Visa Overview
The Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa is designed for young adults who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year. This visa encourages cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible partner countries. In 2026, the program continues to facilitate travel, short-term employment, and study opportunities for eligible passport holders.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the First Work and Holiday visa, you must:
- Age: Be aged 18 to 30 years (inclusive) at the time of application.
- Passport: Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
- Ballot System: If you are a citizen of China, India, or Vietnam, you must first be selected through the random selection ballot process before you can apply.
- Education: Meet the specific education requirements for your country of citizenship (usually tertiary qualifications or a minimum of two years of undergraduate study).
- English: Demonstrate functional English proficiency.
- Support: Have enough money for your stay (approximately AUD 5,000) and for your onward travel.
- Health and Character: Meet Australia’s health and character requirements.
2026 Application Costs
The Base Application Charge for the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa has been updated for the 2026 program year.
| Charge Type | Amount (AUD) |
| Base Application Charge | $670 |
| Ballot Registration Fee (if applicable) | $80 |
Processing Times
Processing times can vary based on the volume of applications and the completeness of the documentation provided. As of April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs reports the following benchmarks:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 14 days.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 70 days.
Note: For applicants from ballot-participating countries, the timeline from initial registration to visa grant typically ranges between 3 to 6 months due to the selection windows.
Specified Work and Extensions
You can stay in Australia for a second or third year if you complete "specified work" in regional areas of Australia.
- Second Visa: Complete 3 months (88 days) of specified subclass 462 work.
- Third Visa: Complete 6 months of specified subclass 462 work while holding your second visa.
Eligible Industries for Specified Work:
- Tourism and hospitality in northern or remote and very remote Australia.
- Plant and animal cultivation in northern Australia and other specified regional areas.
- Fishing and pearling in northern Australia only.
- Tree farming and felling in northern Australia only.
- Construction in northern Australia and other specified regional areas.
- Bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire affected areas.
- Natural disaster recovery work in declared disaster areas (e.g., floods or cyclones).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I include my family on this visa?
No. You cannot be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay on this visa. You must apply for this visa as an individual.
How much work can I do with one employer?
Generally, you can work for any one employer for a maximum of 6 months. Some exceptions apply for work in specific industries or regional areas; however, you should consult your visa conditions on your mobile device via VEVO for the latest updates.
What happens if I turn 31 while my application is being processed?
If you lodge your application while you are still 30, the Department can still grant the visa even if you turn 31 before a decision is made.
Is there a limit on how much I can study?
Yes, you are permitted to study for a maximum of 4 months during your 12-month stay.
