417 Working Holiday and
462 Work and Holiday Visa

Australia offers two popular visa options for young travellers: the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. While both visas are designed to allow travellers to experience Australia while supplementing their finances through temporary work, there are some key differences between them.

 

1.         Eligible Countries:

•           Subclass 417: This visa is available to young adults from countries that have reciprocal agreements with Australia, including the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, and several others.

•           Subclass 462: This visa is primarily for young adults from countries with which Australia has a bilateral reciprocal arrangement, such as the United States, China, Argentina, Indonesia, and several others.

 

2.         Age Requirement:

•           Subclass 417: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application.

•           Subclass 462: The age range varies by country, typically between 18 and 30, although some countries may have a different maximum age limit.

​

3.         Maximum Stay and Work Limitations:

•           Subclass 417: Holders of this visa can stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date of first entry. They can work for any employer in Australia for up to 6 months during their stay, but they can only work for the same employer for up to 6 months.

•           Subclass 462: Similarly, holders of this visa can also stay for up to 12 months from the date of first entry. However, there are limitations on the types of work and employers. They can work for any employer in Australia for up to 6 months during their stay, and they may also undertake specific types of work for a second year if they meet certain criteria.

​

4.         Eligibility Criteria:

•           Both visa subclasses have similar eligibility criteria, including health and character requirements. However, there may be specific requirements or conditions that vary depending on the applicant's country of origin.

​

5.         Annual Cap and Quotas:

•           The Australian government imposes annual caps and quotas on the number of visas issued under each subclass. These quotas may vary from year to year and are often subject to change based on bilateral agreements and domestic labor market conditions.

​

6.         Cost:

•           The application fees for both visas are typically similar, but they may vary slightly. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with health examinations, police clearances, and other requirements.