Add descripDreaming of soaking up the Aussie sun while funding your travels through short-term jobs? The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) lets young adults from eligible countries work and explore Australia for up to 12 months—and even longer with extensions.

Whether you’re backpacking, gaining international work experience, or just looking for an extended adventure, this visa could be your perfect entry point.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

Let’s dive in.

What Are the Work and Holiday Visas? (Subclass 417 & 462)

Australia offers two types of working holiday visas:

  • Subclass 417 – Working Holiday Visa

  • Subclass 462 – Work and Holiday Visa

While both visas allow work and travel for up to 12 months, they have different eligibility criteria, depending on your home country, educational background, and whether a government letter of support is required.

Also Read- Apply for a Work and Holiday Visa

Key Differences Between Subclass 417 and 462

Feature Subclass 417 Subclass 462
Eligible countries UK, Canada, Germany, Japan, etc. USA, China, India (pilot), Vietnam, etc.
Education requirement No formal education requirement At least Year 12 or equivalent
English proficiency Not required Must demonstrate functional English
Government support letter Not required May be required depending on country
Number of visas granted Unlimited (for some countries) Limited annual cap

🔗 Full list of eligible countries for both visas – Australian Home Affairs (nofollow)

Eligibility Criteria

Subclass 417

You must:

  • Be aged 18 to 30 years (or 35 for a few countries)

  • Hold a passport from an eligible country

  • Have sufficient funds (approx. AUD $5,000)

  • Be applying from outside Australia

Subclass 462

You must:

  • Be aged 18 to 30

  • Hold a passport from an eligible country

  • Meet educational and English language requirements

  • Provide a letter of support (in some cases)

How Much Does It Cost?

As of 2025, both visas cost:

AUD $635 (Base application fee)

Additional costs may include:

  • Medical exams: AUD $200 – $400

  • Police clearance certificates

  • English language test (Subclass 462 only)

  • Travel insurance (recommended)

Fees are reviewed annually. Check the official visa pricing page (nofollow) for the most current rates.

What Can You Do on a Work and Holiday Visa?

Work in Australia temporarily (up to 6 months with one employer)
Travel freely throughout Australia
Study for up to 4 months
Extend your visa for a second or third year (with qualifying regional work)

📍 Example: Work on a fruit farm in regional Queensland for 88 days, and you may qualify for a second-year visa.

Real-Life Story: James from the UK

James, a 24-year-old from London, arrived in Australia on a Subclass 417 visa. He spent 3 months working in hospitality in Sydney, then moved north to complete regional work on a mango farm. He extended for a second year and later transitioned to a sponsored work visa.

“The best decision of my life! I met incredible people, saved some money, and now I call Melbourne home.”

Pros & Cons

Pros Cons
Live, work, and travel in Australia Limited to certain jobs and employers
No sponsorship required Must meet age and country eligibility
Path to a second and third year visa Not a permanent visa
Opportunity to gain global experience Requires regional work for extension

FAQs: Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462)

Can I apply for the visa while I’m in Australia?

No. You must apply from outside Australia.

Can I include family members in my visa?

No. These visas are for individuals only.

What jobs can I do?

You can work in:

  • Hospitality

  • Farming and fruit picking

  • Construction

  • Tourism

  • Caregiving (depending on conditions)

Can I apply for permanent residency later?

Yes, if you later qualify for a skilled, sponsored, or family visa.

Can Indians apply for this visa?

🔎 As of now, India is not on the regular eligibility list, but a pilot program has started for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462). Keep an eye on official updates here (nofollow).

Conclusion

The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 & 462) offers a fantastic gateway to experience Australia beyond tourism. Whether you’re looking to explore, work, study, or eventually settle, this visa provides an exciting and enriching opportunity for young adults worldwide.

Just make sure you understand the differences between the subclasses, check your country’s eligibility, and plan your stay wisely.tion for your Article from here.