Are you enjoying your time in Australia and thinking about extending your stay — but worried about your budget? The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) gives young travelers the opportunity to stay longer in Australia while supporting themselves through short-term employment.

This visa is available in three stages, depending on the number of times you’ve previously applied:

• First Working Holiday Visa
• Second Working Holiday Visa
• Third Working Holiday Visa

First Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

This visa allows eligible young adults to experience an extended holiday in Australia while working to fund their travels. You can also study for up to four months and travel in and out of the country freely during your stay.

Key Benefits:

• Stay in Australia for up to 12 months
• Work and travel across the country
• Study for up to 4 months
• Multiple entries to and from Australia

Eligibility Requirements:

• Aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for citizens of Canada, France, and Ireland)
• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Have not previously held a subclass 417 or 462 visa
• Be outside Australia when applying and until a decision is made
• Have around AUD 5,000 in savings plus travel fare
• Cannot be accompanied by dependent children

Eligible Countries Include:
Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, UK

Visa Fee: AUD 495
Processing Time: Varies from less than a day to several months

Second Working Holiday Visa

Already completed your first working holiday in Australia? You may be eligible for a second 12-month stay.

To qualify, you must:

• Have held or currently hold a First Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
• Be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for citizens of Canada, France, and Ireland)
• Have completed at least 3 months of specified work in eligible industries and locations
• Be in Australia on a valid visa or within 28 days of the previous visa expiry
• Hold a passport from an eligible country
• Have sufficient funds and no accompanying dependents

Eligible Work Includes:

• Hospitality and tourism in remote areas
• Farming, fishing, mining, construction, and bushfire recovery work in regional Australia
• COVID-19 critical sector work (healthcare/medical) after Jan 2020

Visa Fee: AUD 495
Processing Time: From 1 day to several months, depending on circumstances

Third Working Holiday Visa

For those who’ve completed their second Working Holiday Visa, this final extension offers one more chance to explore Australia while working to fund your adventure.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must have held two previous subclass 417 visas
• Be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for Canada, France, and Ireland)
• Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
• Completed at least six months of specified work under subclass 417 guidelines
• Not be accompanied by dependent children
• Be in Australia on a valid visa or within 28 days of the previous visa expiry

Visa Fee: AUD 495
Processing Time: Ranges from less than a day to 17 months depending on the application

Not Sure Which Visa is Right for You?

Whether you’re planning your first working holiday or seeking an extension, Opera Education & Migration is here to help. We provide expert guidance and personalised support to help you make the most of your Australian journey.

📞 Get in touch with us today to find out which visa suits your needs best and how to apply with confidence.