Work, Explore, and Immerse Yourself in Australia – For Passport Holders from Selected Countries
The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa allows young adults aged 18 to 30 from eligible countries to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It’s ideal for those looking to fund their travels through short-term work, experience life Down Under, and explore Australia’s cities, beaches, and outback.
Key Benefits of the Subclass 462 Visa
✅ Stay in Australia for up to 12 months
✅ Work and travel across Australia
✅ Study for up to 4 months
✅ Opportunity to apply for second and third visas after completing eligible work
✅ Multiple entries – come and go from Australia freely during your visa period
Important Note:
⚠️ This visa is for specific countries – not all nationalities are eligible
⚠️ You must meet education and English requirements
⚠️ You must be outside Australia to apply for the first visa
Eligible Countries for Subclass 462
Includes (but not limited to):
🇺🇸 USA
🇨🇳 China
🇦🇷 Argentina
🇨🇱 Chile
🇮🇩 Indonesia
🇹🇭 Thailand
🇻🇳 Vietnam
🇲🇾 Malaysia
🇵🇪 Peru
🇪🇨 Ecuador
🇵🇭 Philippines
(More countries added over time – contact us to check eligibility)
Eligibility Requirements
For First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
✔ Aged 18 to 30 years (inclusive)
✔ Hold a passport from an eligible country
✔ Meet minimum education requirements (usually at least 2 years of post-secondary education)
✔ Provide evidence of functional English (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)
✔ Must have a letter of support from your government (if required for your country)
✔ Show sufficient funds (generally AUD $5,000+)
✔ Meet health and character requirements
For Second & Third Work and Holiday Visas
✔ Must complete specific regional work in industries like tourism, agriculture, or hospitality
✔ Second visa: 3 months of work
✔ Third visa: 6 months of work
Application Process & Timeline
Apply Online – Submit application via ImmiAccount
Processing Time – Usually a few weeks depending on demand
Visa Grant – Start your Australian adventure!
Apply for a second or third visa – After completing eligible work
Why Choose the 462 Visa?
✔ Combines work, travel, and cultural experience
✔ Boost your resume with international work experience
✔ Explore all that Australia has to offer
✔ Extend your stay with a second or third visa
How Immigrad Can Help
✅ Confirm country eligibility and document requirements
✅ Guide on English and education requirements
✅ Assist with government support letters where required
✅ Advise on eligible work for second/third visas
Start Your Work and Holiday Visa Application
Book a Free Consultation
Official Resources
Home Affairs – Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
List of Eligible Countries & Work Requirements
Functional English and Education CriteriaNote: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa cost?
The first Work and Holiday visa charge is AUD840.00, and the second and third are AUD1,000.00 each, as published by the Department of Home Affairs and checked on 18 September 2026. From 1 July 2026 a lower charge applies to eligible Papua New Guinea passport holders lodging a valid first Work and Holiday visa application.
Do Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese applicants need a ballot for the subclass 462?
Yes. The Department requires China, India and Vietnam passport holders to take part in a visa pre-application process, known as the ballot, and to be randomly selected before they can apply for a first Work and Holiday visa. Selection in the ballot is a precondition to applying, not a grant of the visa, and the usual criteria still have to be met.
What is the age limit for a subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa?
The Department states the subclass 462 is for people 18 to 30 years old inclusive. Unlike the subclass 417, there is no extended ceiling of 35 for particular countries. Age is assessed at the time of application, so an application lodged before a thirty-first birthday can still be decided afterwards.
How long can you stay on a subclass 462 visa?
Each Work and Holiday visa is granted for a stay of 12 months, and a second and third visa each allow a further 12 months where the specified work requirements are met. The visa allows travel in and out of Australia during the period it is valid. The first visa must be applied for from outside Australia.
How do you qualify for a second or third subclass 462 visa?
A second Work and Holiday visa requires 3 months of specified work, and a third requires 6 months, completed in the industries and regions the Department specifies. Payslips, employer declarations and evidence of the work location need to be kept as the Department checks them. The specified work rules change, so they should be confirmed before the work is undertaken rather than after.
What is the difference between a subclass 462 and a subclass 417 visa?
The two visas cover different passport countries under different bilateral arrangements. The subclass 462 is 18 to 30 inclusive and adds education, English language and, for some countries, government letter of support and ballot requirements. The subclass 417 has no education or English requirement and extends to 35 for some countries. An applicant is generally eligible for one or the other, not a choice between them.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 417 Working Holiday visa
- Temporary work visas overview
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
- How to find an employer sponsor in Australia
This page is general information only and is current as at 18 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice. Fees, criteria and processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances need personal advice from a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd; Gaurav Duggal, MARN 1805710.