Working Holiday Visa Australia 2026: How to Apply
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
The Australian Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program allows young adults to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. There are two visa subclasses — which one you apply for depends entirely on your passport.
- Working Holiday (Subclass 417) — available to 19 countries, mostly European and East Asian nations. No annual caps, no English requirement.
- Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) — available to 30+ other countries. Annual caps apply, some countries use a ballot system, and proof of functional English is required.
🆕 Changes from 1 July 2026:
The visa application fee increased to $840 AUD for first-time applicants and $1,000 AUD for second and third applications. Additionally, passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany, and South Korea can now apply for the 417 visa up to age 35 (previously 30).
Source: Department of Home Affairs
4 Steps to Apply for a WHV
Check your eligibility and create an ImmiAccount.
Confirm whether you apply for a 417 or 462 based on your passport.
First-time applicants must apply from outside Australia.
Complete your application and attach the required documents: valid passport, proof of sufficient funds (at least $5,000 AUD via bank statement), and any country-specific documents — for example, proof of English proficiency for most 462 applicants.
Pay the application fee: $840 AUD for a first application.
Always confirm the exact current fee on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before paying — fees are updated regularly and are non-refundable.
Note your transaction reference number and monitor your ImmiAccount and email. Processing typically takes 1–8 weeks.
Once granted, you have 12 months from the grant date to enter Australia. Your visa activates on the day you first arrive.
You Can Also Study on a Working Holiday Visa
As a WHV holder you can study or undertake training for up to 17 weeks (4 months) per visa. This is popular for improving English or completing a short vocational course. Study Destination offers English courses designed for WHV holders across all major Australian cities.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A 417 AND 462 VISA?
Your passport determines which visa you can apply for — you cannot choose between them.
Working Holiday — Subclass 417 (19 countries)
- Belgium — 18–30
- Canada — 18–35
- Republic of Cyprus — 18–35 (updated July 2026)
- Denmark — 18–35
- Estonia — 18–30
- Finland — 18–35 (updated 1 July 2026)
- France — 18–35
- Germany — 18–35 (updated 1 July 2026)
- Hong Kong SAR — 18–30
- Republic of Ireland — 18–35
- Italy — 18–35
- Japan — 18–30
- Republic of Korea — 18–35 (updated 1 July 2026)
- Malta — 18–30
- Netherlands — 18–30
- Norway — 18–30
- Sweden — 18–30
- Taiwan — 18–30
- United Kingdom (incl. Northern Ireland) — 18–35
- No annual caps.
- No English requirement.
- Age is assessed at the time you lodge your application.
- Apply before 11:59pm AEST on the day before your 31st or 36th birthday (depending on your country).
Work and Holiday — Subclass 462 (30+ countries)
Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China*, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, India*, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam*
*China, India, and Vietnam operate via an annual ballot. You must register and be selected before you can lodge an application. Registrations for 2026–27 closed 25 June 2026 — check the Department of Home Affairs news page for the next registration window.
Other recent 462 updates:
- From 3 June 2026: Luxembourg applicants no longer need a Letter of Support
- From 1 July 2026: Uruguay's annual cap increased to 1,500 places
Country Not on the List?
If your country is not eligible for either the 417 or 462, or if you have already used all your WHV years, a Student Visa (Subclass 500) is worth considering if you want to stay longer and work legally in Australia.
Want to Extend Your Working Holiday Visa?
Learn everything you need to extend your Working Holiday Visa up to three years.
FAQ
Which countries are eligible for the 417 Working Holiday Visa?
There are 19 eligible countries: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. If your country is not on this list, check whether you qualify for the 462 Work and Holiday Visa instead.
What is the visa fee in 2026?
From 1 July 2026, the fee is $840 AUD for a first application (both 417 and 462). Second and third-year extensions cost $1,000 AUD each. Fees are non-refundable. Always verify the exact amount on the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator before paying.
What is the age limit?
For most 417 countries the upper limit is 30 — you must apply before your 31st birthday. From 1 July 2026, passport holders from Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, and the United Kingdom can apply up to age 35 (before their 36th birthday). The 462 visa has an upper limit of 30 for all eligible countries. Age is assessed at the time you lodge, not when the decision is made.
How long does processing take?
Most applications are processed within 1–8 weeks, though times vary by nationality and individual circumstances. Once granted you have 12 months from the grant date to first enter Australia. The visa activates on the day you arrive.
Can I work with a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes — you can work for any employer in any industry anywhere in Australia. The main restriction is that you cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months without written approval from the Department of Home Affairs. There is no limit on hours per week. The current minimum wage is $26.44/hour (2026 rate).
Can I study in Australia with a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes — you can study or train for up to 17 weeks (4 months) per visa. This includes English courses, short vocational programs, or any other registered course. Study Destination offers short English courses for WHV holders across all major cities.
What if I am not eligible for a WHV or have already used my years?
A Student Visa (Subclass 500) is an option worth exploring if you want to continue living and working in Australia. With a student visa you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during your course and unlimited hours during scheduled breaks, with no 6-month employer restriction. Get in touch and we can talk through what might suit your situation.
