What Is the Working Holiday Visa?
Australia offers two working holiday visa subclasses: 417 (Working Holiday) and 462 (Work and Holiday). Both allow you to live and work in Australia for 12 months initially, with the option to extend for a 2nd and 3rd year if you complete regional work requirements.
Eligible Countries
| Subclass 417 | Subclass 462 |
|---|---|
| UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and more | USA, China, India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and more |
Age & Basic Requirements
- Aged 18–30 (up to 35 for Canada, France, Ireland, UK, and some others)
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
- Have sufficient funds: AUD $5,000 minimum
- No dependent children accompanying you
Extending to Year 2 and Year 3
| Extension | Regional Work Required | Industries Included |
|---|---|---|
| Year 2 | 3 months (88 days) | Agriculture, horticulture, farming, fishing, mining, construction in regional areas |
| Year 3 | 6 months (179 days) | Same as Year 2, must be in specified regional postcodes |
Regional Work Tip
Fruit picking in Queensland (Bundaberg, Bowen) and the Northern Territory are popular for completing regional work requirements. Pay is often piece-rate — some pickers earn AUD $800–$1,200/week during harvest season.Average Wages in Australia (2025)
| Job Type | Hourly Rate (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Hospitality / café | $24–$29 |
| Retail | $22–$26 |
| Farm work (hourly) | $24–$28 |
| Construction labourer | $28–$35 |
| Skilled trades | $35–$55 |
Australia's minimum wage as of 2025 is AUD $24.10/hour. Employers are legally required to pay this regardless of your visa status.
Cost of Living
- Sydney/Melbourne rent: AUD $1,800–$2,800/month for a 1BR
- Share house: AUD $800–$1,400/month (much more common for WHV holders)
- Groceries: AUD $300–$500/month
- Transport: AUD $150–$200/month