Australian Working Holiday Visa vs. Work & Holiday Visa – What’s the Difference?

Australia, the land of golden beaches and modern cities, appeals to adventurous youngsters and career-oriented individuals. Suppose you are an overseas traveller wishing to experience everything this vast country has to offer and wondering which visa type to choose. In that case, the Australian Working Holiday Visa 417 and the Work & Holiday Visa are ideal solutions. 

However, each offers substantial differences that have the potential to influence your time in the nation significantly. It is crucial to navigate the complexities of both visa types in order to make the most out of your Australian adventure. This article takes a closer look at the main differences between the two.

What is the Australian Working Holiday Visa?

The subclass 417 visa is aimed at assisting young people from eligible countries in travelling, holidaying, and working in Australia for up to one year. This type is also focused on cultural exchange and developing ties between the country and specific regions such as Europe, Asia, and North America.

Getting this visa will make you eligible for the following activities:

• Short-term work to help pay for your holiday.
• Study or training for up to 4 months in total.
• Leave and re-enter Australia any number of times while the visa is valid.

Read: Working Holiday Visa Australia Requirements: 2024 Guide

How do I Know If I am Eligible?

Your eligibility for this visa depends on the following:

• An age limit of 18 to 30 years (up to 35 if you are from France, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Italy or the UK)
• A valid passport from one of the permitted nations

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) Eligible Countries

• Taiwan
• Sweden
• Republic of Cyprus
• Malta
• Estonia
• Denmark
• Italy
• France
• Netherlands
• Japan
• Norway
• Hong Kong
• Republic of Ireland
• Finland
• United Kingdom
• Canada
• Belgium
• Germany
• Republic of Korea

417 Visa Requirements

• Your passport must remain valid for the entirety of your stay within Australia’s borders. 
• You have travelled alone without any dependents such as children to care for. 
• You have not previously entered Australia on such a temporary permit. 
• You must demonstrate the financial means to independently sustain yourself during your planned visit, roughly $5,000 for around three months. 
• Your background is bereft of any criminal history that would raise legal concerns.

If you choose to formally apply for the 417 visa, the following must be furnished: 

• A valid passport containing blank pages to affix visas
• The thoroughly completed application form

Read: Work and Holiday Visa Australia: The Complete Guide

Can You Obtain a 417 Visa Extension?

Yes, it is possible to extend the 417 visa. But for that, you must have completed at least 88 days of specified work in the nation during your first year. Eligible work includes jobs in specified industries like agriculture, mining, or construction.

Applying for a Second Working Holiday Visa Subclass (417)

You can extend your WHV for another 12 months. You can only apply for your Second Working Holiday Visa while in Australia or outside the country. Applying for the second 417 visa will have the same eligibility conditions as the first for Australia.

Eligibility criteria and prerequisites are the same as the first 417 visas:

• You must have the same requirements as when you applied for your first-year visa. 
• You have not disobeyed any Australian immigration rules and are in good health.
• You must have completed your specified work in Australia for three months on your first Working Holiday Visa.
• You must show proof of your specified work, such as payslips from your employer. Another requirement is a completed Employment Verification Form 1263. This form must be completed in full by each employer for which you have done your specified work during your first 12 months in Australia. 
• You must not have worked under anyone for longer than 6 months without written approval from immigration.

Here are a few documents and forms that might need to be filled out when applying for your second Australian 417 visa:

• A current passport with blank spaces
• Proof of regional work
• Completed application along with the Specified Work Questionnaire and the Employment Verification Form 

Applying for a Third Working Holiday Visa (417)

An extension is possible for another year. The duration stretches to 36 months at this time. Once again, requesting this extension is possible from both inside and outside the nation. 

The prerequisite remains the same as the first and second time. 

• Finished 6 months of work on your second Working Holiday Visa
• Provide proof of performing specified work using payslips or other documents
• Haven’t worked under anyone for more than 6 months without proper notice in writing from the immigration authorities

The documents needed this time are as follows:

• Completed application along with the Specified Work Questionnaire and the Employment Verification Form
• Proof of employment for specific work
• Genuine passport with blank pages

Read: Working Holiday Visa 417: Things To Know Before Moving To Australia

What is an Australian Work & Holiday (462) Visa?

This is another visa that allows you to enjoy the Aussie lifestyle for a year. The Working Holiday Visa 462 also aims to promote cultural ties between Australia and eligible nations. 

How do I Know If I am Eligible for a Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462)?

Your eligibility will depend on the following:

• The age limit is between 18 and 30
• Valid passport from one of the acceptable nations

Eligible Countries for the 462 visa

• USA
• Czech Republic
• Singapore
• Argentina
• China
• Papua New Guinea
• Ecuador
• Thailand
• Chile
• Indonesia
• Portugal
• Hungary
• Brazil
• Slovak Republic
• Greece
• Slovenia
• Luxembourg
• Switzerland
• Malaysia
• Spain
• Peru
• Mongolia
• Turkey
• Uruguay
• San Marino
• Israel
• Vietnam
• Poland
• Austria

462 Visa Requirements

• You are travelling without dependents.
• This is your first time applying for a subclass 462 visa
• You demonstrate English language proficiency
• Fulfil the educational requirements
• No criminal background
• Financially sound to sustain yourself in Australia
• Valid passport and photographs
• Letter of support (only for some nations)
• Properly filled application form

Latest Post: Australian Student Visa Success Rate and Rejection Rates in 2024

Can You Obtain a 462 Visa Extension?

You will be able to apply for an extension, similar to visa subclass 417. The requirement is completing at least 3 months of specified work. 

What is the Second Australian Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462)?

The Second Australian Work & Holiday Visa permits you to prolong your stay in the nation for 12 months. You can request it while staying in the nation or somewhere else. 

How do I Know If I am Eligible for the Second 462 Visa?

You are eligible if you meet the following:

• Your age is between 18 and 30
• You had only one 462 visa
• You obeyed all regulations during your first year
• You completed 3 months of specific employment 

Requirements for the Second 462 Visa for Australia

• A genuine passport with empty pages
• Properly filled up the application form with the Employment Verification Form and Specified Work Questionnaire
• Sound financial backing to support yourself in Australia
• Evidence of regional employment

What is the Third Australian Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462)?

The Australian Third Work & Holiday 462 Visa permits your stay for another year. It has the same requirements as an Australia Second Work and Holiday Visa. 

Please keep in mind you will need to have completed 6 months of relevant 462 work. You have to provide evidence that you did the task. Your payslips or a Notice of Assessment will demonstrate this. You will also need to submit an Employment Verification Form 1464 and a Specified Work Questionnaire for each employer.

Recent Post: Visitor Visa Refused: How Can I Apply Again?

What are the Main Differences Between the 462 and 417 Visas?

• All 462 visa applicants need to provide proof of English language proficiency and fulfil educational requirements. These criteria are not applicable in the case of a 417 visa. 
• Unlike the 417 subclass visa, the visa subclass 462 requires applicants to submit a letter of support. This letter is not a requirement only if you are a US citizen. 

Exciting News for UK Working Holidaymakers

The Australian government has increased the upper limit from 30 to 35 years for UK citizens applying for the Australian Working Holiday visa. This became applicable in July 2023. 

Another benefit introduced for UK citizens was in July 2024. According to it, UK citizens can apply for up to three Working Holiday visas without fulfilling any work requirements. Previously, the prerequisite was to complete three months of employment for the second visa and six months for the third one. 

Read: Top 10 Common Reasons for Australian Student Visa Rejection

Why Choose Australia for Your Working Holiday in 2024?

Several countries offer working holiday visas. However, Australia remains one of the top nations that travellers prefer visiting on these visas. The country offers an unparalleled blend of career and travel opportunities. 

You will be able to earn competitive salaries in Australia and also enjoy affordable living expenses. The country is also rich in diversity, blending both tradition and modernity. Moreover, the lifestyle that one can experience in the country is great. 

Whether it’s subclass 417 or subclass 462, the working holiday visas offered by the country allow visitors to explore every corner while gaining work experience at the same time. Look into the details of each visa and find one which one would be the most suitable for you to obtain and have a lovely time in Australia. Contact Immigration Consultant Perth who will guide you towards your academic and career aspirations.