Work and Holiday Visa
processing time Typically 1–8 weeks, depending on application volume and additional checks.
What is the Subclass 462 Visa?
The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) allows eligible young adults from participating countries to have an extended holiday in Australia while undertaking short-term work and study. This temporary visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 12 months, work to help fund your holiday, and study for up to 4 months. You can travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to apply for a second or third Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa by meeting the specified work requirements. Some applicants from eligible countries, including India, may need to be selected through the Work and Holiday visa ballot process before they can apply for their first Subclass 462 visa.
Who is Eligible?
1
Must be a passport holder of an eligible Subclass 462 country
2
Age between 18 and 30 years at time of application
3
Meet education or work experience requirement (varies by country)
4
Have functional English language ability
5
No dependent children accompanying you
6
Show proof of sufficient funds (approx. AUD 5,000)
7
Meet health and character requirements
8
Some applicants require a government support letter from their home country
Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Check Your Eligibility
You must be between 18–30 years (up to 35 for some countries), hold an eligible passport, and meet education, English, health, and character requirements; for extension, complete 88 days of specified regional work.
2
Check If a Ballot Applies to Your Country
Some countries like China, India, and Vietnam require a ballot system where applicants register online and are randomly selected before applying.
3
Meet English Language Requirement
You must show functional English through tests like IELTS, PTE, TOEFL, OET, or CAE taken within the last 12 months.
4
Gather Your Documents
Prepare passport, education proof, government support letter (if required), proof of funds, and onward travel evidence.
5
Create an ImmiAccount
Register on ImmiAccount and start a new application under Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).
6
Complete & Submit the Online Application
Fill personal, health, and character details, upload documents, and submit your application with a TRN number.
7
Pay the Visa Application Fee
Pay AUD 650 at submission; incomplete payment may result in rejection.
8
Show Proof of Sufficient Funds
Demonstrate at least AUD 5,000 in your bank account to support your stay in Australia.
9
Undergo Health & Character Checks (If Requested)
Complete medical or police checks if asked by the Department of Home Affairs during processing.
10
Wait for Processing
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application and notify you of the outcome. Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances.
11
Receive Visa Grant & Travel to Australia
Once approved, receive your grant letter and travel within 12 months of visa approval.
12
Apply for a Second or Third Visa (Optional)
Eligible applicants can extend by completing 3 months of regional work for the second visa and 6 months for the third.
Required Documents
-
Valid passport from an eligible 462 country
-
Academic transcripts and degree certificates (or evidence of 2 years' work experience)
-
English language proficiency evidence (IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent — if applicable per country)
-
Letter of support from your home country government (country-specific requirement)
-
Bank statement showing sufficient funds (approx. AUD $5,000)
-
Police clearances (from countries lived in for 12+ months)
-
Health examination results (if requested)
-
For 2nd year: Evidence of 88 days regional work (payslips, employer letter)
-
Health examination results (if requested)
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
Processing Time
1 - 8 Weeks
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
First Work and Holiday visa |
AUD $840 |
Second Work and Holiday visa |
AUD $1,000 |
Third Work and Holiday visa |
AUD $1,000 |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key requirements for the 462 visa?
You must be aged 18–30 years (up to 35 for some countries), hold a passport from an eligible country, meet English, education, health, and character requirements, and show proof of sufficient funds.
