Work and Holiday Visa Australia: Latest Subclass 462 Guide

Written by

Sukanta Bera

Fact check by

Afreen Abbasi

Updated on

Jan 21,2025

Work and Holiday Visa Australia: Eligibility, Application, and Benefits - TerraTern

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Key Highlights

Then they wanted to live the Aussie dream of living out on the gum leaves, beaches, and Crocs. Maybe you ARE where you need to be with the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)! Young adults from eligible countries can use the temporary visa to experience Australia’s unique landscapes, earn valuable work experience, and use cultural exchange programs. For all of the latest updates, continue reading on to find out about the application process, including eligibility criteria for the Work and Holiday Visa Australia.

Latest Facts and News

Here are some of the latest facts and news regarding Work and Holiday Visa Australia that everyone should be aware of:

  • India Joins the Program: From 16 September 2024, India will officially join the Working Holiday Maker visa program.

  • Limited Visa Numbers: In Australia, Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 years will be granted up to 1,000 Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas each year.

  • Ballot Process Introduced: Now demand countries such as India follow a visa ballot system, and the 2024-2025 program year opened on October 1, 2024.

  • Expanded Specified Work Options: Since Feb. 2, 2024, second and third visa applications are for natural disaster recovery work.

  • Work and Holiday Visa Australia (Subclass 462): It is one of several visa types in Australia; it is also known as a working holidaymaker visa.

  • Work and Holiday Visa Australia (subclass 462): It is a visa that is particularly specialized for cultural exchange and also cements cooperation between Australia and partner countries. This is for the youths to work/study in Australia for a period of 12 months.

 

Key Features of the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa Australia:

Here are some key features of the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa Australia that can be very helpful to know:

  • Validity: within 12 months of its date of entry.

  • Multiple Entries: Visa holders are free to travel between Australia and New Zealand at any time during visa validity.

  • Work Rights: They may work for up to 6 months with any one employer.

  • Study Allowance: Study for up to 4 months.

  • Visa Extension: Under certain conditions, apply for second and third visas.

Also Read How to Move to Australia from India? Jobs & Immigration

List of Countries Eligible for Work and Holiday Visa Australia

The following countries are eligible for the Work and Holiday Visa Australia:

Region

Eligible Countries

Asia

India, China, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia

Europe

Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Poland

Americas

Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, the United States

Other Regions

Israel, Turkey, Indonesia

 

Eligibility Criteria for Work and Holiday Visa Australia

To qualify for the Work and Holiday Visa subclass 462 Australia, you must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old.

2. Citizenship: You must have a valid passport issued from an eligible country.

3. English Proficiency: Prove English language language skills sufficient to demonstrate functional English language skills.

4. Education: They must also meet the educational criteria — that is, tertiary qualifications or two years of undergraduate study.

5. Financial Stability: You must show (proof of) sufficient funds (about AUD 5,000).

6. Health and Character Requirements: Obey health and background check standards.

How to Apply for a Work and Holiday Visa in Australia for Indian?

Indian applicants first register by balloting. The high demand for this Work and Holiday visa in Australia for Indians makes this process secure on account of fair selection.

Steps to Register for the Ballot

Here are the steps to register for the ballot:

1. Visit the Official Portal: During the ballot period, log on to the Australian immigration website.

2. Complete Ballot Registration: Provide the necessary details and send your application.

3. Await Selection Notification: If chosen, you will be sent an email containing additional instructions.

After Selection

Here is what you need to do after selection:

1. Create an Account: You need to register on the Australian Immigration portal.

2. Fill out the Application Form: You enter personal information, education, and employment information.

3. Upload Required Documents: Proof of funds, English proficiency, and health certificate are attached.

4. Pay the Visa Fee: You will need to submit the application fee online.

5. Track Your Application: Follow the status on the portal.

Also Read: Work Sponsorship Visa Australia: Types, Eligibility & More

Processing Time for Work and Holiday Visa Australia

The processing time for the subclass 462 visa can vary:

  • 75% of Applications: Processed within 50 days.

  • 90% of Applications: Processed within 75 days.

Factors influencing the timeline include document accuracy and application volume.

Fees for Work and Holiday Visa Australia for Indian

Fee Type

AUD

INR (approx.)

Notes

Visa Application Fee

640

36,192

This is the base fee for the visa application.

Health Checks

Varies

Varies

Costs depend on individual health requirements.

Biometrics

Varies

Varies

Fees may apply for fingerprint and photo collection.

English Proficiency Tests

Varies

Varies

Costs depend on the chosen test (e.g., IELTS, PTE).

 

Working in Australia on a Work and Holiday Visa Australia

Here are some details regarding working in Australia on a Work and Holiday visa subclass 462 Australia:

1. Types of Work Permitted

Visa holders can take up various jobs, including:

  • Agricultural Work: Fruit picking, farmhand jobs.

  • Hospitality: Hotel staff, baristas, servers.

  • Construction: Laborers, site assistants.

  • Disaster Recovery Work: Helping rebuild areas hit by natural disasters.

2. Work Rights and Restrictions

  • You’re only allowed to work for one employer for 6 months.

  • Visa extensions are only applicable to specified work for a certain period in a designated region or area.

Also Read: Australia PR Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Skilled Migrants

Extending Your Stay: Second and Third Work and Holiday Visa Australia

To extend your stay with the work and holiday visa subclass 462 Australia, you must complete at least 3 months of specified work during your initial visa.

Visa Type

Requirements

Duration

Second WHM Visa

3 months of specified work in regional areas

12 months

Third WHM Visa

Additional 6 months of specified work

12 months

 

Living on a Work and Holiday Visa Australia

Practical Tips for New Arrivals:

  • Accommodation: Find affordable housing options in major cities or regional cities.

  • Healthcare: Pick up Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC).

  • Banking: Open an Australian bank account as your finance manager.

  • Transportation: If you have to use public transport, or if you are in a rural area, think of buying a second-hand vehicle.

Also Read: How to Convert Australian Visitor Visa to Work Permit?

 

Conclusion

As one of the best possibilities to immerse oneself in one of the most fully charged countries on the globe, the Australia Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa provides you the opportunity to build up your competence portfolio and improve your quality of life. This visa opens a wide range of opportunities for career-building, studying, or just starting an Australian life. To ensure a smooth application for your Australia Work and Holiday(subclass 462) Visa, contact TerraTern today!

Get all the details on Australia PR with this visa checklist

Sukanta Bera

Content Marketing Specialist

Results-oriented content marketing specialist with a track record of increasing audience engagement and brand value. With over 4 years of experience in content creation, marketing strategy, and SEO, Sukanta brings a wealth of expertise and creativity to our team. His passion for storytelling and developing a strong brand voice will be instrumental in engaging our audience and driving our content strategy forward. Outside of work, you can often find him lost in the pages of a captivating book.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of stay allowed on the Work and Holiday visa in Australia?

When using the Work and Holiday Visa Australia (subclass 462) you can travel, study, work and holiday in Australia for up to 12 months starting from when you enter Australia. Much of business, education, and tourism indeed can be conducted during this time across the nation. Thus, if you have the right papers (depending on how many years you have been spending in certain geographical areas carrying out the mentioned activities), you can get another work and holiday visa for 12 months. If you have not finished the additional study that you need in your second visa period, you can apply for a third Work and Holiday Visa and remain in Australia for an additional year.

What else do I need to do to study in Australia if I’m on a Work and Holiday visa in Australia?

Yes, the Work and Holiday Visa Australia allows you to study for a short term not more than 4 months or 17 weeks. Language courses, vocational training, or a certification program would be among the courses, among others. If you are lucky enough to be studying on the visa course, you will be studying Australia’s best education system and building your skill set. If you’re planning on working for longer than 4 months, you’ll need to think about taking a different Visa, for example, a Student Visa (subclass 500).

When can you apply for a subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa?

You can apply for the Work and Holiday Visa if your application was made when you were 18 years to 30 years inclusive. That means you can apply up until the day before your 31st birthday. It remains only for those young adults who are looking for a bit of travel, a bit of work, and a bit of cultural exchange. You don’t lose your age once you receive your visa and it doesn’t matter how old you are, whilst under that visa period in Australia.

For a Work and Holiday visa in Australia what would you need to prove?

If you want to apply for a Work and Holiday Visa you have to show that you have Australian Dollars to support your stay in Australia for the first time. Some years back however, what you needed was a minimum charge which ranged from at least AUD 5000. There should clearly be enough money to keep you afloat Speaking of living expenses, shelter, and each and every other expense that you are going to require in order to get some money till a job is secured. You will also have to demonstrate a return ticket and the money to obtain it or cash to obtain the ticket if you don’t have the return tickets. With an acceptable document, some proof as such could be enough, provided through the originals of the bank statements, credit card limits or a certified financial guarantee.

I have a Work and Holiday visa, can I get PR?

It’s not an unconditionality of receiving permanent residency but it is a significant move up. For instance, if you belong to one of the mandated skilled occupations outlined in Australia's Skilled Occupation List then you could apply for a Skilled Migration Visa – either subclass 189 or 190. If the Australian employer that you decide to support hopes to make you permanent in the future then you may also qualify for the Temporary Skill Shortage (sub 482) visa. If you have worked, if you have gots qualifications, and if you have skills which you have gained in Australia; all of these are considered as countable items.