Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417): A Complete Guide

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) forms part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program, which allows eligible young adults to travel in Australia while undertaking short-term work. This holiday visa facilitates cultural exchange between Australia and eligible partner countries and addresses short-term labour needs in various sectors. This guide outlines how the working holiday visa (subclass 417) operates, who may apply, and the conditions attached to work, study, and visa extensions.

What Is the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?

The working holiday visa subclass 417 allows eligible applicants to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. During this period, the visa holder may undertake short-term employment, study for a limited duration, and travel freely in and out of Australia.

The Subclass 417 is a temporary visa that does not provide a pathway to permanent residency. Its purpose is to promote cultural exchange, strengthen bilateral relations, and enable holders to undertake short-term work to support their stay.

Who Can Apply for a Subclass 417 Visa?

Eligibility for the Subclass 417 visa is determined at the time of application and is subject to criteria including age, nationality, and compliance with prescribed visa conditions.

Age Requirements

Applicants must generally be aged between 18 and 30 years. For passport holders from certain eligible countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, and France, applications may be made up to the age of 35. Age eligibility is strictly assessed at the time the application is lodged.

Eligible Passport Countries

Applicants must hold a valid passport issued by a country participating in Australia’s Working Holiday Maker arrangements. These eligible countries include Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom (including British National Overseas), and San Marino. Passport and citizenship status must be current when lodging the working holiday visa application.

Other Key Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be outside Australia when applying for their first Subclass 417 visa. The presence of dependent children is not permitted during the visa holder’s stay. Health checks and character assessments may be required. Applicants must provide evidence of adequate funds to cover initial living expenses and maintain appropriate health insurance for the entire period of stay.

Work and Study Rights on a 417 Visa

This section outlines the work and study conditions that apply to holders of the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417).

Work Conditions

The visa subclass 417 permits temporary employment to support a holiday. In most circumstances, work is limited to a maximum of six months with the same employer. This applies regardless of whether the employment is full-time, part-time, or casual.

Exceptions to the six-month employment limitation apply in specified circumstances, including approved roles in healthcare, construction, and disaster recovery within designated areas.

Study Rights

Holders of the working holiday visa may study in the country for up to four months. This condition permits participation in short courses or training programs of up to four months. Study exceeding this period generally requires a separate visa subclass.

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Specified Work for Second and Third Working Holiday Visas

Completion of specified work is required for applicants seeking a further stay beyond the initial 12-month period.

What Is Considered Specified Work?

Specified work involves paid employment in approved industries and locations, primarily within regional Australia. Common sectors include agriculture, construction, mining, fishing, and disaster recovery. Examples include plant and animal cultivation, animal cultivation, work involving farm animals, and tree farming. It includes activities such as propagating plants, fruit and vegetable crops, pruning vegetable crops, and trimming vines.

Certain processing roles may also qualify where they involve plant products, animal products, or plant and animal products, but the only exception is when the work is directly connected to an approved primary industry and undertaken in a designated area.

How Long Must Specified Work Be Completed?

To qualify for a second working holiday visa, applicants must complete at least three months of specified work while holding their first working holiday visa. A third working holiday visa requires completion of six months of specified work while holding the second visa. These months of specified work must be completed lawfully and supported by appropriate records.

What Counts (and Does Not Count) as Specified Work?

Only paid work in approved industries and locations is accepted. Employment in metropolitan hospitality, office-based roles, or other unrelated work does not count. Work must be genuine, properly paid, and verifiable. Employment not directly related to approved industries or undertaken outside specified locations does not satisfy the specified work requirement.

Disaster Recovery Work and New Postcodes (2025)

Australia has expanded access to specified work in response to natural disasters affecting various communities. Disaster recovery work undertaken in declared affected areas may count towards specified work requirements where it meets current policy settings.

Updated postcode lists apply across parts of New South Wales, the Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Norfolk Island. Applicants should verify that their employment activities align with the current guidance issued by the Department of Home Affairs before relying on such work for subsequent visa eligibility.

Second and Third Working Holiday Visa Options

This section explains the conditions under which a second or third Working Holiday Visa may be available.

Second Subclass 417 Visa

A second visa allows eligible applicants to remain in Australia for a further 12 months after completing three months of specified work during their first stay. Applications may be lodged either in or outside Australia, provided eligibility requirements are met at the time of application.

Third Subclass 417 Visa

A third working holiday visa is available to applicants who have completed six months of specified work while holding a second visa. pathway is subject to policy limitations. Currently, specific concessions apply to certain United Kingdom passport holders, for whom the specified work requirement may be waived. These concessions are determined by nationality and may be revised.

Working Holiday Visa (417) vs Work and Holiday Visa (462)

Australia operates two working holiday streams with different eligibility requirements.

Key Differences Between Subclass 417 and Subclass 462

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on application volume, passport country, and individual circumstances. Many applications are finalised promptly, while others take longer, because additional information, health checks, or character assessments may be required. Applicants who have previously entered Australia on other visas may experience different timeframes.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Cost

The application charge for the working holiday visa subclass 417 is currently $670. Additional costs may include medical examinations, police certificates, and health insurance such as Overseas Visitor Health Cover. Applicants should also take into account initial living expenses and travel costs.

Check Your Eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa

Eligibility for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) depends on age, passport country, prior visa history, and compliance with health and character requirements. Applicants must ensure they hold a qualifying passport, meet age criteria, and can satisfy work and financial conditions before submitting the online form.

Need Help Applying for a Subclass 417 Visa?

While the application process is completed online, eligibility requirements under the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) are applied strictly. Issues commonly arise around age limits, employer restrictions, and whether particular roles meet specified work criteria for second or third visa applications.

Our immigration lawyers provide guidance on eligibility assessment, specified work requirements, and visa extension options for Working Holiday Maker visas. If you require legal advice before lodging your application or determining eligibility for a second or third Subclass 417 visa, contact our team for professional assistance.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?

It is a temporary holiday visa allowing eligible young adults to stay in Australia for up to 12 months with limited work and study rights.

Who Is Eligible to Apply for a Subclass 417 Visa?

Applicants must meet the age requirements, hold a valid passport from one of the eligible countries, and satisfy health and character criteria to apply for a Subclass 417 visa.

How Long Can I Work for One Employer on a 417 Visa?

Work is generally permitted for up to six months with one employer, unless an approved exception applies.

What Is the Specified Work for a Second or Third Working Holiday Visa?

Specified work for a second or third Working Holiday visa refers to paid employment in approved industries and locations, primarily within regional Australia.

How Much Specified Work Is Required for a Second or Third 417 Visa?

Three months are required for a second working holiday visa and six months for a third working holiday, subject to nationality-based concessions.

How Much Does the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Cost, and How Long Does It Take?

The application charge is $670. Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances.

What Is the Difference Between the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?

The visas differ in terms of eligible passport countries, education and English requirements, and eligibility for a third-year visa.