On this page
- Australia Working Holiday Visa: Overview
- Second Year and Beyond (Working Holiday 417)
- Know When to Get Help
- Work and Travel Rules
- Eligibility Requirements
- Beyond the Working Holiday
- Fees and Processing Times
- Getting Your Working Holiday Visa
- Common Rejection Reasons
- Fees
- Required forms
- Related visa types
- Related guides
- Related goals
- Next steps
Australia Working Holiday Visa: Overview
#The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) allows you to take an extended holiday in Australia and support your travels with short-term work. You apply through the Department of Home Affairs.
Approval isn’t guaranteed. You need to complete the application form, provide supporting documents, and follow Home Affairs’ instructions.
Key Visa Options to Know
| Visa Name | Subclass | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday Visa | 417 | Extended holiday with short-term work rights |
| Work and Holiday Visa | 462 | Working holiday option (separate stream) |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa | 400 | Short-term specialist work |
| Temporary Activity Visa | 408 | Temporary activities in Australia |
Each visa has a distinct purpose. You need to pick the right one before applying.
Application Basics
File your application with Home Affairs. Complete all required sections and attach supporting evidence.
Form Form 80 may be required if Home Affairs asks for it during your process.
Important points:
- Select the correct visa subclass.
- Sign and submit your application properly.
- Lodging an application doesn’t guarantee approval.
- Check Home Affairs for current fees in AUD (A$) and processing details.
The Australian Border Force manages entry, but Home Affairs decides your visa.
Second Year and Beyond (Working Holiday 417)
#To extend your stay on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa, you must apply again through Home Affairs. Set up or log into your ImmiAccount and submit a new application online.
Review the eligibility rules for your country before applying. Not meeting country-specific criteria can result in refusal.
Before you apply:
- Confirm your country’s eligibility requirements with Home Affairs
- Review instructions for your visa category
- Prepare supporting documents, which may include Form Form 80 if requested
- Submit your application through your ImmiAccount
Home Affairs assesses your application. The Australian Border Force handles entry, but not visa decisions.
If you’re considering alternatives, compare your options:
| Visa Type | Purpose | Managed By |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday (subclass 417) | Cultural exchange and short-term work | Department of Home Affairs |
| Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) | Cultural exchange for different eligible countries | Department of Home Affairs |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) | Short, highly specialized work | Department of Home Affairs |
| Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) | Specific temporary activities | Department of Home Affairs |
Each visa has separate eligibility rules. Always review Home Affairs guidance before applying.
Know When to Get Help
#Get advice if you’re unsure about eligibility or accessing your application. Many delays start with small issues that could have been resolved early.
If you’re not sure whether your citizenship is eligible, check with Home Affairs before applying. Eligibility is a threshold requirement for a Working Holiday visa.
If you lose access to your ImmiAccount, you’ll need to resolve it. Home Affairs runs its online visa services through ImmiAccount.
Common situations that require action:
- Forgot your ImmiAccount username or password
- Lost access to your multi-factor authentication app
- Uncertain which visa fits your purpose, such as:
Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)
-
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)
-
Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
-
Unsure how to complete required forms, including Form Form 80
| Issue | Where to Act |
|---|---|
| Unsure about eligible country | Confirm requirements with Home Affairs |
| Locked out of ImmiAccount | Use account recovery or create a new ImmiAccount |
| Confused about visa subclass | Review visa descriptions from Home Affairs |
| Technical login problems | Use ImmiAccount help options |
Set up an ImmiAccount if you don’t have one. Without it, you can’t use Home Affairs’ online visa services.
Address access or eligibility questions before you submit your application to avoid unnecessary delays.
Work and Travel Rules
#The Working Holiday program lets eligible young people (18–30 or 35, depending on nationality) travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. Apply through Home Affairs using your ImmiAccount.
You might also be eligible for the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) if your country participates.
| Visa Type | Purpose | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Travel and work | Stay up to 12 months |
| Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) | Travel and work | Stay up to 12 months |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) | Short-term specialist work | Temporary stay |
| Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) | Approved short-term activities | Temporary stay |
If you only plan short-term specialist work or a specific activity, look at the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
State your travel intentions and planned activities clearly in your application. Home Affairs reviews these details closely.
When required, fill out Form Form 80 accurately. ASIO uses this form for background checks.
To avoid delays:
- Disclose all international travel, including trips to sensitive or conflict-affected regions.
- Use passport stamps, boarding passes, and booking records to confirm dates.
- Make sure details in Form 80 match any related forms.
- Check travel, employment, and address histories for consistency before submission.
If you don’t have exact dates, provide reasonable estimates based on your records. Inconsistencies or missing information can suspend processing.
Eligibility Requirements
#Apply through the Department of Home Affairs using your ImmiAccount. Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory, and you must answer every question fully and truthfully.
Home Affairs may require supporting forms, including Form
- If you submit both Form Form 80 and Form 1221, all details must match exactly. Inconsistent information can create credibility issues.
Providing false or misleading information can result in refusal, cancellation, or bans on future applications. You’re responsible for the accuracy of everything you submit.
Make sure you’re applying for the correct visa stream. The main options include:
| Visa Name | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Working Holiday | Travel and work in Australia temporarily |
| Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) | Travel and short-term work arrangements |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) | Short-term, highly specialized work |
| Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) | Temporary participation in approved activities |
General application requirements may include:
- Completed online application through ImmiAccount
- Accurate personal history
- Any required supplementary forms, such as Form 80
- Consistent information across all documents
Check that every detail aligns across your forms and supporting documents. Accuracy and consistency matter.
Beyond the Working Holiday
#If you want to stay connected to Australia after your Working Holiday, your next step depends on the work you plan to do and your intended length of stay.
Home Affairs manages all visa applications. They publish current forms, fees in AUD (A$), and instructions. Always use the latest version of your application form.
If you’re considering another temporary option, compare each visa’s purpose:
| Visa | Purpose | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) | Cultural exchange with work rights | Different eligibility criteria from subclass 417 |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) | Short-term, highly specialised work | Designed for limited, non-ongoing activities |
| Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) | Approved temporary activities | Requires an eligible activity category |
Prepare a complete personal history before applying for any new visa. Home Affairs may require Form Form 80, which asks for detailed background information.
Build a clear 10-year record of your:
- Residential addresses
- Employment history
- Education
- Travel outside your home country
Gaps in your timeline can delay processing.
Declare all criminal history, including pending charges and spent convictions. Not disclosing information can lead to refusal, even for minor issues.
Submit your application through Home Affairs and pay the required visa fee in AUD. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border, but Home Affairs decides your visa application.
Fees and Processing Times
#You pay a government application fee when you lodge a Working Holiday visa application with Home Affairs.
As of July 2025, the fee is:
| Visa Type | Application Fee (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Working Holiday Visa | A$670 |
Fees can change, so confirm the current amount through Home Affairs before applying.
processing times depend on the subclass and whether you’ve submitted all required documents. Missing documents will delay your application.
For many temporary visas, including the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462), typical processing times are:
| Visa Category | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Temporary visas | 1–4 weeks |
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) and Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) have their own timelines. Check current processing times with Home Affairs.
If Home Affairs requests Form Form 80, processing can take much longer depending on your visa stream and location.
| Form 80 Category | Approximate Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Skilled (Permanent) | About 13 months (as of Feb 2026) |
Processing times change by category and location. Home Affairs publishes quarterly updates—review the latest figures before lodging your application.
Getting Your Working Holiday Visa
#Apply for a Working Holiday visa through the Department of Home Affairs. The documents you need depend on the visa you select.
Common options include:
| Visa Name | Subclass | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Work and Holiday Visa | 462 | Working holiday arrangements |
| Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa | 400 | Short, highly specialized work |
| Temporary Activity Visa | 408 | Approved temporary activities |
Pick the visa that fits your purpose. Review Home Affairs for current eligibility rules and application charges in AUD.
Prepare your documents carefully. Requirements vary, but you may need:
- Identity documents
- Supporting evidence for your visa type
- Police certificates
- Completed forms such as Form Form 80 (if requested)
Police certificates are valid for 12 months from the issue date. If processing takes longer, you might need a new one.
Check the visa processing times guide with Home Affairs before you apply. It gives an estimate of how long your application may take.
Submit accurate and complete information. Incomplete applications can delay processing and may require more documents later.
Home Affairs processes visa applications. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border after your visa is granted.
Common Rejection Reasons
#Home Affairs often refuses or delays a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) application because of incomplete or inconsistent information in your ImmiAccount.
Uploading all required documents is essential before Home Affairs can assess your case.
Missing documents lead to delays and may result in refusal if you don’t respond properly.
Background history is a frequent sticking point.
| Issue | What Happens | How to Avoid It |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained gaps in address or employment history (last 10 years) | Processing delays or refusal | Account for every period, including travel, volunteering, or caring for family |
| Forms not completed in English | Application refusal | Complete forms in English and provide certified translations for supporting documents |
| Required documents not attached in ImmiAccount | Delays in assessment | Upload all documents at the time you lodge your application |
If Home Affairs asks for more information, respond clearly and completely.
Gaps in your timeline raise credibility concerns, especially if informal activities aren’t explained.
Complete Form Form 80 carefully if requested.
Provide a full 10-year history with no missing months.
Submitting documents in another language without certified translations can result in refusal.
Only supporting documents may be translated; the form itself must be completed in English.
If you apply under another temporary category, such as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), you must still follow the same document and language rules set by Home Affairs.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application feeWorking Holiday visa (subclass 417) | A$670 (approx $462 USD) |
Fees change; always verify on Home Affairs.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Can I apply for other temporary visas instead?
Other options include:
- Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)
- Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
These visas serve different purposes and have separate eligibility rules.
Review the specific requirements with Home Affairs before applying.
Where can I check current fees and processing times?
Home Affairs lists current fees in AUD (A$) and provides updates on processing times.
They offer a fee estimator and a processing time tool for applicants.
What This Program Offers?
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) allows young people to have an extended holiday in Australia while supplementing their travel funds through short-term work. Visa Type * Please select a visa type Adoption visa (subclass 102)Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa (subclass 888)Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)Business Talent visa (subclass 132)Child visa (subclass 101)Child visa (subclass 802)Dependent Child visa (subclass 445)Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass... This form is used by applicants filing with Department of Home Affairs.
What should you know about second year and beyond?
It fosters cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries. Create an Immi Account to start your application online. Review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting.
What should you know about know when to get help?
Must be a citizen of an eligible country. Username Username help (opens in a new window) Password Password help (opens in a new window) Cancel Login I have forgotten my Immi Account username or password I no longer have access to my multi-factor authentication app Create an Immi Account Create an Immi Account to access the Department of Home Affairs's online services.
What should you know about work and travel rules?
Immi Account Login Login to Immi Account Fields marked * must be completed Travel intentions and planned activities during stay. EXPERT TIP: Omitting travel to sensitive or conflict-affected regions creates far more suspicion than declaring it honestly. ASIO uses Form Form 80 for background checks.
What should you know about eligibility requirements?
Immi Account Login Login to Immi Account Fields marked * must be completed. EXPERT TIP: Cross-reference Form Form 80 with Form 1221 if both are required — they cover overlapping information and must be completely consistent. COMMON MISTAKE (Refusal): Providing false or misleading information. Avoid by: Ensure complete honesty on every question. False statements can result in visa refusal, cancellation, and a ban on future applications.
What should you know about beyond the working holiday?
Personal information including biographical details. Submit the application and pay the visa fee. Download the current working-holiday-417 and instructions from the official Department of Home Affairs website.
What should you know about fees and processing times?
Passport from an eligible country. Failure to attach all required documents will lead to processing delays. processing times guide Visa processing priorities Quarterly report If you experience problems loading this page, please clear your browser cache and refresh your browser (Ctrl and F5).
What should you know about getting your working holiday visa?
documents The documents you give us depend on the visa or citizenship you apply for processing times guide The visa processing times guide gives an indication of how long a visa application may take to process. EXPERT TIP: Police certificates expire 12 months from the issue date. If your application takes longer to process, you may need to obtain a new certificate.
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: 2026-03-16
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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