Independent advisory firm — not a government agency. Visas are decided only by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
Visa Overview
A plain summary of who the visa is for and what it allows, so visitors can tell quickly whether it applies to them.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Eligible passports (19) | Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom |
| Age | 18 to 30 at the time of application; up to 35 for Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea and the United Kingdom |
| Length of stay | Up to 12 months, with possible second and third visas |
| Work and study | Work in most jobs, generally up to 6 months with one employer; up to 4 months of study or training |
| Funds | About AUD 5,000 plus enough for a return or onward ticket |
| Government charge (first visa) | About AUD 840; second and third visas about AUD 1,000 — verify on Home Affairs |
| English test and caps | No English test for the 417; no country caps or ballot |
About this visa
The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) lets young adults from partner countries holiday in Australia for up to 12 months and work to help fund their stay. It is designed as a holiday visa with incidental work, not as a route to permanent residence, and it cannot be extended in the normal way. Eligible holders may apply for a second and third visa after meeting the specified-work requirement, unless they hold a UK passport.
Benefits of the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
What the 417 can offer, subject to being granted and following its conditions.
Travel and Work Together
Work in most jobs to fund your stay, while travelling around Australia.
Up to Three Visas
Eligible holders can stay up to 12 months on each of up to three visas after meeting the specified-work rules.
No English Test
The 417 has no English language requirement.
No Caps or Ballots
Unlike the 462, there is no annual cap or ballot for the 417.
Flexible Dates
Your 12 months starts when you first enter Australia, within a year of the grant.
UK Passport Advantage
UK passport holders applying from 1 July 2024 do not need specified work for second or third visas.
Key Requirements for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
Basic eligibility
- A valid passport from one of the 19 eligible countries.
- Age 18 to 30 at the time of application, or up to 35 for the ten countries with the higher limit.
- Applying for your first visa from outside Australia.
- Not travelling with dependent children.
- Having not held a 417 before, unless you are applying for a second or third visa.
Funds, health and character
- About AUD 5,000 in available funds, plus enough for a return or onward ticket.
- Meeting health requirements, with an examination only if requested.
- Meeting character requirements, with police certificates where requested.
- A genuine intention to holiday in Australia, with work as incidental.
Specified work for a second or third visa
- Second visa: at least 88 calendar days (three months) of specified work during your first visa.
- Third visa: at least 179 calendar days (six months) of specified work during your second visa.
- Specified work includes plant and animal cultivation, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, mining and construction, with location rules.
- UK passport holders applying on or after 1 July 2024 do not need specified work for second or third visas.
- Keep payslips, bank statements and employer letters as evidence.
Visa conditions to know
- Work generally for no more than six months with one employer.
- Study or training is generally limited to four months for each visa.
- Another visa granted while you hold the 417 can end your 417.
- Check the conditions printed on your own visa grant.
How the Working Holiday Visa Process Works
A general overview. Your actual steps depend on your passport and history, and timelines are not guaranteed.
- 1
Check your eligibility
Confirm your passport, age and previous Australian visa history.
- Check that your passport is on the list.
- Check your age on the day you apply.
- Confirm you are applying from outside Australia.
- Check any previous visas.
- 2
Prepare your funds and documents
Gather the evidence you will need.
- Show about AUD 5,000 plus a return or onward ticket.
- Have your passport and identity details ready.
- Prepare police certificates if likely to be requested.
- Check health requirements.
- 3
Lodge the online application
Apply online through your account with Home Affairs.
- Complete the forms accurately.
- Upload the documents requested.
- Pay the visa application charge.
- Keep a copy of everything you submit.
- 4
Health and character checks
Respond to any requests from Home Affairs.
- Attend a medical examination if asked.
- Provide police certificates if asked.
- Answer questions promptly.
- Wait for the decision.
- 5
Decision, travel and later visas
If granted, enter Australia within the time allowed and follow the conditions.
- Check the entry deadline on your grant.
- Keep records of any specified work.
- Plan for a second or third visa if you qualify.
- Apply for the next visa before the current one ends.
Typical Government Costs for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) (2026)
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| First Working Holiday visa charge | About AUD 840 | Reported figure after 1 July 2026 increases; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Second and third visa charge | About AUD 1,000 | Reported figure; confirm on Home Affairs. |
| Proof of funds (shown, not paid) | About AUD 5,000 | Plus a return or onward ticket. |
| Health examination and police certificates | Varies | Only if requested; paid to the providers. |
| Travel and health insurance | Varies | Not part of the visa charge; strongly recommended. |
Age limits and charges changed from 1 July 2026 and several sources disagree on the exact fee. Confirm current amounts on the Home Affairs website before applying.
Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)?
The 417 lets young adults from 19 partner countries holiday in Australia for up to 12 months and work to help fund their stay. It is a temporary holiday visa, not a route to permanent residence. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether it is granted.
Which passports are eligible?
The 417 is open to holders of passports from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. Your passport decides, not where you live.
Can UAE passport holders apply for the 417?
No. The visa is for passport holders of the listed countries only. Living in the UAE does not make you eligible. If you hold both a UAE and an eligible passport, you can apply with the eligible one.
I hold an Indian passport. Can I apply?
Not for the 417. India is covered by the separate Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), which uses a ballot and has its own requirements, including English. Ask us about the 462 and other options.
What are the age limits?
You must be 18 to 30 when you apply, or up to 35 if you hold a passport from Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea or the United Kingdom. Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea were raised to 35 from 1 July 2026.
Can I apply from the UAE?
Yes. You apply online from anywhere outside Australia for your first visa, including from the UAE. You cannot apply for your first Working Holiday visa while you are in Australia.
How much does the 417 cost?
Reported charges are about AUD 840 for a first visa and about AUD 1,000 for a second or third visa after 1 July 2026 increases. Flights, insurance and any medicals are extra. Confirm the current amounts with Home Affairs.
How much money do I need to show?
Plan on about AUD 5,000 in available funds plus enough for a return or onward ticket. You may be asked for evidence, so keep bank statements ready.
Do I need an English test?
No. The 417 has no English language requirement, unlike the 462.
Are there annual caps or ballots?
No. Country caps and ballots apply only to the 462. Applications for the 417 are open all year, subject to your eligibility.
What work can I do?
You can generally do most types of work, but you can usually work for the same employer for no more than six months. Check the conditions printed on your visa.
Can I study on a Working Holiday visa?
Yes, but study or training is generally limited to four months for each visa. Longer study needs a student visa.
Can I stay longer than 12 months?
Possibly. You may be able to apply for a second visa after 88 days of specified work and a third after 179 days, unless you hold a UK passport, which does not need specified work for a second or third visa from 1 July 2024.
What counts as specified work?
It includes plant and animal cultivation, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, mining and construction, with location rules. Two shifts in one day count as one day, and paid leave may count. Keep clear evidence.
Where must specified work be done?
Rules differ by industry, and some work counts only in regional or northern Australia. Check the postcode and industry rules before you start work, because work outside the rules may not count.
Do you find me a job or farm?
No. Visatrix Global is an advisory firm and not a recruitment agency. We explain the rules, and you arrange your own work.
Do I need health insurance?
It is not a visa condition, but it is strongly recommended. Some passport holders can use reciprocal health arrangements, which cover limited care. Check your own country's agreement.
Can my partner or children come with me?
You cannot bring dependent children on a 417. A partner can apply for their own visa if they are eligible, or you may consider other visas for the couple.
Can the 417 lead to permanent residence?
Not directly. It is a temporary holiday visa. Some holders later qualify for other visas, such as a skilled or employer-sponsored visa, but each has its own requirements.
How long does a decision take?
Home Affairs publishes processing times, and they vary. Times are not guaranteed, so apply well before you plan to travel.
Do I need a registered migration agent?
No, you can apply yourself. But if you pay anyone for immigration assistance on an Australian visa, Australian law requires that person to be a registered migration agent or a lawyer. Check any agent on the OMARA public register.
Can Visatrix Global guarantee my Working Holiday visa?
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether a visa is granted, and no consultant can guarantee approval or processing times. We help you understand the requirements and prepare accurate documents.
Related Advisory Services
Australia Visitor Visa and ETA Support
Guidance for short holidays.
Explore Australia Visitor Visa Advisory →Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
A route to PR if you later qualify.
Explore Subclass 189 Advisory →Check Your Working Holiday Visa Eligibility
Get a free conversation with our Dubai-based advisors about your passport, age and plans. We explain whether the 417 or another option fits your profile. No obligation.
Immigration regulations, eligibility criteria, occupation lists, points requirements, language requirements, fees and processing times are set by the Australian Government and are subject to change without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest requirements with the Department of Home Affairs before submitting any application.
Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm licensed in the UAE. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with the Australian Government or the Department of Home Affairs. We do not guarantee visa approval, invitations, points outcomes or processing times. Our services are limited to general information, eligibility assessment and document organisation; immigration assistance on Australian visa applications must come from a registered migration agent or a lawyer, which you can verify at the OMARA public register (omara.gov.au).
Content compiled October 2026; figures marked “about” or “reported” should be confirmed on the Department of Home Affairs website before you act.
Official sources to verify
- immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), eligible countries, specified work and the fee table.
- Home Affairs notice of Working Holiday Maker changes from 1 July 2026.
- Home Affairs page on the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), for passports not covered by the 417.
- omara.gov.au — to verify any migration agent named on the page.