Everything You Need to Know
Thinking about living and working in Australia for a year? The Working Holiday Visa (WHV – Subclass 417) is designed for young people who want to explore Australia while earning an income. It’s a great way to experience life here, and if you excel in your role, there may be pathways to stay longer.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
The WHV allows eligible young people to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s ideal for gap-year travellers, backpackers, and anyone seeking a memorable cultural experience while keeping a regular income.
Who Can Apply? (Eligible Countries & Ages)
To apply, you must:
- Be aged 18 to 30 years (or up to 35 years for some countries).
- Hold a passport from an eligible country.
- Have no dependent children with you.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Eligible Countries for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you may qualify for a Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa:
- Age 18–30 years: Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Malta, Netherlands, Republic of Korea, Taiwan.
- Age up to 35 years: Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom.
Other countries may be eligible under the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa, which has different requirements. Contact us for more information.
Key Conditions and Benefits
- Stay: Up to 12 months on your first 417 visa. Extensions may be available if you meet specified work requirements (e.g., regional work).
- Renewals: You can apply for a second and third Working Holiday Visa if you complete the required specified work in regional Australia during your stay.
- Work rights: You can work in Australia while on a Working Holiday Visa, but there’s a standard limit of 6 months with one employer. However, exemptions and permissions are available—especially for critical roles or regional work. We can guide you through these options if you’re looking to stay longer.
- Study: You can study for up to 4 months.
- Funds: You’ll need sufficient funds (commonly ~AUD $5,000) and money for onward travel.
- Health insurance: Strongly recommended for the duration of your stay.
- Character and health requirements: Visa refusals can occur if you fail health checks or have certain criminal records. Even minor offenses (such as petty drug, alcohol, or traffic violations) can affect eligibility.
How We Help You Apply
We make the process simple and stress free by:
- Checking your eligibility upfront so you know you meet the requirements.
- Reviewing your documents carefully to make sure nothing is missing.
- Handling the application lodgement and explaining key visa conditions like work limits and extension options.
- Offering advice on roles and regions that suit your goals, so your time in Australia is both rewarding and compliant.
- Our International Recruitment team can review your skills and connect you with employers who have suitable vacancies for Working Holiday Visa holders. This support helps you make the most of your time in Australia while staying compliant with visa conditions.
Common Mistakes (and How We Avoid Them)
Many applicants run into issues like:
- Applying without confirming age or country eligibility.
- Missing documents such as proof of funds or insurance.
- Misunderstanding work restrictions or extension rules.
How we fix this: We take the guesswork out of the process. Our team checks every detail, explains the conditions clearly, and ensures your application is complete and compliant—so you avoid delays and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
- Can I work full-time? Yes, but you generally cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months unless you qualify for an exemption or receive permission from Home Affairs. We can assist with these requests.
- Can I study? Yes—up to 4 months.
- How much money do I need? You should have sufficient funds (~AUD $5,000) plus funds for onward travel; we’ll advise you case-by-case.
- Can I extend my stay? Yes—second and third WHVs may be available if you complete specified work in regional Australia and meet all requirements.
Current Opportunities – Panel Beaters
We have Panel Beater roles available now in Regional NSW and Townsville (QLD), with benefits including:
- Paid flights to Australia
- 3 months serviced accommodation
- Meal allowance
- Above-industry pay rates
More information can be found here (link to panel beater job ad)
Contact us today to register your interest
| Source | Link |
| Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/first-working-holiday-417 |
| Eligibility & Conditions | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/working-holiday-417#Eligibility |
| WHM program – partner countries | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/working-holidays-for-australians/working-holidays |
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is for general guidance only and may not apply to your individual circumstances. Immigration laws and policies can change without notice. Always confirm the latest requirements with official sources or seek professional advice before making decisions. Information is current as of December 2025.
