Work and Travel to Australia with a Working Holiday visa

Combining work and travel has long been a popular option for visitors exploring Australia. Not only can a temporary job help fund your trip, it also expands your experience abroad.

In March 2023, more than 130,000 travellers were using an Australian Working Holiday visa to travel the country, according to the Department of Home Affairs.

Nationals from the UK, France, Ireland, Italy, and South Korea make up the greatest number of work and travel visa-holders. Nonetheless, Working Holiday visas for Australia are open to citizens of many countries.

In this post, you will find details on different types of visas which allow you to work as you travel in Australia, as well as who can apply, and what you’ll need.

Australian work and holidays: available visas

The type of visa you need will vary depending on your nationality, and your travel plans.

Here are the details of the most popular visas that allow you to work and travel in Australia.

Subclass 417 Australia Working Holiday visa

With a Subclass 417 visa, you can work and travel for up to 12 months, without having to apply for an Australian work visa. It permits part, or full-time work for a maximum of 6 months during your trip. You can also study a course for up to 4 months.

It’s a multiple entry visa, meaning you can travel in and out of the country during the 1-year validity period.

Want to stay for longer? Take up work in an approved sector, such as plant and animal cultivation, bushfire recovery, or construction to apply to extend your time in Australia.

Work for 3 months or more in an approved industry during your first year to apply for a 12-month extension. Continue your work for another 6 months, and apply to stay for a third year. These extensions are known as Second and Third Working Holiday visas.

Who’s eligible for the Subclass 417 visa?

The Subclass 417 visa is open to citizens of the following countries:

You must be aged between 18 and 30 to apply. You also need a valid passport and at least AUD 5,000, or equivalent in your home currency, to cover costs during your stay.

To apply, visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. It costs AUD 635 to get a Subclass 417 visa.

Working holiday: Subclass 462 visa for Australia

The Work and Holiday visa for Australia (Subclass 462) allows you to stay for 1 year, with the option to extend for a further 2 years. You’ll be able to study for up to 4 months, or take up a full or part-time job for 6 months.

To extend your Subclass 462 visa, choose a job in an approved industry and get at least 3 months' work experience during your first year. To apply for a Third Work and Holiday visa, you’ll need to do at least 6 months work in your second year.

The Subclass 462 visa is multiple-entry, so you’ll be able to travel in and out of the country as often as you like.

Who can apply for the Subclass 462 visa?

Much like the Subclass 417 visa, the Subclass 462 visa is only open to applicants aged between 18 and 30.

However, the eligible nationalities are different. You can apply for a Subclass 462 visa if you hold a passport from:

(/*)You need to get a letter of support from your government to apply

To qualify, you must have a university or tertiary diploma level of education. A functional level of English is also required. You’ll be asked for a bank statement to show you have sufficient funds to cover your trip — at least AUD 5,000.

If you’re eligible, make your Subclass 462 visa application on the Department of Home Affairs website. You’ll need to pay the visa fee — AUD 635.

Study and volunteer: other types of visas for your trip to Australia

Planning to study, or do unpaid voluntary work during your time in Australia? You can apply for an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), or eVisitor visa.

Find out which visa best suits your personal circumstances and travel plans.

ETA Visa Subclass 601 for unpaid work and travel

Travellers from certain countries are eligible to apply for an ETA, also known as visa Subclass 601. It permits multiple visits to Australia over 12 months. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days on each trip.

It’s designed for tourism, but you can also study or do unpaid workduring your stay.

There’s no age limit for the ETA — all ages can apply. You will not need to give details of your finances when making your application.

Check if your nationality is eligible for an ETA.

eVisitor visa Subclass 651 for travel, studying and volunteering

The eVisitor visa, also known as the Subclass 651 visa, allows you to visit Australia for tourism with short-term study, or voluntary work.

It’s valid for 12 months, and permits multiple stays of up to 90 days at a time.

Citizens of all European Union countries can apply for the eVisitor visa for Australia.

It’s also open to applicants from Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Vatican City.

There’s no age or financial restrictions for applicants. Like all arrivals, you must meet the entry requirements for Australia, which include holding a valid passport and complying with customs rules.

Work or volunteer while you travel: which is the right visa for you?

Here’s the key details of the most popular visas which allow you to do paid and unpaid work, or study a short-term course, while you travel in Australia.

To evidence your level of English, studies, or financial means, you might be asked to provide bank statements, or academic certifications.

Make sure you meet the requirements of your Australian work and travel visa or ETA before you apply.