Under Australian law, Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa holders may be eligible to extend their stay for a second or third year, provided they comply with the rules set by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA). These include specified work that falls under designated regional areas, where holders must undertake work for the required period to be eligible.
This article outlines the requirements for specified work in Australia for Working Holiday Visa (WHV) holders. It is designed to provide visa holders clear information regarding what qualifies as WHV-specified work, eligible industries, postcode requirements, and related criteria.
What Is Specified Work for Working Holiday Visa Extensions
Specified work for a working holiday maker visa (417 or 462) refers to work that holders must undertake under a 'specified' Australian industry and area. Essentially, this is paid employment in industries and occupations the Australian Government considers vital to regional development, including the healthcare and medical sectors, fishing and pearling, construction, and mining.
The specified work can range across various types, including tourism and hospitality work, regional Australia fishing, tree farming and felling, and even disaster recovery work, such as flood or cyclone recovery. However, any specified work has to be paid, lawful, and regulated under Australian workplace laws.
Who Needs to Complete Specified Work for a 2nd and 3rd WHV?
Those who already have their first working holiday visa and want an extension must fulfil the specified work criteria. The extension program allows young visa holders to extend their stay in Australia by undertaking short-term work.
Those who have done voluntary work can also include it to apply for a second working holiday visa or a third WHV. However, this must be related to natural disaster recovery work, such as that undertaken in bushfire-declared regions, and applies to both WHV subclasses.
How Many Days of Specified Work Are Required?
Besides performing working holiday visa-specified work, eligibility also hinges on undertaking the work for a minimum time period. The following list outlines the type and duration of visa 417 specified work:
- For the second Working Holiday Visa—minimum 88 days of specified work (three months)
- For the third Working Holiday Visa—minimum 179 days of specified work (six months)
- The work must be paid, except for voluntary work in declared disaster recovery zones
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Book a Consultation
If you are interested in getting more information about a visa, get in touch with Australian Migration Lawyers for a consultation.
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Approved Industries for Specified Work
Eligible specified work may include any type of work that is part of the industries outlined by the Australian Government. To be eligible to apply for a working holiday visa, these are the industries you may choose to perform specified work under:
Plant and Animal Cultivation
- Harvesting/packing fruit and vegetables
- Pruning trees and vines
- Caring for livestock
- Dairy farming
- Cultivating plants
- Zoo work
Fishing and Pearling
- Maintaining lines and nets
- Deckhand work
- Shell cleaning and seafood processing
Tree Farming and Forestry
- Planting or tending trees
- Felling trees
- Transporting logs
Mining
- Coal, oil, and gas extraction
- Metal ore mining
- Quarrying
Construction
- Residential and commercial projects
- Infrastructure projects
- Site preparation and finishing work
- Support and cleaning services after construction
Tourism and Hospitality (only in eligible northern/remote areas)
- Hotel and resort staff
- Waitstaff and baristas
- Tour operators and guides
- Commercial housekeeping
- Outdoor instructors
- Event organisers
- Tour bus drivers
Bushfire or Disaster Recovery
- Land and property clean-up
- Animal/wildlife care
- Rebuilding infrastructure
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Eligible Locations and Postcode Requirements
Besides the type of work and the industry it falls under, specified work for visa 417 or visa 462 in Australia also depends on where it is done. Every area in Australia is not considered 'regional' for getting a visa extension. Meaning, securing a second or third WHV will depend on whether you performed specified work in eligible postcodes outlined by the Department.
Where Specified Work Must Be Performed
As per the rules set by the Department of Home Affairs, eligible postcodes for specified work must fall under these areas:
- Regional Australia
- Northern Australia
- Remote/very remote areas
- Declared disaster zones
- Declared bushfire zones
Hence, if you already have a work and holiday visa and now need an extension, you must seek work vacancies in locations falling under the above-mentioned areas and their eligible postcodes.
How to Check If the Postcode Is Eligible
For a better understanding, you can refer to this DHA webpage to check whether the specified work you are seeking is under an eligible postcode.
Responsibilities of Employers Hiring Working Holiday Visa Workers
As an employer, if you hire working holiday visa holders, there are a few things you must ensure, too. These include:
- Confirming that your work falls under an eligible industry and location as per the WHV eligibility criteria
- Your work must be paid and in line with Fair Work laws
- Maintaining thorough employment records and payslips
- Providing accurate and truthful evidence of the number of days worked
Responsibilities of Visa Holders Completing Specified Work
As a WHV holder, if you are applying for your second or third working holiday visa, you will also have to ensure certain things to navigate your visa application better. These include:
- Researching about the job, to check if it qualifies as specified work, and also falls under an eligible location
- Checking if the role is paid (unless it is voluntary recovery work in disaster areas)
- Maintaining clear records, including payslips, contracts, and the number of hours worked
- Avoiding scams and cash-in-hand risks
Who Is Exempt From the Specified Work Requirement?
As per the DHA's rules, UK passport holders do not need to perform specified work to apply for their 2nd or 3rd WHV if they are applying after 1st July 2024.
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Get Legal Advice for Working Holiday Visa Extensions
Similar to other visas, getting extensions under your WHV can be a complex process. In addition to adhering to eligibility requirements, you may also need to collect and submit the right documentation, follow your current visa regulations, understand the minimum period of specified work, and check to make sure which regional work can qualify for your extension.
At Australian Migration Lawyers, our team provides hands-on support for applicants seeking their second- and third-year working holiday visa extensions. Our team of registered lawyers can provide clear advice regarding your Working Holiday Visa extension requirements. We assist applicants in understanding eligibility, documentation, and compliance with Department of Home Affairs regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does Cash-in-Hand Work Count as Specified Work?
No. Only employment that complies with Australian workplace laws, including formal payment arrangements, is recognised as specified work.
Does Seasonal Farm Work Count for a 3rd WHV?
As long as the work performed falls under an eligible location, industry, and workplace laws, seasonal farm work may count for a third WHV.
Can I Combine Jobs From Different Industries?
Yes. You can combine and perform specified work for different employers, as long as they are eligible and their work is under the eligible industries.
Does Self-Employment Count?
Yes, it can count. However, you will need to provide proof of fulfilling your specified work obligations, which can sometimes be very challenging.
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