The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) enables eligible individuals from certain countries to reside temporarily in Australia and undertake approved employment to support their stay. This temporary visa is available to individuals aged 18 to 30 who wish to travel within Australia, undertake regional travel, and obtain work experience. This guide provides a summary of the Work and Holiday visa requirements, outlining how eligible applicants may enter Australia and undertake temporary work in accordance with visa conditions.
What Is the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?
The Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) is a temporary visa that permits a stay of up to 12 months for work and holiday purposes with multiple entries and exits from the country. This holiday visa is part of the Work and Holiday subclass stream and differs from the 417 Working Holiday visa because only passport holders from specific partner countries are eligible to apply. Many visa holders use this opportunity to visit Australia, explore regional areas, gain Australian work experience, and strengthen their English language skills.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 462 Visa
The Subclass 462 visa confers many benefits on its holders:
- Permits eligible applicants to reside in Australia for up to 12 months and take up approved short-term work.
- An extended holiday in Australia with multiple entry and exits during the 12-month visa validity period
- Enrolment in short-term study or training courses for up to four months
- Engagement in casual employment in various eligible sectors in accordance with visa conditions
- Eligibility for a second or third subclass 462 visa upon completion of specified regional work requirements
- Exposure to Australian society and workplace practices in both metropolitan and regional areas
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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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Who Can Apply for a Subclass 462 Visa?
Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to apply for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462):
Age Requirements
To apply for the work and holiday visa, one should be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. However, a few eligible countries may provide a higher age limit.
Eligible Passport Countries
Only citizens of an eligible country with a valid passport can submit a Work and Holiday visa application. The eligible countries include:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Brazil
- Chile
- China
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Mongolia
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
General Eligibility Requirements
Work and holiday visa applicants should meet the character requirements and health requirements and have enough funds to support their stay. Additionally, they must:
- Be 18 to 30 years old.
- Not have previously entered the country on a subclass 462 or 417 visa
- Apply from outside Australia.
- Have a valid passport
- Not to be accompanied by dependent children
- Not include family members in the application
- Have functional English proficiency
- Must not have previously held a visa that was cancelled or had a visa application refused
- Must acknowledge the Australian Values Statement
- Have a letter of support from the government if they are from:
- Ecuador
- Greece
- Indonesia
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia (Good Conduct Certificate)
- Mongolia
- Peru
- Poland
- San Marino
- Slovenia
- Thailand
- Türkiye
Subclass 462 Ballot – China, India & Vietnam (2025–2026) visa
The Australian government uses the subclass 462 ballot to manage high demand for the 462 Work and Holiday visa from applicants from China, India, and Vietnam. Eligible applicants can register during the three-week registration window, and officials will invite only those randomly selected to apply for the subclass 462 visa. Registrations for the visa ballot process were open for 3 weeks, from 24 June 2025 to 15 July 2025, for the 2025-2026 program year. Check the Home Affairs Department website for up-to-date information on the future registration window.
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Work and Study Conditions on a Subclass 462 Visa
Holders of the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) are permitted to undertake short-term courses and employment to support their stay and may travel to and from Australia multiple times during the visa validity period.
Work Conditions
With the Work and Holiday visa, individuals can do any kind of work, but with a limit of six months for the same employer. They can also do 3 months of specified subclass 462 work to meet the eligibility requirements for a second Work and Holiday visa.
Study Rights
Work and Holiday visa holders can study for up to 4 months (17 weeks).
Specified Work for Second and Third Subclass 462 Visas
The second and third subclass 462 visas require the applicant to work in specific industries or areas of Australia for “specified subclass 462 work” in certain circumstances.
Industries Approved for Specified Work
- Tourism and hospitality
- Plant and animal cultivation
- Fishing and pearling
- Tree farming and felling
- Construction
- Bushfire recovery work
- Natural disaster recovery work
- Critical work in the healthcare and medical sectors
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How Much Specified Work Is Required?
The second visa requires 3 months (88 days) of specified work, while the third visa requires 6 months (179 days) of specified work.
How Specified Work Can Be Completed
Work and Holiday Visa holders can complete their specified work in one continuous job or across multiple workplaces if the combined time meets the required timeframe and they are paid based on Australian wages and awards.
What Counts (and Does Not Count) as Specified Work
Examples of eligible specified work include:
- Harvesting
- Construction labouring
- Hospitality service
- Bushfire recovery
- Flood clean-up in specified regional areas
General office roles, hospitality roles in non-eligible locations, or construction work in metropolitan areas are not considered specified work for the purposes of the second or third subclass 462 visa.
Disaster Recovery & Healthcare Work Updates
Following major bushfires, floods, and the critical COVID-19 crisis, the Australian government recognises certain disaster recovery and healthcare roles as specified work for the purpose of determining eligibility for second and third Work and Holiday visas:
Bushfire, Flood & Disaster Recovery Work
Rebuilding fencing, clearing debris, replanting, wildlife care, and providing community support are eligible for “specified work” when done within a government-declared disaster-affected area. Check the Disaster Assist website for eligible postcodes.
Healthcare and Medical Sector Work
Assisting in aged-care facilities, medical clinics, contact tracing, nursing, and support services can qualify as “specified work”. Consult the official Department of Home Affairs website for eligible postcodes and evidence.
Second and Third Work and Holiday Visa Options
Applicants who complete the required period of specified work while holding the first or second Work and Holiday visa may be eligible to apply for a subsequent visa.
Second Subclass 462 Visa
This visa type requires the candidate to complete 3 months (88 days) of “specified work” in northern and regional Australia while on the first subclass 462 visa to get another 12-month stay permit in Australia.
Third Subclass 462 Visa
This visa requires the applicant to complete 6 months (179 days) of “specified work” in regional Australia while on the second subclass 462 visa.
Application Process for Subclass 462 Visa
If you hold a valid passport from one of the listed countries:
Important: China, India, and Vietnam passport holders must participate in the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballot for random selection to apply online. For further details, see the New Work and Holiday Visa pre-application process.
Processing Times for Subclass 462 Visa
Processing times are subject to annual caps, ballot outcomes (where applicable), and the timely submission of complete information and supporting documents.
Cost of the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Currently, the Australian Government charges $670.00 for the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). Fees are subject to change. Refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for the latest fee information.
Subclass 462 vs Subclass 417 – What Is the Difference?
Feature | Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) | Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) |
Visa purpose | Holiday in Australia with the option to undertake short-term work | Holiday in Australia with the option to undertake short-term work |
Age requirement | 18–30 years; higher limits may apply for some countries | 18–30 years (up to 35 years for some countries) |
Eligible countries | Argentina, Austria, Chile, China (PRC), Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam | Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong (incl. BNO), Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom |
English requirement | Functional English required (varies by country) | Not required |
Education requirement | Required for most participating countries | Not required |
Ballot system | Required for some countries (e.g., China, India, Vietnam) | Not required |
Work limit per employer | Up to 6 months (12 months in some roles/regions) | Up to 6 months (12 months in some roles/regions) |
Study limit | Up to 4 months | Up to 4 months |
Specified work for the second visa | 3 months in Northern or specified regional Australia | 3 months in regional Australia |
Specified work for the third visa | 6 months in Northern or specified regional Australia | 6 months in regional Australia |
Visa validity | 12 months | 12 months |
Visa application charge | $670 | $670 |
Need Help Applying for a Subclass 462 Visa?
The process of applying for a subclass 462 visa involves meeting strict eligibility requirements and providing comprehensive documentation. Australian Migration Lawyers can provide legal guidance throughout each stage of the process, ensuring that your application is prepared in accordance with current legislative requirements. Contact our team for advice regarding specified work, visa eligibility, or document preparation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?
A Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is a temporary working holiday visa that allows eligible visa holders to work, travel to regional areas, and study short-term (up to 4 months) in Australia for up to 12 months.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Subclass 462 Visa?
To apply for a subclass 462 visa, the applicant must:
- Be between 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries)
- Hold a passport from any of the eligible countries
- Meet the health and character requirements
- Be outside of Australia
- Not be accompanied by dependent children
What Is the Subclass 462 Visa Ballot System?
The subclass 462 visa ballot system randomly selects passport holders from China, India, and Vietnam to apply for the first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa during the pre-application process.
What Additional Requirements Apply to Subclass 462 Applicants?
Additional requirements for the subclass 462 visa applications:
- Proof of relevant education
- Proof of funds (around $5,000)
- Proof of specified work in regional Australia
- Proof of functional English proficiency (an IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent)
- Country-specific documents
What Is the Specified Work for a Second or Third Subclass 462 Visa?
The specified work for a second or third subclass 462 visa focuses on approved industries and sectors like tourism and hospitality, mining, construction, farming, plant and animal cultivation, bushfire recovery, and healthcare roles to become eligible for the second or third visa application.
How Much Specified Work Is Required for a Second or Third Subclass 462 Visa?
The visa applicant is required to complete 3 months or 88 days of specified work experience for the second Subclass 462 visa and six months of specified work for the third.
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