Getting confused with all this talk of 417 and 462 visas? Both allow certain non-Australian citizens between 18 and 30 years of age to come to Australia on a working holiday, but they do have some notable differences.
Who can apply?
- Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas are open to people who hold a passport from Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan or the United Kingdom.
- Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are open to people who hold a passport from Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, the United States, Uruguay or Vietnam.
How do the visa requirements vary?
- Unlike the subclass 417 Working Holiday visa, subclass 462 visa applicants are required to possess specific educational requirements. See more information about these requirements here.
- Most 462 visa applicants require a letter of support for a first visa application from their country of origin’s government (unless they are from Argentina, China, Israel, Singapore or the United States), while 417 visa holders do not. See more information about that requirement here.
- 462 visa holders require evidence of functional English (with the exception of American citizens), while 417 visa holders do not. More information on visa requirements can be found here.
Does the maximum length of stay vary between the two visa types?
Both types of visas are granted for a period of 12 months, and generally allow for periods of work for up to 6 months at a time with any one Australian employer.
From 19 November 2016, the law was changed to allow subclass 462 visa holders to apply for a second Work and Holiday visa – as had always been possible under the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa programme. However, key differences remain in the type of specified work that can be undertaken in order to qualify for a second 462, or 417 visa with one notable difference being the availability of Tourism and Hospitality work to ‘unlock’ a second subclass 462 visa.
Hopefully that clears up any confusion over 417 and 462 visas. Happy travels!
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With a 462 WHV, aside from the possibility of finding an employer who can sponsor, what other options do I have if I want to extend my stay in Australia?
Thanks!
Hi Marielle,
So sorry for the late response! Your comment got caught in our spam filter.
Finding an employer who can sponsor is the easiest way, but your primary options aside from that would be applying for a partner visa if you have an Australian partner or, more likely, enroling in courses and applying for a student visa.
Good luck!
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Just a quick question. I am looking to apply for Subclass 417. I am Japanese passport holder and current residing in Australia on Subclass 485 and it will expire soon. I would like to know if it is possible for me to apply Subclass 417 in Newzealand.
Dear sir
i am in Australia as an work and holiday visa holder 462. I am interested to stay here longer. plz help me about the process and cost and the way to get it.
hey there, im about to move to Aus based on these programmers. please recommend which one should I apply
also, i have searched lots of infor so far, but im still wondering if these programs require the certificate of IELTS or not? please specify. Many thanks to your team!
I knew that subclass 462 visa limits the number of applicants in each year. But what about subclass417? Do they limit that? Or anyone can apply anytime?
Hi.. Is someone from India is eligible for working holiday visa in Australia? Thanks.
Make sure you google 417,462 visa exploitation..Its been rife in Australia..Working more hours than whats documented and if you complain the employer wont sign you off for extended stay..Also accommodation is like triple normal rate.
I am currently in Australia on my American passport on a 462. I am a dual citizen of Canada as well. Am I eligible for a 417 first or second year working holiday visa? What are my options to stay in Australia? I currently live and work in Townsville which is considered rural Australia and would count towards my regional work.
Are persons from the Philippines able to participate in the 417 or 462 working holiday as they are not listed?
If they are not included, why is that?
Thanks.
Dear Peter
Eligible countries and the number of visas issued per year are usually negotiated between Australia and the particular country in question. This would be based on the arrangement being mutually beneficial.
At the time of writing, Australia and the Philippines have not entered into an arrangement for 417/462 visas, thereby not being available for eligible people from the Philippines to have an extended stay in Australia for working holiday/work and holiday purposes.
Regards
Manda
If I have a 462 WHV and I want to stay for a second year, can I apply for a 417 WHV? I’m from the United States, does that also have any effect?