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Working Holiday Visa -

Subclass 417

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The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) lets young adults from about 19 partner countries travel around Australia for up to 12 months. You can work here to help fund your trip, and study for up to 4 months. People often call it the ‘backpacker visa’. This guide explains who can apply, what you can do on the visa, and how to apply.

What is the 417 visa?

The subclass 417 visa is a temporary visa under Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program, which the Australian Government has run since 1975 (Department of Home Affairs).

The visa gives you 12 months in Australia from the date you first arrive. You do not need a job offer, an employer sponsor or a state nomination to apply. Your main purpose must be a genuine holiday, with work and study as secondary activities.

Who can apply: 417 eligible countries

You can only apply for a 417 visa if you hold a valid passport from one of the following countries.

CountryAge eligibility
Belgium18–30
Canada18–35
Cyprus18–35
Denmark18–35
Estonia18–30
Finland18–35
France18–35
Germany18–35
Hong Kong SAR18–30
Ireland18–35
Italy18–35
Japan18–30
South Korea18–35
Malta18–30
Netherlands18–30
Norway18–30
Sweden18–30
Taiwan18–30
United Kingdom18–35

List and age brackets current as of August 2026, based on the Department of Home Affairs Working Holiday Maker program pages. The Department reviews these settings from time to time — for example, Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea moved to the higher 18–35 age bracket from 1 July 2026. Always check the current list before you apply.

If your passport is not on this list, check our Work and Holiday visa (462) guide instead. Nearly all working holiday makers fit into one of the two visas.

Other 417 visa requirements

As well as holding an eligible passport, you generally need to:

  • be aged 18 to 30 (or 18 to 35 for the countries listed above with the higher age limit)
  • not be travelling with dependent children
  • hold a passport that is valid for your application
  • have enough money to support yourself early in your stay — as a guide, the Department looks for around AUD 5,000 in accessible funds, plus your onward or return travel costs
  • meet health and character requirements
  • intend a genuine holiday in Australia, with work being incidental to your trip

You cannot hold more than three Working Holiday (417) visas in your lifetime, whichever eligible passport you use to apply.

What can you do on a 417 visa?

Work rights

You can work in almost any job or industry while you hold a 417 visa. There is no restriction on your occupation.

The main limit is visa condition 8547. This means you generally cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months. Some work is exempt from this limit, including jobs in agriculture, health, aged and disability care, childcare, and tourism and hospitality, as well as some industries in regional Northern Australia (Department of Home Affairs).

Study rights

You can study for up to 4 months (about 17 weeks) during your 12-month visa.

Travel

You can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like within your visa’s 12-month validity, as long as the visa is still valid.

Second and third Working Holiday visas

Many working holiday makers extend their time in Australia beyond the first 12 months.

  • Second visa: you can apply for a second 417 visa if you complete at least 88 days (about 3 months) of specified work in regional Australia during your first visa. Specified work includes jobs such as plant and animal cultivation, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, and construction or mining in eligible regional areas.
  • Third visa: you can apply for a third 417 visa if you complete at least 179 days (about 6 months) of specified work in regional Australia during your second visa.

Together, this can give you up to 3 years in Australia across three separate 417 visas. See the Department’s specified work guidance for the full list of qualifying industries and eligible postcodes.

How much does it cost, and how do you apply?

You apply for the 417 visa online, through an ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. In general, you will need to:

  • create an ImmiAccount and start a new application
  • provide your passport, personal and travel details
  • answer questions about your health and character
  • pay the visa application charge
  • complete a health examination or provide biometrics if the Department asks you to
  • wait for a decision — the Department contacts you in writing with the outcome

The visa application charge is reviewed regularly and can change. As a guide, the base charge for a first application is around AUD 840, rising to around AUD 1,000 for a second or third application. Always check the exact current fee on the Department’s Visa Pricing Estimator before you apply, and do not book travel to Australia until your visa has actually been granted.

What should you do next?

Before you apply, check:

  • that your passport is on the 417 eligible country list
  • that you meet the age limit for your country
  • that you have enough funds and a clear travel plan
  • whether you have held a 417 visa before, and how many you have already held

If any part of your situation is complicated — for example, a past visa refusal, a visa cancellation, or a health or character issue — get advice before you submit your application.

Can Work Visa Lawyers help?

Yes. Work Visa Lawyers can help you apply for a 417 visa with confidence.

We can assist with:

  • confirming you meet the 417 visa requirements
  • reviewing your application and supporting documents
  • advice on qualifying for a second or third Working Holiday visa
  • advice if you have a health, character or past visa issue
  • planning your next visa once your working holiday ends

Small errors in a working holiday visa application can cause delays. Getting it right the first time saves you time and stress.

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FAQ: Working Holiday Visa (417)

Which countries are eligible for the 417 visa?

About 19 countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan. See the full list above, as eligible countries and age limits can change.

How old do I need to be for a 417 visa?

You generally need to be 18 to 30 years old. Passport holders from Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea and the United Kingdom can apply up to age 35.

How much money do I need for a Working Holiday visa?

As a guide, the Department looks for around AUD 5,000 in accessible funds, on top of your travel costs. This is a guide rather than a fixed legal amount, so it’s worth having more if you can.

Can I get a second or third Working Holiday visa?

Yes, if you complete enough specified work in a regional area. You need 88 days of specified work for a second visa, and 179 days for a third.

How long does the 417 visa take to process?

Processing times vary and the Department publishes current guide times on its website. Applying with complete, accurate documents is the best way to avoid unnecessary delays.

Can I study while on a 417 visa?

Yes. You can study for up to 4 months during your 12-month visa. If you want to study for longer, you may need a student visa instead.

Disclaimer: This information is general only and does not take into account your personal situation. Australian migration rules, visa fees and country eligibility can change quickly. You should get advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer before making a visa decision.

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