Working holiday visa for Australia: 417 vs 462 explained

The short answer

Australia has two working holiday visas: the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). You don’t choose between them. Your passport decides which one you can apply for.

Both give you up to 12 months in Australia, let you do any kind of work, and let you study for up to 4 months. The big differences are the entry rules, annual limits on some countries, and which jobs count towards a second or third year.

What they have in common

• Up to 12 months in Australia, starting the day you first enter. You have to enter within 12 months of the visa being granted.
• You can leave and come back as many times as you like during those 12 months, but time spent overseas doesn’t extend the visa.
• You can do any kind of work, but usually only for the same employer for up to 6 months.
• You can study for up to 4 months (17 weeks).
• You apply on your own, with no dependent children, and your first visa must be applied for from outside Australia.
• You need enough money for your stay and your trip out. Home Affairs says this is usually about AUD 5,000 plus the fare to where you’re going next.

Where they differ

Second and third years

On either visa you can apply for a second year after 3 months (88 calendar days) of specified work, and a third year after 6 months (179 calendar days). Specified work means certain industries in certain areas, mostly farm and regional work.

The 462 list is narrower than the 417 list. For example, fishing and tree felling only count in northern Australia on a 462, and farm and construction work only count in northern Australia and other specified regional areas. Check the 462 page before you plan your route.

UK passport holders on a 417 who apply on or after 1 July 2024 don’t need to do specified work to get a second or third visa.

What it costs

At the time of writing the Home Affairs site lists the application charge for a first 417 or 462 visa at AUD 840 (with a lower charge for eligible Papua New Guinea passport holders on the 462 from 1 July 2026), and AUD 1,000 for a second 417. Third-visa charges and other country exceptions can differ, so check the current fee on the Home Affairs site before you pay.

You might also pay for health checks, police certificates and biometrics. Ballot countries pay an extra AUD 25 registration fee.

Check the official page

Always check the Department of Home Affairs for the latest rules before you apply. Visa settings, fees and country lists change, and this guide is general information, not migration advice.

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