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Working Holiday Visa

Q: 02 When does the 12-month visa validity start?

There are two different 12-month periods:After your visa is granted, you have 12 months to make your first entry into Australia. If you do not enter within this period, the visa will expire and must be re-applied for.The 12-month maximum stay begins on the day of your first entry into Australia.

Q: 05 Can I enter Australia on a Visitor Visa while my Working Holiday Visa is still being processed?

The first Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa can only be applied for offshore and can only be granted while you are outside Australia. Entering Australia on a Visitor Visa during processing may result in the Working Holiday Visa not being granted.The second and third Working Holiday Visa can be applied for either offshore or onshore. What matters is that you are in the same location (inside or outside Australia) at the time of decision as you were at the time of application.

Work and Travel in Australia – live, work and explore Australia.

AUSTRALIAN WORKING HOLIDAY VISAS –
An overview

Two visa types – one idea, different requirements

The Working Holiday Visa gives young people the opportunity to travel and work in Australia for up to one year – a unique combination of adventure and professional experience. Depending on your nationality, either the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) or the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) may apply. We help you choose the correct visa and prepare your application properly.

During your stay, you can work in various industries to fund your travels, gain valuable international experience and discover Australia’s incredible diversity – from bustling cities to remote national parks.

Two Work & Travel streams:

The concept is the same, but the requirements differ slightly: for subclass 462, an English language test and educational evidence are generally required.

A year full of possibilities – and the option to extend

While casual or seasonal work – for example in hospitality, tourism or agriculture – is popular among Work & Travel participants, the work rights under the Working Holiday Visa are not restricted to specific industries or roles. Whether you want to add valuable international experience to your CV, improve your English skills or simply experience the Australian lifestyle, the Working Holiday Program is an ideal entry point for young and open-minded travellers.

Work limitation: maximum 6 months per employer

With a Working Holiday Visa, you can generally work for the same employer for up to six months. This ensures the program focuses on cultural exchange and is not used for long-term employment. There are exceptions for certain industries and regions. In some cases, this period may be extended.

“Specified Work” for a second or third visa

If you complete a required period of “specified work” during your Working Holiday stay, you may apply for a second or third Working Holiday Visa and extend your Work & Travel experience in Australia. Eligible work is generally located in regional areas and includes sectors such as agriculture, forestry, construction, mining or tourism.

For the second visa, at least three months (88 days) of eligible work are required.
For the third visa, at least six months (179 days) of eligible work are required.

What matters is that your work can be clearly evidenced – for example through payslips, tax documents or written employer confirmations.

Comparison of visa requirements

Professional support

Do you need help with your Working Holiday Visa?

We’re here to support you. Book a consultation with one of our experienced Migration Agents, who will assess your individual circumstances, answer your questions, and develop a tailored strategy.

ALTERNATIVES TO THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

There are many reasons why someone may not be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa. But what alternatives exist? This depends primarily on your goals.

If your main intention is to travel Australia and you do not plan to work, a Visitor Visa is an option.
The eVisitor and ETA (subclass 651) allow stays of up to three months.
The long-stay Visitor Visa (subclass 600) can allow stays of up to 12 months at a time.

The advantage: there are no restrictions regarding age or nationality.
The limitation: these visas do not include any work rights in Australia.

If you want to stay longer in Australia and would like to work while here, a Student Visa may be an option. This does not necessarily require an expensive university degree. A vocational qualification or language course in Australia can also make you eligible.

Advantage of the Student Visa: it includes limited work rights. This allows you to study English and work part-time, experience everyday life in Australia more deeply and use your English in real-life situations.

PROFESSIONAL SUPPORT WITH VISAPATH

Complex cases require clear guidance – whether involving character concerns, previous offences or other questions.
Our experienced Migration Agents assess your situation, evaluate risks realistically and develop a strategy to give your application the best possible chance of success.

Working Holiday Visa - FAQS

FAQS

01 Can I still enter Australia if I have already turned 31?

Yes – the relevant age is your age at the time of application, not at the time of entry. If you lodge your application before your 31st birthday and the visa is granted afterwards (regardless of whether before or after your birthday), you may still enter Australia after turning 31 as long as it is within the visa’s validity period.

02 When does the 12-month visa validity start?

There are two different 12-month periods:

After your visa is granted, you have 12 months to make your first entry into Australia. If you do not enter within this period, the visa will expire and must be re-applied for.
The 12-month maximum stay begins on the day of your first entry into Australia.

03 Can I work as a self-employed person on a Working Holiday Visa?

Yes. With a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa, self-employment is permitted – for example as a freelancer or contractor. The key is that you must not work for the same client or employer for longer than six months. In addition to a TFN (Tax File Number), you will also need an ABN (Australian Business Number) for self-employment.

04 Can my family accompany me on a Working Holiday Visa?

Family members cannot be included in a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa.
A partner may apply for their own Working Holiday Visa (if eligible) or another visa such as a Visitor Visa.

Children, however, cannot travel under this visa under any circumstances – even if they hold a different visa themselves. The Working Holiday Visa is intended for individual travellers without children.

05 Can I enter Australia on a Visitor Visa while my Working Holiday Visa is still being processed?

The first Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa can only be applied for offshore and can only be granted while you are outside Australia. Entering Australia on a Visitor Visa during processing may result in the Working Holiday Visa not being granted.

The second and third Working Holiday Visa can be applied for either offshore or onshore. What matters is that you are in the same location (inside or outside Australia) at the time of decision as you were at the time of application.