Working Holiday Visa Australia: The Ultimate Guide
By Hannah Douch
Last updated: 8th October 2024
Most travellers dream of exploring the world while earning and an Aussie working holiday is how to make it happen! Here’s everything you need to know about the Working Holiday visa in Australia - what it is, how to apply and why it’s one of the best decisions you could ever make.
What Is an Australia Working Holiday Visa?
If you’re looking to explore Australia over a couple of months or chase a new adventure abroad, then now’s your chance! A Working Holiday visa in Australia opens the door to a huge variety of job opportunities and life-changing travel experiences.
The working holiday was first introduced in 1975 and in doing so, Australia became the original gap year destination. Millions of people from all over the globe have since visited Australia on this visa to work, study and, of course, do lots of travelling! Today, it’s one of the most efficient working holiday programmes in the world.
What Can I Do on an Australia Working Holiday Visa?
Whether you’re planning a gap year, growing your professional profile or want to try something different, a working holiday in Australia caters to a great variety of travellers.
On a Working Holiday visa in Australia, you can pursue short-term work placements and stay with a single employer for up to six months - regardless of whether the work is full-time, part-time, casual or voluntary. You can also study for a maximum period of four months in Australia alongside work on this visa.
This flexibility gives you the chance to get to know destinations better and, if you wish to, travel around the country. While some travellers call one location their home for 12 months, others take advantage of the freedom that a working holiday gives you. If you want to start in Sydney and finish your working holiday in the Outback, nothing’s stopping you!
And don’t forget that on a Working Holiday visa for Australia, you can reenter the country as many times as you like. Although your visa will still expire on the same date, this is a fantastic opportunity for any traveller looking to explore Asia or New Zealand in between work placements.
Am I Eligible for an Australia Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?
If you hold an eligible passport and meet all of the age, character, financial and health requirements, then you should be able to apply for the Australia Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417). Here is what you need to know:
Who Is the 417 Visa for?
The Australia Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) is open to travellers who meet the following requirements.
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction
- Meet the age requirements of your nationality
- Have sufficient proof of funds (minimum AUD $5000)
- Must apply online from outside Australia
- Cannot be accompanied by dependent children
- Have not previously applied for a 417 visa
Please note that the 417 visa is individual, which means that each person must apply separately. Family members cannot be included in a single visa application. You can, however, have a person apply on your behalf and this is a service we provide.
Are British Nationals Eligible?
Yes! The following nationalities, including UK citizens, are eligible to apply for the 417 visa:
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders) - 18 to 35 years
- Belgium - 18 to 30 years
- Canada - 10 to 35 years
- Republic of Cyprus - 18 to 30 years
- Denmark - 18 to 35 years
- Estonia - 18 to 30 years
- Finland - 18 to 30 years
- France - 18 to 35 years
- Germany - 18 to 30 years
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China - 18 to 30 years
- Republic of Ireland - 18 to 35 years
- Italy - 18 to 35 years
- Japan - 18 to 30 years
- Republic of Korea - 18 to 30 years
- Malta - 18 to 30 years
- Netherlands - 18 to 30 years
- Norway - 18 to 30 years
- Sweden - 18 to 30 years
- Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport) - 18 to 30 years
If you apply for the correct visa while you are still 30 (or 35) years old, but turn 31 (or 36) before a decision is made, your visa can still be granted if you meet all the other requirements.
Even if your country of citizenship isn’t on the list above, you may still be eligible for a working holiday in Australia under the 462 visa instead. Please refer to our frequently asked questions.
How Long Can I Stay in Australia With a Working Holiday Visa?
Your Working Holiday visa is active from the day that you arrive in Australia and lasts 12 months. The 417 visa is multi-entry, which means that you can enter and reenter Australia as many times as you like. However, there is no pause time for your visa. Keep in mind that you must enter Australia within 12 months, typically from your visa grant date.
Can I Extend a Working Holiday Visa for Australia?
Yes, you can stay in Australia for up to three years under three different visa specifications (all are still 417). When your First Working Holiday visa has commenced, then you can apply for the Second. The same is true for the Third Working Holiday visa. Please note that you must meet all the eligibility requirements each time you apply.
Travellers can choose to complete these visas consecutively, or do some travelling or work abroad elsewhere in between.
Thanks to recent visa updates, UK citizens are no longer required to complete three months and six months respectively of farm or rural work to apply for their Second and Third Working Holiday visas (Subclass 417). These changes came into effect on the 1st July 2024, so please note that if you applied for a Working Holiday visa before the legislation changes you may still be required to do farm or rural work for the set length of time.
Applying for a Working Holiday Visa with Gap 360
At Gap 360, we go above and beyond to make your working holiday experience special. This includes the choice for us to apply for the First Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) on your behalf.
On many of our work abroad in Australia programmes under bookings, there is the option to add a Working Holiday visa. If there's a combination programme that you're interested in and you can't see the '+ visa' option under bookings, don't stress. Simply reach out to one of our travel advisors on live chat, and they can help you from there.
Once you're booked onto one of our trips, we'll be in touch to let you know what documents we'll need to apply on your behalf.
If you have a criminal record, you may still be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa (depending on the severity of your record). However, this will need to be applied for independently and is not a service we provide.
Our Working Holiday Programmes: What's Included
Working holidays in Australia are an adventure of a lifetime, and on our specialist programmes, we offer more than just the essentials.
You'll receive tailored support every step of the way: free advice and planning sessions with expert travel advisors, assistance with organising all the essentials and 24/7 emergency support while you're in Australia.
When it comes to navigating the jobs market, you're not alone. Receive up to 12 months' support from a local employment team, gain access to jobs databases and participate in helpful career activities unique to your selected working holiday programme.
But that's not all! Here's a full list of what's included on our Australia Working Holiday visa packages:
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Your first Working Holiday visa applied for on your behalf
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Accommodation for your first week in Australia
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Flexible, low-deposit payment plans
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Free, personalised advice and one-to-one chats with professional travel advisors before you book
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24-hour emergency support from our UK-based team
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Job-hunting essentials such as bank account details, a tax file number and a SIM card
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Comprehensive job support from local employment teams and access to a huge jobs database
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Helpful career activities, such as CV workshops and 1-to-1 advice sessions - unique to each package
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The opportunity to connect with like-minded people on adventure tours and group activities, or by joining our Facebook groups and buddy lists
Still need more convincing? Check out our reviews page, with thousands of positive messages written by real customers.
Book Now With a Low-Deposit Payment Plan
We offer affordable payment options to make your working holiday as budget-friendly and flexible as possible. You can choose between different payment plans with low deposits.
For our standard payment method, you only need to pay a deposit of around £199. The full balance is required 12 weeks before your departure date, with your deposit subtracted from the total trip cost.
Alternatively, sign up for our 0% finance payment plan with the help of a travel advisor. All you have to do is pay a £49 deposit at the time of booking. The remaining trip fee is divided into equal payments every month, until the month before you depart.
Most of our working holiday in Australia programmes are eligible for both payment plans. Please contact one of our travel advisors for more information via live chat, email or a phone call.
Get a free advice session to start your travel plans
Applying Yourself? Here's a Step-by-Step Guide
While applying for your First Working Holiday through Gap 360 will save you a lot of time and effort, we completely get that some travellers may prefer to organise this themselves. So if you're applying for your visa separately, here's how you can get started.
Step 1: Before You Apply
Read through the full list of application requirements and confirm that you are eligible for the 417 visa.
Health examinations are occasionally required for applicants, primarily if they have certain pre-existing medical conditions or have visited a high-risk country for longer than three months. You can still apply without proof of health examinations; however, you may receive a referral letter requesting the needed examinations to commence processing your application, which could slow down the process.
Before applying for your First Working Holiday visa, you can nominate someone to help you with your application. This is a service that we provide. You can also nominate a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner or an exempt person (i.e. a nominator or close family member). Whoever you nominate can also be appointed to receive the documents on your behalf related to your visa matter.
Step 2: Preparing Your Documents
Your next step is preparing all the documents needed to apply for a 417 visa. These include:
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Identity documents: current passport(s) and any additions, such as a driving license
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Sufficient proof of funds: a minimum of AUD $5000 to support your time in Australia, plus proof that you can afford to leave Australia (extra funds or exit ticket)
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(Under unique circumstances): character documents
If you are not going through Gap 360 and have nominated someone to help, some additional paperwork may be required from the applicant and authorised recipient.
Step 3: Uploading Your Documents
All documents must be scanned or photographed in colour and be clear. If a document is more than one page, save it as a single file. Documents should only be attached once. Here’s how you can apply online or on paper through the Australian Immigration Office. Most people choose to apply online where possible.
If any of your documents aren’t in English, they must be translated with both the original and translated copy attached to your application and include in English the full name, qualifications and the contact and address details of your translator if they are based outside of Australia. Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Step 4: Applying for the 417 Visa
If you are applying for your First Working Holiday visa through Gap 360, we’ll be in touch with everything we need from you and take care of the rest.
For independent applications, you will need to create an ImmiAccount and answer a series of technical questions. Remember to attach all of the necessary documents and lastly pay the application fee. Please do not skip any of the steps, and keep in mind that your application can only be processed once the fee has been paid.
Step 5: After You’ve Applied
After submitting your application, the final thing you need to do is make a note of the transaction reference number and keep it somewhere safe. It’s always a good idea to recheck your application and see that all of the required documents are attached.
If a mistake has been made on your application, this can be amended by filling out a required additional document and attaching it to your ImmiAccount.
If you would like to withdraw your appointment of an authorised recipient, please refer to the Australian Embassy for further information.
You must inform the Australian Embassy of any of the following:
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If you want to withdraw your application
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Changes to your passport or relationship status
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The birth of a child who is dependent on you
Do not arrange travel to Australia until your visa is granted in writing.
Step 6: Visa Decision
Your visa decision will be confirmed in writing. If it is granted, then you will be told your visa grant number, the conditions of your visa and when your visa starts. Typically, your visa will commence the day that you enter Australia. You also have 12 months from your application date to travel to Australia.
If your visa is refused, then you will be informed of the reason and whether you have the right to appeal this decision.
How Long Does It Take for Your Visa to Arrive?
The waiting period for receiving a 417 visa is typically short for most applicants. However, we recommend applying three months in advance to allow for any potential delays.
What Documents Do I Need?
Personal Documents
To apply for your Working Holiday visa in Australia, you will need to show your current passport with the personal details, photo, date of issue and expiration all visible. You can also provide additional documents such as a driving license.
Alternative documents can include birth certificates, government-issued identification, a court-issued document confirming your identity or a family book which shows both parents’ names.
Please note that if you have changed your name through deed poll or marriage, you will need to provide evidence of this. This could be a marriage or divorce certificate, change of name documents from a registry of births, deaths and marriages, or documents that show other names you have been known by.
Sufficient Proof of Funds
You will need to provide evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay in Australia, which is a minimum of AUD $5000. Additionally, you must either have proof that you have enough money to leave Australia at the end of your stay, or already have the ticket.
Additional Documents
Most applicants will not need to submit character documents, however, there are some unique circumstances (i.e. if you have served in the armed forces, or spent 12 months or longer in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16) where this may be required. This will be communicated to you by the Australian embassy if it is needed.
In some cases, applicants may need to provide additional medical and background checks which will come at an additional cost. If this is needed, the Australian Embassy will notify you.
Please note that visa rules and regulations are subject to change. Always check with the relevant embassy websites before travelling for the most up-to-date information on travel and visa requirements.
Australia Working Holiday Jobs
The most popular jobs that people on a working holiday pursue are within hospitality, retail and tourism. Thanks to the flexible shifts and schedules, you can work while having more freedom to travel around Australia.
Some travellers on a working holiday find professional work abroad. However, it is important to keep in mind that because of the six-month rule (see types of work), this can be more challenging depending on your location.
Please note that if you wish to work in childcare or with disabled or elderly people, there may be an additional question regarding this on your visa application. You should only answer yes if you have already received a job offer as details will be required. We can still submit your First Working Holiday visa application on your behalf; just let us know.
Australia’s Minimum Wage
Australia has one of the highest minimum wage rates in the world, which makes a huge difference to your working holiday.
Minimum wage rates in Australia start at AUD $24.10 per hour. For a 38-hour work week, this is $915.90 per week. If you’re working on weekends and public holidays in certain industries like retail and hospitality, then you can earn even more money - sometimes double pay!
With all your earnings, you’ll have no trouble saving up money to travel on your days off or when you’re in between work placements.
Types of Work on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia
You can pursue a variety of work as part of your working holiday in Australia - full-time, part-time, casual and voluntary! Travellers on a 417 visa can stay with a single employer for a maximum of six months, unless special permission is granted.
There are a few exceptions to the six-month rule. These are:
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If the work is in different locations and the employee doesn’t stay at one location for more than six months
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If the work is in one of the following industries: tree farming and felling, fishing and pearling, mining and construction, natural disaster recovery, plant and animal cultivation
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If you work in a critical sector such as agriculture, childcare, food processing, hospitality, tourism or services for the elderly and people with disabilities
If you are unsure of whether you meet the criteria, your employer can clarify this for you. Travellers are always encouraged to review their working contracts and conditions with their employers.
For the latest information regarding working conditions on your visa, please refer to Australia’s Home Affairs page.
Accommodation on a Working Holiday
For your working holiday in Australia, there are various accommodation options. Most travellers on a working holiday choose houseshares, and because there are lots of ways to connect with like-minded people, it’s usually quite simple to arrange.
You could also stay in a hostel. Many hostels offer cheaper rates to those after a longer stay, making it a great option for anyone who wants to take their time in searching for a more permanent residence. Because you’ll be among other young travellers, there’s always the chance you might meet a future friend while staying there.
Some jobs on a working holiday, particularly within farm or rural work, can offer work-provided accommodation. This is a good opportunity to save up some earnings and go travelling after your placement has finished.
When you do one of our working holiday programmes, you’ll get to know an amazing group of people with similar ages and interests. Many of our travellers choose to rent an apartment with the new friends they made on our trips!
For those travelling with Gap 360, we have dedicated support teams to guide you every step of the way, offering support as you explore local accommodation options and empowering you to take the next step with confidence.
Our Best-Selling Australia Working Holiday Packages
You can add a working holiday visa to any of these programmes and we can complete the visa application for you!
One of our most popular programmes! Spend a week exploring Sydney with an incredible group of travellers before kickstarting your job hunt. Receive nationwide job support and work from anywhere you want - from the East Coast to the Outback!
If Sydney is the city for you, then so is this trip! Discover Bondi Beach and Jervis Bay, go surfing and take a dolphin cruise. Then you can also participate in career workshops, one-to-one sessions, and other helpful activities.
Fall in love with Melbourne, from the moment you arrive! Experience the city’s world-class food and coffee scene, and enjoy awesome inclusions like a trip to Phillip Island. When you’re not exploring Melbourne, receive comprehensive support with fantastic career-related activities included.
Discover Australia’s tropical Northern Territory with our Absolute Darwin Jobs programme. Darwin is one of the coolest cities in the country, and between the local industries and unbeatable wages, it’s an amazing home base!
Spend 10 days exploring the iconic East Coast, starting in Sydney and finishing in Brisbane. This job programme is perfect for travellers who want to combine travelling Australia with their working holiday.
Settle into Sydney for a week with helpful career-related activities and awesome inclusions like Bondi Beach, Surf Camp and Jervis Bay! Then spend 30 amazing days on a semi-guided tour around the East Coast, finishing with Great Barrier Reef snorkelling in Cairns.
Six weeks of pure adventure on the East Coast, plus an epic introduction to Melbourne. Sail the Whitsundays, snorkel inside the Great Barrier Reef, kick back in K’gari and hike around the Blue Mountains… The list of incredible destinations goes on and on. When you reach Melbourne, enjoy a mix of helpful career-related activities and exciting inclusions like food tours, visiting Phillip Island and more.
Yep, That’s Just About Everything!
By now, you’re probably feeling like an expert on working holidays in Australia! The next step is making this dream trip an exciting reality - whether that’s setting a savings goal, checking out our Australia work abroad programmes or getting started with your visa.
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have booked a Working Holiday visa through us, we’ll be in touch regarding what documents we need to apply on your behalf. Or if you’re applying for the 417 visa separately, then you can reference our step-by-step guide outlined earlier in this guidebook.
And if there’s anything else you’d like to know, check out our frequently asked questions below. If you have a question which isn’t on the list, then you can also reach out to one of our travel advisors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our partner Flights 360 works directly with airlines and can provide personal quotes that match your tours as well as any independent travel plans that you may have. Get in touch by emailing them at [email protected] or calling them on 01892 543943.
Working holidays in Australia last up to 12 months. You will typically need to enter Australia within a year from your visa's grant date. On the day that you arrive in Australia, your visa becomes active and will expire in a year's time. While you can stay in Australia for the full 12 months, this is optional and you can always leave earlier.
However, please keep in mind that you can only have one First Working Holiday visa. If all the time isn't used on it, you cannot get it back.
Australia has so many amazing destinations and deciding where to stay is one of the most exciting choices. Among our travellers, Sydney and Melbourne are the most popular places to stay thanks to the incredible variety of activities both within and outside the cities.
The waiting period for a 417 visa is generally short for the majority of applicants, however, travellers should always apply at least 3 months before their planned arrival in Australia to allow for any delays.
There are a variety of different jobs that you can apply for on a working holiday in Australia, with most travellers working in hospitality, retail, tourism or farm and rural work. Please refer to the jobs section of this guide for more information.
Up to 4 months of study is permitted on a Working Holiday visa for Australia. However, your field of study cannot be the main intention behind visiting. If your primary goal is to study in Australia, a student visa may be more suitable. Please refer to the Australian Embassy for more information.
All visitors to Australia (except for New Zealand citizens) will require an e-visa/ETA or visa to enter the country. An ETA is typically sufficient if you are visiting Australia for tourism purposes, and you will be allowed to stay for up to 3 months with this. Travellers should always secure their relevant visas before coming to Australia.
All Gap 360 customers are required to have travel insurance for the duration of their trip. For more information, please refer to our insurance page.
Medicare is Australia's universal healthcare system and helps to manage the cost of an individual's healthcare. If you have been granted a Working Holiday visa in Australia (Subclass 417), then you may be eligible for Medicare coverage. UK citizens, including those from Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man, are fully covered for the length of their stay in Australia, as are citizens from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Netherlands and Belgium.
While Medicare is a valuable resource that provides essential healthcare services to those eligible, there are key reasons why having travel insurance alongside your Medicare coverage is strongly advised:
Comprehensive Coverage: Travel insurance goes beyond basic healthcare and covers a wide range of unforeseen events such as dental care, ambulance services, or certain elective procedures. Travel insurance can help bridge these gaps.
Immediate Access: Medicare may require waiting periods before you can access certain services. Travel insurance offers immediate coverage for any medical emergencies that may occur during your trip.
Non-Medical Benefits: Travel insurance extends its protection to non-medical aspects, including trip cancellations, lost luggage, travel delays, emergency evacuation and much more.
You can find out if you are eligible for Medicare and what it covers on the Australian Government's Reciprocal Health Care Agreement page.
British citizens can apply for an e-visa/ETA or visa if visiting Australia for tourism purposes. If you want to work in Australia and are from the UK, then you could be eligible for a Working Holiday visa.
The main difference between the 417 and 462 visas are the list of nationalities that can apply. The 462 visa also has some additional education and English language requirements. For certain applicants of the 462 visa, a letter of support may also be required. To find out which visa you are eligible for, please refer to the Australian Embassy.
Travellers should always secure their next visa before the current one expires if they are looking to extend their stay in Australia. This is because the Australian government can be quite strict regarding immigration and passport control. Permitting that you meet the entry requirements each time you apply, eligible travellers can stay in Australia for up to 3 years under 3 different working holiday visas (all 417 or 462). For more information regarding different types of visas and how to extend your stay in Australia outside of a working holiday, please consult the Australian embassy.
The information written in this article is accurate at the time of publishing. Travellers have an individual responsibility to stay up-to-date on information before going abroad and applying for their visa. Please refer to the relevant embassy websites before travelling.
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