What are the requirements for a Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa to Australia?

Open Visa Migration offers advice and assistance with the Working Holiday visa process. Here is some general information to get you started.

The Working Holiday visa is for young people who want to holiday and work in Australia. This visa is a great way to experience living and working in Australia, meet new people, and explore the country’s diverse culture. The visa lasts for 12 months but there is an option to extend with a second or third Working Holiday visa, if eligible.

The eligibility criteria for the first Working Holiday visa would typically be:

• The applicant must be from an eligible country*
• They must be between 18 – 30 years old at the time of lodgement of the visa application, or up to 35 if you are from certain countries**
• They can show that they have sufficient funds to cover at least 3 month’s stay, generally set at AUD$5,000

The first Working Holiday visa application is usually straightforward enough for most applicants to submit themselves. However, some common reasons for a Working Holiday visa refusal would be:

1. Insufficient passport validity: It would be advisable to have a passport that is valid for at least 1 year before applying, which is the length of the visa
2. Not meeting the health requirement: If the applicant has a health condition that would likely cost the Australian Government, the visa can be refused on health grounds
3. Not meeting the character requirement: if the applicant has a criminal history and the Department assesses the applicant to be a high risk, the visa can be refused on character grounds
4. Incorrect information: The applicant has provided false or misleading information to the Department, the visa can be refused

The reasons for a Working Holiday visa refusal can vary and depends on the individual’s circumstances. If you think your application is at risk of refusal due to any of the above, feel free to contact Open Visa Migration for help.

Got your visa already? Begin your search here and you’ll soon find yourself working your way across Australia –  from bustling city skylines to the Great Barrier Reef, there are endless sights for you to discover in Australia.

*Eligible countries include Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and United Kingdom

**Applicants can be up to 35 years old if they are from Canada, Denmark, France, Republic of Ireland and Italy. The age limit for applicants from the United Kingdom is expected to be extended to 35 years old in 2023. Check the Department of Home Affair’s website to see when this will come into effect.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is intended to serve as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as legal or professional advice. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a registered migration agent for tailored advice that is specific to your individual circumstances. We do not accept any liability for any reliance on the information contained on this website.

About the Author

Marcella Johan-mosi is an Australian registered migration agent (MARN: 1066619) with over 10 years of experience in helping clients achieve their immigration goals. She specialises in skilled migration and employer sponsored visas, partner visas, and complex health and character waivers. She has worked for leading global immigration firms in Sydney and London, and is now based in London. You can contact her at [email protected] or check out her website for more Australian immigration insights at: https://www.openvisamigration.com/