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Work and Holiday Visa to Australia from US

Key aspects

Key aspects

Allows US citizens between 18 and 30 years of age to travel and work in Australia.

Visa duration

Visa duration

Up to 12 months of uninterrupted stay in Australia.

Approval time

Approval time

Application check in 24 hours. Final response in 7 to 30 days.

A Work and Holiday visa for Australia (often referred to also as “working holiday visa”) enables young people from US to travel to Australia for up to 12 months at a time for a gap year, for holidays, for exploring the country, for short-term studies or for short periods of work.

A Work and Holiday visa is for American Citizens between 18 and 30 years of age (inclusive) who want to go to Australia to combine a holiday with work and/or studies. Essentially, with a Work and Holiday visa, you can stay in Australia for up to one year – during which you are also allowed to work.

Apply for a Work and Holiday Visa Keep scrolling for more info

More information on Work and Holiday Visa for US Citizens (Subclass 462)

This visa to work and study in Australia allows you to work to pay for your travel and holiday. Since you are not really allowed to work in Australia on a conventional Tourist Visa or an Australian Student Visa, a WHV is the ideal alternative for US travelers and backpackers with limited funds or for people on a gap year.

Once you will be in Australia on your first work and holiday visa, in case you enjoy your stay and want to extend your Work and Holiday visa, you can also apply for a 2nd Working Holiday Visa. You will be able to apply for it while you are in Australia, so you do not need to leave the country.

If you are already sure a Work and Holiday Visa matches your needs, you can apply for a working holiday visa directly online. Alternatively, here is all you need to know about Australian Work & Holiday Visas (WHV), such as:



Work and Holiday Visa (Australia) – Requirements

A work and holiday visa allows you to tour or visit Australia and work to pay for your holiday. You can work during your time in the country, and if you are eligible, you can apply for a second work and holiday visa. The requirements for a work and holiday visa for Australia, however, are much stricter than those for a holiday or tourist visa.

Basic Australia Work and Travel Visa Requirements

As a US citizen, to be eligible for the work and holiday visa Australia in 2024, you must:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 30
  • Have a U.S. passport or a passport from another eligible country
  • Not be accompanied by any dependent children
  • Be a high school graduate or have an equivalent qualification
  • Have no dependent children accompanying you on your travel
  • Have not previously held an Australia visa 462 or a 417 visa
  • Have appropriate insurance to cover you during your stay in Australia
  • Meet the character and health criteria
  • Have adequate funds to pay for your return fare and the initial part of your stay
  • Be able to provide all additional documents Australian immigration may request

As an American citizen, if you meet these requirements you can most likely stay up to 12 months in Australia with no problems – as long as you keep on complying with them.

There are also a few more additional Australia 462 visa requirements that can vary based on your citizenship and passport of origin, including:

  • Additional educational requirement
  • Proof of functional English language knowledge
  • Completion of relevant English language programs
  • Possession of a letter of support from your government

For US citizens, there is no need to worry though, as you can essentially ignore these additional requirements.



Those listed above are the main requirements you need to satisfy in order to apply for a WHV from the USA. In case you want to know more about each specific requirement, keep reading for more details on:

Additional documents you may be asked for

Normally, no additional document is required to US citizens applying for a Work & Holiday visa with a valid passport. However, in some specific cases Australian Immigration may decide to ask for additional documentation.

The following checklist for Australian visa 462 (WHV) lists all documents which may be asked by the Australian Government before confirming the requested visa. As we said, they are asked only in very specific, rare cases – after the traveler has already completed his/her application. A big majority of the applicants were not asked for provide those documents.

However, we hope this list may help you prepare the needed documentation in case you were to be contacted by Australian Immigration prior to releasing your visa.

Upon request, you must be able to provide these documents:

  • Evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your time in Australia and to pay for your trip back as well as sufficient funds to pay for the initial part of your holiday
  • Health documents and examinations
  • Identity documents:
    • Passport
    • Birth certificate
    • Other forms of government-issued ID
    • Marriage or divorce certificate
    • Change of name documents
    • Documents that proof any other names you may have had or used
    • Recent photographs with a clear, full-color image
    • Educational qualifications
    • Character documents, which may include:
      • Australian police certificate
      • Overseas police certificate
      • Military service records
      • Discharge papers
      • Court documents
    • Australian values statement



Age Requirements for the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462 – Australia)

The work and holiday visa is primarily designed for a young person, applying for the visa at an age between 18 and 30 years who wishes to holiday, work and study in Australia. The visa is valid for one year from the date of issue, which means you have one year to enter Australia. From the date of first entry, you can then stay up to one year in Australia, leaving and entering Australia as many times as you wish – since WHV is a multiple entry visa.

If you are older and your primary interests are studying or working rather than travelling, or if you would prefer to solely travel and holiday, another type of visas might be more appropriate for you – respectively Study Visa, Work Visa or Tourist Visa.

(Notice: you need to be 30 or younger at the moment of application: you may indeed turn 31 while in Australia without losing your right to stay.)

Study and Working Visa for Australia: Age Limits and Exceptions (2024)

As far as US citizens are concerned, Australia’s 462 work and travel visa age is limited to travelers between 18 and 30. Notice that you need to be 30 or younger at the moment of application: you can indeed turn 31 while in Australia without losing your right to stay.

The age limit for a work and travel visa can be extended for some people, however.

If you are a Canadian, French or Irish citizen with a valid passport, you may be eligible for a working holiday visa up to 35 years of age. However, technically a 35 years working holiday visa is a subclass 417 visa, and despite being similar to the 462 visa in scope and limitations it is not valid for American citizens. In any case, with exception for no country, people who are over 35 are not eligible for a working holiday or a work and holiday visa and will need to consider a different type of visa.

Australia Work Visas Under 30

Apart from WHVs, a broader selection of Work Visas is available to American citizens. However, for travelers under 30 years of age we normally recommend – whenever possible – to apply for a Work and Holiday visa.

As a young traveler with a working holiday visa, you can spend a year in Australia working up to 6 months, studying up to 4 months and travelling for up to 12 months. You can enter and leave Australia as often as you want during the life of your visa. This Australian work visa is specifically designed for those under 30.

For U.S. citizens, there is no working holiday visa for those over 30. However, there are business visas, ETAs and other types of work visas for older travelers that better meet their needs.



Financial Requirements for Moving to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa

Whether you are traveling to Australia to study English and work or to work and travel across Australia, you will need to demonstrate that you meet the government’s financial requirements. The specifics of Work and Holiday Visa (also known as WHV or Australian visa Subclass 462) require that you have sufficient funds to pay for your trip to and from Australia as well as funds to cover the initial stage of your journey to Australia. Proofs requested may include copies of your air tickets, a certified copy of your bank statement or other financial documents.

Here are our recommendations:
When you go to Australia, you need to have “enough money to support yourself in the beginning of your stay”. Typically, 5.000 Australian Dollars is usually considered enough. You might need to prove that you have this money, e.g. by providing a bank statement or similar – but only on request.
If you do not have a return ticket, you will also need extra funds to be able to afford one, above the 5.000 AUD we just mentioned.



Australia Working Holiday Visa Requirements for Second and Third WH Visas

Those who are between 18 and 30 and currently hold or have previously held Australian Work and Holiday visas may be eligible for a second or third visa. Requirements to receive a second WHV include:

  • A valid passport for Australia from an eligible country, such as the United States.
  • Completion of at least 88 days of “specified” subclass 462 work completed while holding the first visa. “Specified” work means work in the areas of Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales or Norfolk Island and in the fields of fishing/pearling,  tree farming/felling, hospitality or farming. You can find more info on specified jobs here.
  • Completion of at least 6 months of total work if applying for a third visa.



Language Requirements for Non-US Citizens: English Language Level and IELTS Points

One of the most important requirements for obtaining an Australian work and holiday visa is that you speak functional English. Formally, this means that:

  • You are a citizen of and hold a valid passport issued by the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand or the Republic of Ireland.

or

  • You have completed the approved English level requirements for the release of the work and holiday visa.

or

  • You have completed any relevant education requirements in English.

In the second case language proficiency is determined by your score on the IELTS, which is the International English Language Testing System. This test determines your competency in several areas of the English language, including reading, writing, listening and speaking.

To pass, your IELTS score must be above an average of 4.5.

Other tests that can be used in place of IELTS include:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), which requires a total band score of at least 32.
  • Pearson Test of English Academic, which requires an overall band score of at least 30.
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English, which requires an overall band score of at least 147.

In the third option, relevant education can include:

  • Primary and secondary school in which all instruction was in English
  • At least one year of full-time study in Australia with all instruction in English
  • Secondary school with all instruction in English and at least 5 years of study time (in or out of Australia)

No online language test will be needed specifically for the approval of the WH visa. However, after submitting your application, you may be requested to provide documents certifying you can speak functional English. Again, this applies only to non-US citizens. 



Insurance Requirements

When traveling across Australia, you will be personally liable for any healthcare needs that you might have. Short-term visa holders are typically ineligible for Medicare.

Therefore, the Australian government highly recommends that visitors on working holiday visas take health insurance to limit their financial liability and lower their costs.

There is no formal need in terms of health insurance, so you do not need to already have a health insurance for the duration of your trip to Australia before applying for a Work and Holiday Visa. However, without adequate insurance coverage, you will be considered a private patient and will be billed for all your healthcare costs – which could definitely impact your finances.

Insurance for a Working Holiday Visa Australia: is it worth it?

Although some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, U.S. citizens will need to have appropriate insurance coverage if they do not want to pay personally for their health-related needs while in Australia. Also the Australian government recommends maintaining a certain minimum level of coverage to reduce your risks. This coverage can include a copayment, excess or patient contribution charged by either your insurance fund or the hospital or clinic that treats you.

In general, we recommend you ensure that you have medical insurance that is valid during your stay in Australia.
What should the ideal health insurance for an Australia Working Holiday cover?

Basing on years of experience, we recommend your coverage caters for:

  • Benefits equal to the state or territory health authority rates for day and overnight hospital accommodations
  • Emergency department fees that lead to admission
  • Admission care
  • Postoperative fees
  • Pharmaceutical drugs, including all PBS-listed drugs
  • Admitted medical services
  • Ambulance services, including inter-hospital transfers due to lack of required facilities

Benefits should also ideally cover all admitted treatments that are currently covered by the Medicare Benefits Schedule.

Notice that some insurers may impose a 12-month waiting period for pregnancy-related health issues and pre-existing conditions, and a 2-month waiting period for rehabilitation, psychiatric and palliative care.

The best travel insurances for a working holiday visa in Australia will typically include some health insurance coverage as well, including some pre-existing medical conditions. By purchasing an inclusive travel plan, you can typically lower your overall price for Australia working holiday visa insurance.



Lodging Requirements: Do I need to arrange accommodation in advance?

Arranging an accommodation before leaving for Australia in not requested by Australian Immigration to WH Visa holders.

However, we do recommend you do that. It is better to have something already arranged for the beginning of your stay, and change later, than to not have anything and be forced to live in an expensive hotel just because everything is fully booked.



Australia Working Holiday Visa Immigration Duration

As an American, once you get your WHV, you must enter Australia within 12 months of the issue date of your working holiday visa for USA citizens. Your work travel visa will remain valid for up to 12 months after its release, and you can continue to enter and leave Australia as often as you wish – as long as your visa is valid.

Notice that if you leave Australia your visa will not be paused, so the 12 month validity is fixed and there is no way to recover the “lost” days spent outside Australia. However, work and Holiday visa holders who have been working in regional Australia with “specified work”, such as farming, mining, plant cultivation, might be eligible to apply for a second Work and Holiday visa. If that is granted it will allow another 12 months stay in Australia.

Can a Working Holiday Australia-USA Visa Be Extended?

A working holiday visa Australia is easy to apply for online, but it cannot technically be extended. However, once you have completed 3 months of specified work, you can apply for a second work and holiday visa. Your new WH visa will allow you to stay longer in the country, on holiday, working or studying – just like the first WHV you got.



Work and Holiday Visa Conditions

As we explained before, the work and holiday visa is a special type of Australian visa that enables travelers to plan an Australian holiday as well as work in Australia to earn the funds to pay for their holiday. However, when planning and during your working travel to Australia, you will need to follow certain conditions. Failing to abide by the working holiday visa conditions for U.S. citizens could lead to your work and travel visa being cancelled, and you could be required to leave the country.

First of all, to be eligible for a work and holiday visa, you must be between 18 and 30 years at the moment of application, hold a valid U.S. passport or a passport from another eligible country, be of good character, meet the health criteria and have sufficient funds for your fare and the first leg of your journey. These requirements must remain valid for the entire duration of your stay (apart from the age requirement: you can indeed turn 31 while in Australia without losing your right to stay).

WHV Work limitations

The WHV essentially allows you to work on a tourist visa in Australia, and you can stay in the country up to 12 months from the date of your initial entry (you can also enter and exit the country as often as you desire during the time your visa is valid). However, you may work only up to 6 months with a single employer during your time in the country, and you may be eligible to apply for a second working holiday visa only if you have worked as a specified worker in a designated part of the country for at least 88 days.

Since you cannot work for any single employer for longer than 6 months due to the nature of the WH visa – which is designed to allow you to holiday and travel across the country rather than simply work – dedicated Work Visas are available for this purpose.

WHV Study limitations

The 2024 Australia working holiday visa regulations make it suitable not only for work and travel: Visa holders are also able to study. So, if you are wondering “Can I study in Australia on my Work and Holiday Visa?”, the answer is definitely “Yes, you can.” There is a “but” though: you are allowed to study only up to 4 months. As a matter of fact, the main purpose of the Work and Holiday visa is to have holiday and do limited work to finance your stay. Also in this case, if your wish is to study more than 4 months, you should consider applying for a dedicated Student Visa instead.



Work and Holiday Visas’ Application Process and Processing Times

The Australia work and holiday visa application process is fairly straightforward. See below our step-by-step guide and a series of answers to the most common questions

  • 1. Preparing for your application
  • 2. Completing the 462 visa form
  • 3. Receiving the visa: waiting times

1. Preparing the Application for Your Working Holiday Visa Australia

In general, U.S. passport holders will typically not need any document at the time of visa application, so there is no real preparation to go through before starting the online application. However, during the application process personal details and passport data will be required – so it is recommended to have your passport with you while filling in the application form.

Also, US citizens typically do not need additional health exams when planning short stays in Australia, due to their low tuberculosis risks. However, if you have a significant medical condition or are planning to work in a higher-risk environment such as a childcare center, you might be required to complete a health exam upon your application.

In such case you may need to schedule health exams before obtaining your visa. Australia has strict health requirements for all visa applicants, which helps protect the public from potential health risks and controls their health spending costs.



2. Completing the 462 Visa Form for Australia

Most US applicants are eligible to apply for the work and holiday visa online.

Our WHV application form is very easy to fill-in, and the meaning of each field is clearly explained. Simply gather your documents and ensure that you provide accurate, up-to-date information on all the requested fields of the form. If you fail to provide accurate information, it could lead to unnecessary delays, or Australian Immigration could even deny your working holiday visa.



3. Receiving your Working Holiday Visa for Australia: Waiting Times

You will receive notification of your application for your Australia work and holiday visa upon receipt. However, do not make any travel plans until you have received your approval in writing.

As a matter of fact, since it is normally not requested to attach supporting documents at the time of application, you may be asked to supply them now, after submitting your demand. Also, if you made any mistakes in your application or some changes in your status have occurred, let us know as soon as possible – so that any necessary corrections can be made to the visa application.

Work Holiday Visa Processing Times

How Long Does It Take to Get My Working Holiday Visa in Australia for U.S. Citizens?

The working holiday visa for American citizens typically does not take long, and U.S. citizens who apply online will typically have a response faster than those who apply through an embassy.

When you apply online, you can expect to have a response about your visa 462 for work and holiday within 15 to 35 days. More specifically, about 75 percent of online Working Holiday Visa applicants receive an approval within 15 days, and almost all applications are processed in 35 days maximum.

However, it can formally take up to 8 weeks to process a visa application, especially if there were inaccuracies, missing information or if your application mentioned previous criminal offenses.

However, missing or inaccurate information or errors in completing the form can lead to processing delays. Once your visa is granted, you will be provided with your visa grant number, the date your visa begins and your visa conditions.

When you travel to Australia, we recommend keeping a copy of this decision with you – even though the WHV is already electronically matched to your passport number in the Australian Immigration database.

If your visa is refused, you will be provided with information about why the Australian Government took this decision, and whether you are entitled to a review.



WHV Deadlines and Dates

What is the Last Day to Submit my Work Holiday Visa Australia?

Since US Work and Holiday visas are not limited, as a US citizen there are no deadlines or last day to submit your work holiday visa to Australia.

However, once your visa has been granted you have 12 months to enter the country, and the visa’s dates for work and holiday visa remain effective for 12 months beyond that initial entry date. You may leave and re-enter Australia as often as you would like during the 12 months.

For example, if you apply in August 2024 and your visa is granted in September of 2024, then you have until September of 2025 to enter the country. Once you enter Australia, the visa will be valid for a full 12 months.

Before those 12 months have passed – while there is no visa extension 462 – you can file for a second WHV once you have completed 3 months of specified work. You can file for your visa request directly online on our website, and contact us in case of any need for support.



Difference between Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) and Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

The similar naming and purpose of Australian Immigration’s visas 462 and 417 often confuse US visitors. As a matter of fact, the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) and Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) both allow non-Australian citizens to enjoy a working holiday in Australia.

However, they are different classes of visa, and there is a key difference: they are intended for travelers from different countries.

The 417 Working Holiday Visa is open to travelers willing to enter Australia with passports from most EU countries and a few more:

The Work and Holiday Subclass 462 Visa is instead open to those with passports from:

  • United States
  • Argentina
  • Austria
  • Chile
  • China
  • Czech Republic
  • Hungary
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Uruguay
  • Vietnam



Do I need an Australia Visa 462 or 417?

If you are an American citizen, you will need a 462 visa.

Applicants for the 462 visa must also meet specific educational requirements. United States citizens must be high school graduates.

Citizens of other countries must have tertiary qualifications or at least two years of undergraduate university or be eligible for a third year of undergraduate university. They must also have a letter of support from their country of origin (unless they are from the United States).

Finally, all travelers applying for 462 visas must demonstrate that they speak functional English – unless they are American citizens.



Differences between 417 and 462 Visa for Australia

Both the working holiday visa Australia 417 and the work and holiday visa 462 visas allow those between 18 and 30 to visit Australia on a working holiday. They are both granted for 12-month periods and allow for work of up to 6 months at a time. Both 417 and 462 visa holders are also able to apply for a second visa if they are eligible.

The only difference between the two types of visas is essentially who is eligible for them: U.S. citizens are only eligible for the 462 visa, so if you are a US traveler you should apply for a WHV online.



How is an Australia Working Holiday Visa Different from NZ Working Holiday Visa?

Both the Australian WHV and the NZ WHV are valid for 12 months and geared towards those between 18 and 30.

However, in NZ you can work up to 12 months and study or train up to 6 months compared to Australia, which limits you to 6 months of work and 4 months of study.



Work and Holiday Visa Costs and Fees

The WHV, which is electronically attached to your passport much like other types of Australian visas like ETAs, has a significantly higher cost.

The work and travel visa to Australia cost is $625.00. The cost for a second and third working holiday visa Australia is instead $625.00.

However, there may be some other costs associated with the visa – depending on your specific needs and application process. As an example, these costs may include:

  • Costs for health checks, which can vary based on the exams and tests necessary
  • Police certificates, which can range in price for a work and holiday visa from USD 50 to USD 150, depending on the information needed and the certificaste requested
  • Biometrics, which can include fees for a digital photograph and digital fingerprint scan
  • Health insurance costs

Are There Any Other Working Holiday Visa Costs I Need to Know About?

While there are no additional visa-related costs, your employer will need to pay superannuation into the superannuation fund if you earn more than AUD 450 in a month during your time in Australia. The superannuation fund is a retirement scheme, so this will not be a cost for you but for your employer.

You can then access these funds through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment upon leaving the country, when your visa has expired and you have already departed the country.



Working with a Work and Holiday Visa: Best Jobs and Specified Jobs

Since an Australia work and holiday visa allows you to have a holiday while doing any kind of work to pay for it, many travelers wonder what is the best way to approach job application, and what are the ideal jobs to have during their stay.

What Are the Best Jobs for an Australia Work and Holiday Work Visa?

When you have an Australia work and holiday visa, you can only work for the same employer for up to 6 months. Considering this and the fact that only once you have completed 88 days of “specified subclass 462 work” you may become eligible for a second work holiday visa, then the jobs to give priority to are typically those that can qualify you for a second WH Visa. After you will have completed at least 6 months of specified work, you may also be eligible for your third work and holiday subclass 462 visa. All the above is of course valid in case your intention is staying in Australia as long as possible. If this is not the case, then you should pick a job of your choice.

Can I have many different jobs at the same time?

Yes, you can work for many different employers. You can’t however work for the same employer for more than 6 months. After you have worked for 6 months with the same employer, you need to quit and find a new job.

Finding a job with a Work Holiday Visa for Australia

You can find specified work through job vacancy listings, employment listings, job placement services and similar services and websites. However, before accepting any employment, you should understand whether that job qualifies as specified subclass 462 work.

What kind of job can I get?

With a WHV you will need to find a job yourself, and you can work with anything you like. Most people with a Work and Holiday visa will work in the agriculture industry or in tourism. If you wish to have the chance to apply for a second Work and Holiday visa, you will need to work in regional Australia (certain area codes) in certain industries, holding what is called a “specified job”.

Before you start working, you will also need to open an Australian bank account and get a tax file number. Most banks will offer simplified registration for Work and Holiday visa holders if you open an account within 28 days of arrival. The tax number can instead be obtained by applying online via the Australian Taxation Office website.

Notice that a part of the tax paid (9% of your salary) – called superannuation – is basically a form of retirement saving. You can then claim this money back from the government after you leave Australia.



WHV Specified Jobs: What is a Specified Job?

Specified jobs in Australia for working holiday visas are defined as paid work that is completed in a specified region of Australia. Working a specified job for at least 88 days gives you a special right to obtain a second Work and Holiday Visa. In 2024, the regions in which working may count as “specified job” include:

  • Northern Territory
  • Queensland
  • Western Australia
  • New South Wales
  • Norfolk Island

The work must be in a specified job or industry, including:

  • Fishing and pearling in northern Australia
  • Tree farming and felling in northern Australia
  • Tourism and hospitality in northern Australia
  • Plant and animal cultivation in northern Australia and other specified regions

Your three-month-period of work can be spread out over your Australian holiday and does not need to be completed at once. You are also free to work longer than three months if desired. Paid public holidays and sick days can be counted towards your workdays. However, if you are not paid, you cannot include them in your total workdays count. Also in case you miss work due to severe weather and are therefore unpaid, you cannot include those days in your total workdays.



The information above should help you understand if you meet the requirements of Australia’s Work and Holiday visa and if its conditions match your needs. If this is the case, you can apply online directly on our website.

In case you still have some unanswered questions about the WH visa, you can also keep reading and consult our list of Work and Holiday Visa FAQs:

Australian Work and Holiday Visa FAQs

A work and holiday visa can be the ticket to the holiday of a lifetime. With this visa, you can travel to Australia and work to pay for your holiday. You can even study during your time in the country, to learn more about the people and culture of Australia. However, you might have a lot of questions about the WH visa and the process of application. Our Australia Work and Holiday Visa FAQ is designed to answer these questions.

With our Australia working holiday visa FAQ, we will answer the most commonly asked questions, help you understand your eligibility and walk you through the process of application step-by-step, from start to finish. Whether you want to know what is a work and holiday visa or what you can do when you get one, we have the answers you need. You can even apply right online when you are ready and have collected the necessary information. The entire process is simple and easy and can be the beginning of the holiday of a lifetime.

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa:

What is a work and holiday visa for Australia?

Are you planning an Australian holiday? Would you like to work during your time in Australia to help pay for the holiday? The good news is that Australia has just the visa you need: a work and holiday visa (often referred to also as “working holiday” of “WH”). A WH visa allows visitors to travel, work, and study – all at the same time. A work and holiday visa allows you to enjoy Australia for up to a year.

To take advantage of this visa, you need to be between 18 and 30 years old with a passport from the United States or another eligible country (we recommend using a passport with at least 6 months before it is due for renewal, in order to avoid any issue with airlines).

You will also need to have sufficient funds to pay for the first part of your holiday, and if this is your first WHV, you will need to apply for your visa off-shore, while outside of the country. You cannot have held any working holiday visa previously.



Working Holiday visa for Australia: how does it work?

You can apply for a working holiday visa for Australia directly online. The process is fast and easy, and most people receive a response in just 15 to 35 days.

Once you have your visa, you will be able to do short-term work of any kind to pay for your holiday, and you can study for up to 4 months. You can travel to and from the country as often as you want.

If you want to be considered for a second work and holiday visa, you will need to complete 88 days of specified subclass 462 work.

When should one apply for the work and holiday visa for Australia?

Many people wonder when to apply for a work and holiday visa Australia. The visa call opens on July 1st. This date is important because for some countries there are limited WHVs available every year, so applying earlier is better.

Many countries though – like the US – have unlimited slots for requesting work and holiday visas, so if you are a US citizen you do not need to worry about WHV’s call opening or deadlines.

Instead, if you come from a country which has a “cap” you will need to ensure applications are still open and accepting applications for your country of passport.

Generally speaking, when it comes to your work and holiday visa Australia and when to request, earlier is better. Applying online makes the process easier and more convenient.



How long does it take to get a work and holiday visa for Australia?

Most people are curious about how long it is to get a work and holiday visa for Australia. If you are eligible for your 462 work and holiday visa, you provide accurate and current information and you meet all necessary criteria, you could have your visa ready in as little as 48 hours!

How long it takes to receive a work & holiday visa for Australia also depend on other factors though, including the need for additional processing or verification. In general, most people will have a response back between 15 and 35 days.

Your work & holiday visa can open up new opportunities to learn about different people, places and cultures. Don’t let worries about how long it takes hold you back. Apply online today, and you could be on your way to the adventure of a lifetime before you know it.



How does one know if one already has a work and holiday visa for Australia?

If you apply for your work and holiday visa online, you might wonder how to know if one has a work and holiday visa for Australia approved. At the time of your application, you should receive a status confirmation email that shows where in the process your application is, including whether it has been submitted, assessed, processed or finalized.

After the finalization, you will receive notification of the decision, which will tell you if you have your WHV for Australia. Notification can take from 15 to 35 days for most people.

Your decision can take longer if your information was inaccurate or missing details. If you’re not sure if your visa is still valid, you can check directly with the Australian government.

Can you apply for a work and holiday visa while in Australia?

To apply for your first work and holiday visa, you must be off-shore. This means that you cannot apply while you are in Australia. You do not have to be in your home country or the country of your passport: you simply cannot be in Australia.

Many people then wonder “can I apply for work and holiday visa number two while I am in Australia?” – and the answer to that question is yes, you can.

If you are planning to apply for a second WHV, it is best to apply before your first WHV expires. You can apply for your first WHV and any subsequent WHV online for your convenience.

How long does a work and holiday visa in Australia last?

With a working holiday visa, you have 12 months from the date of issue to travel to Australia. Then, the visa remains valid for a full 12 months from the date you first enter Australia. As long as you hold your visa, you can enter and leave the country as often as you want, but if you leave Australia during your 12-month-stay, you cannot recover your time or add additional time to your visa.

Although you cannot extend an Australia work and holiday visa, you might be eligible for a second work and holiday visa if you have finished at least 3 months (technically 88 days) of specified work in regional Australia. A second working holiday visa will grant you an additional 12 months of holiday time as long as you can continue to meet the visa’s requirements.

Can you leave and re-enter Australia on a work and holiday visa?

Work and holiday visas are extremely flexible: with your WHV, you can enter Australia for up to a year after the issue date of your visa, and the visa then remains valid for a year after that date.

One question many people have though – considering how long this visa lasts – is “can you leave Australia on a work and holiday visa and return?”. Luckily, the answer is “Yes”: as long as your visa is valid, you can enter and leave Australia as often as you want.

Can I extend my work and holiday visa in Australia?

The Australian work and holiday visa is such a popular visa that many people find they want to extend it. If you’re curious about how to extend a work and holiday visa Australia, you will be happy to know that even though you cannot technically extend the wh visa, you can get a second work and holiday visa with little difficulty.

To be eligible for your second WHV, the main requirement is you must complete at least 3 months (88 working days) of specified work, including:

  • Plant or animal cultivation
  • Tree farming
  • Mining
  • Construction work
  • Pearling and fishing

The cost of a second WHV is the same as the cost of the first visa, but it can take up to 6 months to process. You can apply online for your second WHV before your first WHV expires, also while you are physically located in Australia.



How do I get a work and holiday visa for Australia?

If you are wondering how to get a work and holiday visa for Australia, you will be happy to learn that the process is fairly simple, as you can apply directly online.

You first need to ensure that you have a valid, up-to-date passport from the U.S. or another eligible country. In most cases, this is all you will ever need.

However, sometimes the Australian Government’s Immigration Department may want to double check some of the elements of WHV applications, and may ask for additional documents or info.

In these cases, you will need to be available in case the visa officer needs to contact you to verify any information about your finances, personal details, police checks or health. This can be done either over the phone or via email, and normally results in the production of additional documentation – to be sent by mail.

Some of the additional information you may be asked for in order to successfully apply for your work and travel visa for Australia in 2024 includes:

  • Certified copies of your passport’s biodata pages
  • Certified copies of your birth certificate
  • Certified copies of any name changes
  • Recent passport-sized photos
  • Evidence of sufficient funds, or about AUD 5.000, including certified bank statements
  • Certified copies of military discharge papers or records
  • Certified evidence of educational qualifications
  • Evidence of appropriate health insurance coverage

All supporting documents must be in English or include an official translation if they are in another language. If possible, when seeking how to obtain your visa, you should send only certified documents rather than original documents. A certified document is a copy of an original that is stamped or authorized by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations or another person acting in that role.

You will also need to pay the fee related with the WH Visa application, which is currently $625.00.

Once you apply online, you typically should receive an update on your visa’s status within two weeks to a month.



How do I apply for a work and holiday visa for Australia?

U.S. citizens can apply for an Australian work and holiday visa online.

If you are concerned about how to apply online, you can rest assured that the process is fast, easy and secure: our online from will guide you step by step, with clear explanations about what data to enter in each and every field.

Once you have completed the application form, you will be requested to pay your application fee of $625.00 – which you can do via PayPal or Credit Card.

Once payment has taken place, the application is finalized, and you can expect to hear back from the Australian Government in 15 to 35 days.

When the visa is issued, it will be attached electronically to your passport for your convenience (this will happen directly in Australian Immigration’s database, so no action will be needed from your side), and you will receive a confirmation email.

In case you realize there were omissions or errors in your application, correct them as soon as possible to avoid any unnecessary delays: edit your saved form or contact us via our dedicated form to update your application as soon as possible to avoid any delay.

Notice that you will not be asked for any document at the moment of application, and in most case not even at a later stage. However, following your application you may be asked by the Australian authorities for further info, so we recommend you ensure you can provide – upon request – all the following necessary documents and data:

  • Certified copies of your passport
  • Certified copies of your birth certificate
  • Certified copies of name change documents, if needed
  • Current passport-sized photographs
  • Certified copies of your bank statements or other financial documents as evidence of sufficient funds
  • Certified copies of your military records, if applicable
  • Certified copies of your educational qualifications
  • Evidence of your health insurance



What happens when the working holiday visa for Australia expires?

When you apply for your working holiday visa for Australia, you agree to comply with all of its conditions and to leave the country when the WH visa expires. Overstaying your visa will result in being considered an unlawful non-citizen, and you can be detained and excluded from Australia.

If your work and holiday visa is close to its expiration date, you may have several options for extending your stay, including applying for a second working holiday visa, applying for a bridging visa or applying for a different visa.

A second working holiday visa has similar requirements to the first working holiday visa, including that you:

  • Are between 18 and 30 years of age
  • Have a valid U.S. passport or a passport from another eligible country
  • Have adequate funds to support yourself
  • Have completed 3 months of specified work in regional Australia

You can apply for your second working holiday visa either on or off-shore.



Can you stay in Australia after a work and holiday visa?

Overstaying your visa can have serious consequences, but that doesn’t automatically mean your holiday has to end when your work and holiday visa expires.

If your work and holiday visa is nearing its expiration date, you can apply for a second WHV if you have completed at least 3 months (88 working days) of specified work in a specific region of Australia.

If you have already had a second WHV, then you can apply for a third WHV if you have completed at least a total of 6 months of specified work while holding your 1st and 2nd WH Visas.

You may also be eligible for another type of visa, in some cases, but will likely need to apply for your visa when you are off-shore.



How to stay in Australia after work and holiday visa?

Do you want to extend your Australian holiday after your working holiday visa has expired?

You’re not alone. Many people find they want to stay longer, which is why Australia has made it possible to apply for second and third holiday visas. The eligibility requirements are the same with one important exception. For the second WH visa, you must have completed at least 88 days of specified work, and for the third WH visa, you must have completed 3 more months of it, so at least 6 months in total.

You might also be eligible for a different type of visa once your WHV has expired, but in most cases, this means you will need to leave Australia briefly and apply while off-shore.



Can you get a work and holiday visa more than once?

Yes, you can get up to three work and holiday visas.

Each has the same basic requirements: You must be between 18 and 30 with a valid U.S. passport or a passport from another eligible country and sufficient funds for your arrival.

Additionally, to get your second work and holiday visa, you must complete 3 months of specified work in regional Australia, and for your third WHV, you must complete an additional 3 months of specified work, for a total of 6 months.

With a working holiday visa, you can engage in any kind of work, but specified work refers to particular industries, including:

  • Harvesting, cultivating and processing
  • Forestry
  • Fishing and pearling
  • Mining
  • Some sectors of the construction industry

This work must be carried out in certain regions in Australia, including states such as South Australia and Tasmania.



Can I apply for a second work and holiday visa while in Australia?

Can you apply for an Australian work and holiday visa twice, without leaving Australia? Many people find they want to stay in Australia for more than one year once they arrive, and fortunately, Australia has made it rather easy for them to do this. If you are wondering if you can get a second work and holiday visa for Australia without leaving the country, the answer is yes.

“So, how can I apply for a second work and holiday visa in Australia?” you must be wondering. To start, you will need to have completed 3 months (88 days) of specified work in certain regions of Australia, such as:

  • Fishing and pearling in northern Australia
  • Tree farming and felling in northern Australia
  • Tourism and hospitality in northern Australia
  • Plant and animal cultivation in northern Australia and other specified regions

You may also need to provide evidence to prove that you completed the work during the time required, and your employer may need to verify that evidence. Notice that voluntary work is no longer considered an acceptable alternative to specified work.

Before you ask “can I get another work and holiday visa for Australia?”, you will also need to ensure that you still meet the same qualifications for the first one, including the age limits and character and health requirements.

If you match these criteria, you can apply for a second WH Visa for Australia.



Can you get a third work and holiday visa for Australia?

Yes, you can get a third work and holiday visa in Australia if you meet all applicable eligibility requirements for the first work and holiday visa and if you have completed a total of at least 6 months of specified work in an applicable region during your first and second WHV combined. You can then apply for your third WHV online before your second visa expires.

How many times can you get a work and holiday visa Australia?

How many times can you apply for a work and holiday visa in Australia, you wonder? This is a common question with a simple answer: 3 (three).

So, if you are wondering “how many work and holiday visas can I get”, the answer is three.

First of all, you can apply for a second work and holiday visa that allows you to stay 12 more months if you hold or have previously held a work and holiday visa and have completed 3 months (88 days) of specified work in certain regional areas of Australia during the time your visa was valid. You can apply for your second WHV while your first WHV is valid or at a later date.
After your second WHV, you can apply for a third WHV as long as you have completed a total 6 months of specified work in regional parts of Australia. Also in this case, you can apply while you hold your second WHV or at a later date.
While many people wonder how many work and holiday visas does Australia release every year, there is no set answer about this – especially for US. You can begin applying on July 1st, and as far as the US are concerned, Australia does not have a limited number of Visas – so one could say Australian WH Visas for American citizens are always available.

Some other countries have a set number of maximum applications they can request to Australia every year though, so in these cases applying as early as possible to ensure that you get a spot before the caps are reached is what we recommend.



Can you get a tourist visa after work and holiday visa?

Yes, you can: if you currently hold a WHV and are a U.S. citizen, then you can apply for a tourist visa in the form of ETA (electronic travel authorities), to visit Australia for tourism purposes.

You may also be eligible for a visitor visa, subclass 600.

However, notice that each of these visas comes with specific requirements and limitations. As an example, you cannot apply for an Australian Tourist Visa while in Australia: you can do it only while offshore.



When to pay the working holiday visa fee?

You will need to pay your Australia work and holiday visa application fee when you apply for it. The cost of the work and holiday visa is $625.00. The second and third WHV cost instead $625.00 each. You can pay this fee online via Union Pay, PayPal or Credit Card.

How much is a work and holiday visa for Australia?

A working holiday visa can give you the freedom to pay for your holiday, but there are some upfront costs. You will need to have sufficient funds for the first part of your holiday, and you will also need to pay for your visa.

So, how much does a work and holiday visa to Australia cost?

The WHV, which is attached to your passport electronically, is just $625.00.

In some rare cases, you may have to pay other costs as well though, including the fees for health checks, biometrics and police certificates.



How does one pay for a work and holiday visa for Australia?

You can apply and pay for your work and holiday visa for Australia directly online. The cost for a WHV is $625.00, and you can pay via credit card, PayPal or Union Pay.

What does the work and holiday visa for Australia look like?

Australia’s visas have evolved over the years: they started as inked stamps and changed to sticker labels, but today, you will receive neither a stamp nor a sticker because all visas are issued electronically.

Australia’s electronic visa system makes it easier to apply online, and you can have your response remarkably quickly. You can print your receipt or store it on a mobile device as proof, but the “real” visa is the one available in the Australian Government’s Immigration Database, matched to your passport number. The visa data is retained and electronically matched to your passport, and can easily be referred to by authorities once you arrive in the country.

Do I need to arrange accommodation in advance?

We recommend you do that. It is better to have something already arranged for the beginning of your stay, and change later, than to not have anything and be forced to live in an expensive hotel just because everything is fully booked.



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