Work and Holiday Visa | Subclass 462
Work and Holiday Visa (WHV)
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is a temporary visa for young adults who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year. It is a unique opportunity to fund your travels through short-term employment while immersing yourself in Australian culture.
Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa (WHV) – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary (Cultural Exchange) |
| Stay | 12 Months (Renewable for 2nd/3rd year) |
| Cost | From $840 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | 45 days – 4 months2 |
| Key Requirement | Age 18–30 or 35 (country dependent) & Eligible Passport |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 462 visa in 2026, you must meet several key criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs, which differ depending on your country of citizenship.
1. Eligible Passport and Age Limit
You must hold a valid passport from an eligible country (such as the USA, China, India, Vietnam, or Spain). Applicants from certain countries must be aged 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application. If you turn 31 after you lodge but before a decision is made, you may still be eligible. Applicants from other countries may apply up to the age of 36.
2. Education and English Requirements
Most applicants must have a minimum level of education, typically a degree, diploma, or at least two years of undergraduate university study. You must also demonstrate Functional English (e.g. an IELTS score of at least 4.5 or equivalent).
3. Financial Capacity
You must have access to sufficient funds to support yourself during your initial stay in Australia, generally AUD $5,000, plus additional funds for a return or onward ticket. Proof of funds (bank statements) must be clear and stable.
4. Letter of Support or Ballot Selection
Some countries require a Letter of Support from your home government. For high-demand countries like China, India, and Vietnam, you must first be randomly selected through a pre-application ballot system before you are invited to apply.
How to Apply for the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa (WHV)
A Step-by-Step Guide
Please note: The 2026 application process involves a strict digital workflow, particularly for ballot-eligible countries.
Step 1: Ballot Registration (If Applicable)
If you are from a ballot country, you must register your interest in the Working Holiday Maker Ballot during the open window. There is a non-refundable AUD $25 registration fee.
Step 2: Receive Notification of Selection
If randomly selected, you will receive a Notification of Selection letter. This letter provides a specific window (usually 28 days) to lodge your full visa application online.
Step 3: Prepare Decision-Ready Documentation
Collect your identity proof, educational transcripts, English test results, and bank statements. Ensuring documents are correctly translated and certified is critical to avoid delays.
Step 4: Lodge Your Online Application
Submit your full application via ImmiAccount. You must be outside Australia when you apply for your first Work and Holiday visa.
Being on a Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa (WHV) Visa means…
What You Can Do on the 462 Visa
- Stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date of first entry.
- Work for any employer, typically for up to 6 months with each.
- Study for a maximum of 4 months.
- Travel in and out of Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Your Visa Obligations
You must comply with condition 8547, which limits work with a single employer to 6 months. Exemptions apply for certain regional industries like agriculture, tourism, and hospitality. You must also maintain adequate health insurance if not covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement.
The Pathway to Your 2nd or 3rd Year
To extend your stay, you must complete 3 months (88 days) of specified work in a regional area of Australia while holding your first 462 visa. This allows you to apply for a second year.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The subclass 462 is often seen as “simple”, but a single mistake in education proof or missing the strict 28-day ballot lodgement window can lead to an immediate refusal.
Our Subclass 462 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment to ensure your qualification and English test meet the strict 2026 standards.
Ballot Registration Management for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam to ensure valid entry into the random selection pool.
Decision-Ready Application preparation to capitalise on 2026’s fast-track processing times.
Extension Strategy to help you identify eligible regional work early in your stay so you don’t miss the 2nd-year deadline.
Full Management by Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) to handle all communication with the Department.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk your Australian adventure. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa (WHV)
Q: Can I apply for a 462 visa if I am already 31 years old?
A: No. You must be under 31 (up to 30 years of age) when you lodge the application. If you turn 31 after lodgement, the Department can still grant the visa.
Q: What happens if I am not selected in the ballot?
A: If you are not selected by the end of the program year (typically 30 April), your registration expires. You cannot apply for the visa but can register again in the next program year starting 1 July.
Q: Can I include my children in the application?
A: No. You cannot be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay on a 462 visa.
Q: Is “specified work” for the extension only in farms?
A: No. For 462 holders, specified work includes tourism and hospitality in northern and other specified areas of regional Australia, in addition to agriculture and construction.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 02 May 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
