason worked in the social housing sector in both the UK and Australia, where he supported vulnerable individuals at risk of homelessness—a role that shaped his compassionate, client-focused approach.

    Outside of work, Jason enjoys weekend getaways, exploring Melbourne’s vibrant food and coffee scene, and cheering on his beloved Arsenal FC.

  • David Penzhorn
    Immigration consultant and caseworker

    David has been with Sable International since 2010 and has built a long-standing career specialising in UK immigration and citizenship.

    He currently leads all UK applications for clients based in Australia and New Zealand, guiding individuals and families through complex pathways with clarity and confidence. With deep technical knowledge and extensive practical experience, he understands both the legal requirements and the real challenges of relocating abroad.

    Outside of work, David enjoys watching rugby and cricket with friends and family, lacing up his shoes to go for a run in the mornings, and considers himself an above-average home cook and stand-up comedian. His wife disagrees on the latter.

  • Tamara Thomas
    Registered Australian Migration Agent

    Born in Thailand, Tamara was issued with her first passport as a baby and flew to Australia at eight weeks of age. Her blended, multicultural family were somewhat nomadic, and they travelled extensively throughout Australia – living in a caravan – and also residing in the Philippines for a small period.

    Tamara obtained a Graduate Certificate in Australian Migration Law and Practice through the Australian National University in 2008. She has worked within the Australian migration advisory industry since 2006, in a mix of larger corporate and smaller boutique consultancies. She qualified as a Registered Migration Agent in 2009.

    She is a Melbourne local and lives in an inner-city location with her 10-year-old cat, Mia. In her free time, she enjoys visiting markets, dining out, seeing art and cultural exhibitions, weekends away and spending time with her partner, friends, and family.

Find out which Australian visa fits your plans

Tell us your passport country, age and what you would like to do in Australia. We will help you establish the next step.

Explore your visa options

You can also call +44 (0) 20 7759 5307 (UK) or +61 (0) 3 8651 4500 (Australia).

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