Australia Working Holiday Visas in 2026

Australia's Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program is a temporary youth-mobility framework with two main subclasses: Working Holiday subclass 417 and Work and Holiday subclass 462. They are not general permanent-residence visas.

417 versus 462

Eligibility is primarily determined by passport country and the subclass-specific rules. Both programs are generally for young adults, but age ceilings and additional subclass 462 requirements can vary by nationality. Subclass 417 commonly uses the 18–30 range with a higher maximum of 35 for certain passport holders; subclass 462 generally uses 18–30, subject to country-specific arrangements.

Some subclass 462 countries are also subject to annual caps, ballot or other bilateral settings. Always check the current country page rather than assuming another nationality's rules apply.

Duration, work and study

A first WHM visa generally supports a 12-month stay. Holders can work to help fund the holiday and can undertake short study, generally up to four months.

Visa condition 8547 normally limits work with one employer to six months, although Home Affairs maintains exemptions and a permission process for specified circumstances. The government continued the current settings from 1 January 2024, so workers should check whether their industry, location or work arrangement falls within an exemption before exceeding six months.

Second and third visas

Eligible holders can qualify for second and third WHM visas after completing the specified work required for their subclass and passport arrangement. The qualifying industries, locations and time periods are technical; do not assume any casual job counts as specified work.

Fees and long-term migration

Visa charges are updated periodically. Home Affairs' current 2026 listings should be checked in the pricing estimator at lodgement. A WHM visa is temporary and does not itself create permanent residence. A holder who later qualifies for skilled, employer, partner or student status must make a separate application under that route.

Tax treatment is also separate. Working holiday makers can be subject to special tax rules, and immigration presence alone does not decide ATO residency.

Return to the Australia visa hub, Oceania or work visa routes.

Source: Australian Government Department of Home Affairs, verified 16 September 2026.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Australia