Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa

Overview

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) allows young people from eligible partner countries to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It encourages cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and those countries. You can work short-term jobs, explore different regions, and even extend your stay for up to 3 years by completing eligible regional work.

This visa is often used by gap-year students, young professionals, or backpackers looking to explore Australia while earning an income.

Key Features

Stay Duration: 12 months (with options for a second and third year)
Age Limit: 18 to 30 years (inclusive), or 18 to 35 for some countries
Work: Up to 6 months per employer (exemptions may apply)
Study: Up to 4 months allowed
Multiple Entry: Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
Renewal: Up to three separate 417 visas possible if conditions are met

Eligible Countries

Passport holders from the following countries are eligible for Subclass 417:

Belgium
Canada
Republic of Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong SAR
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Japan
Republic of Korea
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom

📌 Age limit is 35 years for:
Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, and Denmark
(30 for others unless policy updates apply)

For updated eligibility, visit:
🔗 Home Affairs – 417 Visa

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this visa:

Be aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries)
Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
Apply from outside Australia (first visa only)
Have sufficient funds (usually AUD 5,000) and onward travel fare
Not be accompanied by dependent children
Meet health and character requirements
Not have previously entered Australia on a 462 or 417 visa, unless extending

Required Documents

Passport bio page
Birth certificate
Bank statements showing AUD 5,000+
Return flight booking or funds to buy one
Police certificates (if requested)
Health insurance documentation (optional but strongly advised)
Resume or CV (occasionally requested to confirm intentions)

Application Process

Step 1: Create ImmiAccount

Step 2: Fill Out Application

Provide personal details, passport info, employment intentions, and travel plans

Step 3: Upload Documents

Attach financial proof, ID, and any other requested documents

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

Current fee: AUD 635 (subject to change)

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Processing times vary between 2 to 6 weeks, faster if all documentation is complete

Work & Study Rights

You can work in any job or industry, but no more than 6 months with the same employer (without permission)
You can study up to 4 months
You must follow all visa conditions, or risk cancellation

Common jobs include:

Hospitality (bars, cafes, restaurants)
Farm work (fruit picking, packing, animal care)
Construction and labouring
Tourism and resorts
Childcare or au pair roles

Second & Third Year Extensions

You can apply for:

✅ Second Year 417

Complete 3 months (88 days) of specified regional work during the first visa

✅ Third Year 417

Complete 6 months of specified regional work during the second visa

Eligible work types include:

Agriculture
Mining
Fishing & pearling
Bushfire/flood recovery work
Tourism and hospitality in designated regional areas

🗺️ Check the full regional postcode and work type list:
🔗 Specified Regional Work

Common Use Cases

Backpackers on Gap Years
Young adults from Europe or Canada spending a year in Australia to work and travel
Career Break Professionals
Individuals taking time off from their careers to explore new cultures and experiences
Transition to Other Visas
Many 417 holders go on to apply for student visas, 482 employer-sponsored visas, or even Skilled Migration
Hospitality & Farm Workers
Travelers who fund their trip through seasonal or casual employment in regional towns
Couples Traveling Together
Each partner applies independently for the 417 and travels/work together across Australia

Common Hurdles & Reasons for Rejection

Insufficient funds (can’t show AUD 5,000)
Age not within required range
Non-eligible nationality
Incorrect or missing documents
Previous visa breaches or cancellations
Health concerns or criminal history
Not understanding extension work criteria (e.g. working in the wrong location or type of job)

Real-World Scenarios

Emma from the UK worked in a café in Melbourne, then picked strawberries in Queensland to qualify for a second visa
Pierre from France taught French part-time in Sydney while traveling the east coast
Lina from Germany completed bushfire recovery work in a regional area, earning eligibility for her third year
Jake from Canada transitioned from the 417 to a 482 visa after securing full-time employment with sponsorship

Visa Conditions

Do not overstay your visa
Do not work with one employer for more than 6 months without permission
Maintain health insurance
Respect regional work criteria for extensions
No dependent children allowed on this visa

Processing Times

Application Type	75% Processed In	90% Processed In
First 417 Visa	3 weeks	6 weeks
Second 417 Visa	4–6 weeks	8 weeks
Third 417 Visa	6–8 weeks	10–12 weeks

FAQs

Can I apply from inside Australia?

Only for the second and third Working Holiday visas. The first 417 visa must be applied for outside Australia.

Can I bring my partner?

Your partner cannot be added to your visa. They must apply for their own 417 or another visa.

Can I apply for PR while on a 417?

Yes. You can explore Skilled Independent visas (189/190) or employer-sponsored (482/186) pathways if eligible.

What if I don’t complete the regional work in time?

You will not be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa.

Do I need health insurance?

It’s not mandatory, but highly recommended to avoid costly medical expenses. Some employers also require it.

What are the common extension mistakes?

Working in non-regional areas
Doing ineligible work (e.g., office jobs, city hospitality)
Not keeping accurate records or payslips

Helpful Resources

Need Help With Your Working Holiday Plans?

Whether you're preparing to apply for your first 417 visa, planning regional work for your second year, or exploring visa pathways after your holiday — Aus Visa Library has the answers.

👉 Contact Us for visa help
📚 Or explore all working holiday tools, checklists, and employer resources at ausvisalibrary.com

Let your Australian adventure start smart and finish strong.