Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa

Overview

The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is designed for young adults from eligible countries who want to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It promotes cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and participating nations.

Unlike the 417 Working Holiday visa, which applies to countries with reciprocal arrangements, the 462 visa has additional educational, English language, and letter of support requirements for certain applicants.

Eligible individuals can also apply for a second and third Work and Holiday visa by completing specific work requirements in regional areas.

Key Features

Stay Duration: Up to 12 months per visa (can apply for up to 3 years total)
Age Limit: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive)
Work Rights: Up to 6 months with one employer (some exemptions apply)
Study: Up to 4 months
Entry: Multiple entry within the visa validity
Pathway to PR: Not directly, but may lead to skilled or employer-sponsored visas

Participating Countries

As of 2025, Subclass 462 is available to passport holders from the following countries:

Argentina
Austria
Brazil
Chile
China
Czech Republic
Ecuador
Greece
Hungary
Indonesia
Israel
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mongolia
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Turkey
Uruguay
United States of America
Vietnam

For the most up-to-date list, see:
🔗 Work and Holiday (subclass 462) – Home Affairs

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the 462 visa, you must:

Be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application
Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
Not be accompanied by dependent children
Have functional English proficiency
Have completed at least two years of undergraduate education
Meet health and character requirements
Have sufficient funds (usually AUD 5,000)
Hold a return ticket or funds for one
For some countries: Provide a letter of government support

Required Documents

Passport bio page
Birth certificate
National identity card (if applicable)
Proof of education (e.g., university transcript)
Proof of English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL)
Police certificate(s)
Bank statement (AUD 5,000+)
Return/onward ticket or proof of funds
Letter of support from your home government (for specific countries)

Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Ensure you meet age, nationality, education, and language requirements.

Step 2: Create ImmiAccount

Step 3: Gather Documents

Prepare identity, health, character, educational, and financial evidence.

Step 4: Submit Application

Complete online form, upload documents, and pay the application fee (approx. AUD 635).

Step 5: Wait for a Decision

Most applicants receive decisions within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on their nationality and document completeness.

Extending Your Stay: 2nd & 3rd Year Visas

You may be eligible for:

Second Work and Holiday Visa

Complete 3 months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia during your first 462 visa
Eligible work includes hospitality, tourism, farming, forestry, and construction

Third Work and Holiday Visa

Complete 6 months of specified work during your second visa

Each new visa grants another 12-month stay.

Detailed eligible work types and postcode regions:
🔗 Specified Work Requirements

Common Use Cases

Gap Year Adventures
- University graduates taking a break to explore Australia and fund their trip through part-time jobs
English Language Immersion
- Young people aiming to improve their English while living and working in an English-speaking country
Career Exploration
- Trying out sectors like tourism, agriculture, or hospitality while traveling
Pathway to Future Visas
- Some use 462 experience to build credentials and networks, leading to 482 (TSS) or student visas

Common Hurdles and Rejection Reasons

Incomplete documents (e.g., missing proof of education or bank statements)
Failure to meet English language requirement
Lack of required government letter of support
Insufficient funds or no return ticket proof
Health or character issues
Multiple short-term jobs that don’t count towards specified work for extensions
Visa history flags or travel bans from prior overstays

Visa Conditions

Maximum 6 months per employer
Up to 4 months of study
Must not have dependent children with you
Comply with Australian laws and visa conditions

Processing Times

Application Type	75% Processed In	90% Processed In
First Visa	4–6 weeks	7–12 weeks
Second Visa	6–8 weeks	10–14 weeks
Third Visa	6–10 weeks	Up to 3 months

FAQs

What’s the difference between the 417 and 462 visas?

Both are working holiday visas. The 462 visa has more eligibility criteria (education, English, letter of support) and applies to different countries.

Can I apply for a 462 visa while inside Australia?

No. You must apply from outside Australia for the first 462 visa.

Can I switch jobs while on this visa?

Yes, but you must not work more than 6 months for the same employer without written permission.

Can I study while on the 462 visa?

Yes, up to 4 months of formal study is allowed.

Can I apply for PR from this visa?

Not directly, but many people transition from 462 to skilled visas, student visas, or employer-sponsored visas.

Can I bring my partner?

Yes, but they must apply separately for their own visa. You cannot sponsor dependents on a 462 visa.

Popular Trends & Insights

Increasing uptake among US, Spanish, and Chilean youth
Applicants often transition into the 482 TSS visa with sponsorship from regional employers
Many use this visa as a trial run before studying in Australia
Some employers offer rural hospitality roles with pathways to 482 or DAMA agreements

Helpful Resources

Need Help Planning Your Working Holiday?

Whether it’s verifying your eligibility, understanding second-year visa work types, or connecting with employers in regional areas — Aus Visa Library is here to help.

👉 Contact Us for tailored guidance or
📚 Explore visa pathways, employer resources, and planning checklists at ausvisalibrary.com.

Make your Aussie work and travel adventure smooth, safe, and unforgettable.