Planning to take an adventure in Australia while working to fund your travels?

Working Holiday Visa Work Requirements and Checklist

Are you ready to explore Australia while working and funding your travels? We understand how exciting this opportunity can be, but we also know the process can seem a bit complicated. But don’t worry, you’re not alone.

At Knowbal, we’re here to make the process easy, helping you through each step to ensure you meet the work requirements and submit your application without stress. We’ll take care of your visa application, so you can focus on your life in Australia.

Book a one-on-one consultation with Knowbal today, and let’s make your dream of a working holiday in Australia a reality!

Understanding the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is perfect for young adults who want to explore Australia while earning money to support their travels. The visa is available in three distinct streams:

First Working Holiday Visa

This stream is available to individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries) who are applying for their first working holiday in Australia. If you’re planning to visit Australia for an extended stay while working to support your travels, this is the visa for you. It allows you to live, work, and travel within Australia for up to 12 months.

Second Working Holiday Visa

If you’ve already held a first Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417), you can apply for the second stream. This visa allows those who have completed the specified work requirement during their first working holiday (usually 3 months in regional Australia) to return to Australia for another 12 months of working and travelling. It’s a great option for those who want to extend their Australian adventure.

Third Working Holiday Visa

The third stream is available to individuals who have already held both the first and second Working Holiday visas. To apply for this, you must meet specific criteria, such as having completed 6 months of eligible specified work in Australia during your second visa. This visa allows you to enjoy another 12 months in Australia, giving you the opportunity to work, travel, and explore even further.

All these streams are aimed at giving young travellers the chance to live and work in Australia, helping fund their time in this beautiful country while experiencing everything it has to offer.

The benefits of holding the Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 include:

The ability to live, work, and study anywhere in Australia during the visa’s validity.
The opportunity to travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like.
Eligibility to apply for Australian PR through the Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) after completing certain work requirements.

If you’re interested in applying for a Working Holiday Visa or need assistance understanding which stream is best for you, book a one-on-one consultation with Knowbal today.

Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Passport Requirements

To apply for this visa, you must be a citizen of one of the eligible countries that have an agreement with Australia for the Working Holiday visa program. This includes:

Belgium
Canada
Republic of Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Japan
Republic of Korea
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan (other than official or diplomatic passports)
The United Kingdom (including British National Overseas passport holders)

Age Requirement

You must be between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 years old, depending on the country of citizenship) when applying for the visa.

Previous Visa History

If you’re applying for a second or third Working Holiday visa, you must have already held a previous Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) and completed a minimum of 3 months of specified work during your first visa.

Note: UK passport holders can apply for a second Working Holiday visa without meeting the 3-month work requirement, as long as they apply on or after 1 July 2024 using their UK passport.

Financial Requirement

You must show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia. Typically, this means showing at least AUD 5,000 (this may vary based on your situation).

Health & Character Requirements

You must meet both the health and character requirements as part of your visa application. This may involve a health examination and a police certificate to demonstrate that you meet the required standards.

Pay Your Debts to the Australian Government

If you or any of your family members owe money to the Australian government, you must ensure that the debt is paid or a repayment plan is arranged before applying.

No Previous Visa Cancellations or Refusals

If your visa was cancelled or an application was refused in the past, this may affect your eligibility. However, in some circumstances, you may still be eligible for a permanent visa. For more details, see Limitations on applications in Australia.

Sign the Australian Values Statement

As part of your application, you’ll need to sign the Australian Values Statement, which confirms that you will respect Australian law and the values of the country during your stay.

Want to know if you’re eligible? Let Knowbal help you determine if this visa is the right fit. Book your consultation today.

Understanding the Work Requirements of the 417 Visa

When applying for a second or third Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), one of the key eligibility criteria is completing a prescribed amount of specified work. This is work done in particular industries or regions of Australia, which is important to your application.

Below, we’ll break down the types of work that count towards this requirement and how you can ensure you meet the necessary criteria.

Approved Industries and Areas for Specified Work

Specified work includes jobs in specific industries and areas that help fill labour shortages in regional Australia. These industries and areas are:

Tourism and Hospitality

Work in tourism and hospitality within certain remote and very remote regions of Australia can count towards the specified work requirement. This includes roles in:

Hotels, hostels, motels, and caravan parks
Cafes, restaurants, pubs, and bars
Tour guides, event workers, and activity instructors

Plant and Animal Cultivation

Plant and animal cultivation work includes roles in farming, harvesting, and animal care. Jobs such as fruit picking, dairy farming, and livestock management are part of this category.

Fishing and Pearling

Work in the fishing and pearling industries includes roles directly related to the collection of fish and other aquatic species, or the harvesting of pearls.

Tree Farming and Felling

Tree farming and felling involves work in planting, maintaining, and felling trees in plantations or forests.

Mining

Mining work in regional areas of Australia, including coal mining, oil extraction, and quarrying, is eligible for the specified work requirement.

Construction

Construction work in regional areas, such as building homes, erecting fences, or scaffolding, counts towards the requirement.

Bushfire and Natural Disaster Recovery Work

Work in declared bushfire or natural disaster-affected areas counts as specified work. This includes re-building, demolition, and supporting recovery efforts.

Critical COVID-19 Work

If you worked in healthcare or critical COVID-19-related roles after 31 January 2020, it can count towards your specified work for a second or third visa.

How to Count Specified Work

To count as specified work, you need to complete a minimum of 3 months (88 days) for the second visa and 6 months (179 days) for the third visa. The work must be:

Paid according to the relevant Australian legislation and awards
Full-time or part-time (as long as it totals the required number of days)
Completed while holding a valid Working Holiday visa

Example: If you worked on a farm picking fruit for 3 months, those days would count as specified work.

Circumstances in Which Specified Work Must Have Been Undertaken

The specified work must have been completed while holding a valid Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417). If you applied for a second or third visa but worked on a bridging visa or other visa types, that work might not count.

However, certain circumstances allow you to count specified work completed while waiting for your visa to be processed, for example, while holding a Subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Visa.

Normal Work Days or Shifts

The days worked must meet the standard working hours in the industry you are employed in. For example:

Full-time work is generally considered 5 days a week.
Part-time work is acceptable as long as the total hours add up to meet the required number of days.
If you’re on a piecework rate (such as picking fruit), the hours worked may vary.

Ensure that you’re paid correctly for each hour worked.

How to Find Specified Work

There are multiple ways to find specified work in Australia:

Job boards, such as Workforce Australia
Local job placement agencies
Social media platforms and community groups
Employment websites

Make sure the job vacancy aligns with the specified work criteria and that it is located in an eligible postcode.

Eligible Postcodes Under Each Designated Area

The work you do must be carried out in an eligible postcode within one of the designated areas, including:

Remote and Very Remote Australia
Northern Australia
Regional Australia
Bushfire Declared Areas
Natural Disaster Declared Areas

To find out if a specific postcode qualifies, click here for the official list of eligible postcodes.

Meeting the specified work requirement is important for qualifying for a second or third Working Holiday Visa. With a clear understanding of the eligible industries, work requirements, and how to count your days, you can confidently plan your work in Australia.

Need help finding eligible specified work or ensuring that your work counts? Book a consultation with Knowbal today and get expert guidance to simplify your application process!

The Knowbal Visa Application Process

At Knowbal, we know that applying for a Working Holiday Visa can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Here’s how we work with you:

Initial Consultation
Assigning an Expert Agent
Document Preparation
Submitting the Application
Ongoing Updates

We start by understanding your unique situation. In this consultation, we’ll discuss your goals, eligibility, and the visa requirements. Whether it’s your first time applying or you’re looking to extend your stay, we’ll assess your options and give you a clear roadmap for your application.

Once we understand your needs, we assign you to an experienced migration agent who will be your personal point of contact throughout the process. Your agent will have the expertise to guide you through each stage of the application, ensuring everything is handled professionally and efficiently.

Gathering the right documents is an important step in the application process. Our team will help you collect all the necessary paperwork, including proof of eligibility, financial requirements, and any work history needed. We’ll ensure that every document is in order to avoid delays and complications.

Once all documents are prepared, we will submit your application on your behalf. Knowbal will handle all the technical details and make sure your visa application is accurate, complete, and ready for submission to the Department of Home Affairs.

We don’t leave you in the dark. As soon as your application is submitted, we’ll keep you informed with regular updates on your progress and any additional steps required. If the Department of Home Affairs requires further information, we’ll guide you through the next steps.

With Knowbal, you’re never alone in the visa process. We’ll make sure you’re fully supported from start to finish. Book a consultation today to get started!

Why Choose Knowbal?

Choosing the right migration agent can make all the difference in the success of your Working Holiday Visa application. Here’s why so many people turn to Knowbal:

1 Expert Advice

We ensure our team is always updated on the latest immigration policies, ensuring you receive clear and accurate advice every step of the way. We understand the complexities of the visa process, and our experts are dedicated to helping you meet every requirement.

2 Personalised Approach

At Knowbal, we treat every case individually. We take the time to understand your situation and offer tailored advice that fits your specific goals. Whether you’re travelling alone or with family, we’ll guide you through the visa process in a way that works for you.

3 Proven Success

With a long history of successfully helping clients obtain their Working Holiday Visas, we are proud of our track record. Many applicants just like you have trusted Knowbal, and we’re excited to help you achieve the same success.

4 Constant Communication

We know how stressful and uncertain the visa process can be. That’s why we prioritise clear communication. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring that you’re never left wondering where your application stands.

4 End-to-End Support

From your initial application to meeting your work requirements and applying for further visas, we’re with you for the entire journey. At Knowbal, we provide comprehensive support, so you can focus on enjoying your working holiday in Australia without the stress.

Let us be your trusted partner in navigating your visa application. Book a consultation with Knowbal today and take the first step toward your adventure in Australia with expert support!

Client Success Stories - Hear from People Who’ve Made It!

We believe that the best testament to our service is the success of our clients. Here’s what a few of our clients have to say about their experience with Knowbal:

“I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your invaluable assistance in securing my visitor visa. Your guidance, support, and expertise made all the difference in this process. I am truly thankful for your dedication and hard work. Thank you for going above and beyond to make this possible. Your efforts have allowed me the opportunity to visit and experience new places, and for that, I am immensely appreciative.”

“I am very happy to have received my Australian student visa with my spouse. I highly recommend Team Knowbal's student visa service! From start to finish, Knowbal team was extremely helpful. They kept in touch throughout the process, especially Mittal ma’am.”

“Knowbal migration and education is a great consultancy. The most one is communication and attentive nature of them and specially mittal maam they have done great work. And, they fullfill my dream and now i am flying to australia because of knowbal migration.”

“Highly recommended for any visa types. Staffs of knowbal migration and education are professionally sounded and highly skilled. Also want to add that their all members are very supportive and have a solution for each and every queries related to visas. I got my visa granted within a 3 days of application. I’m a top of the moon 🌙.”

Each story is unique, but they all share one thing in common, a smooth, reliable experience with Knowbal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much money do I need to have for a Working Holiday in Australia?

To apply for the 417 visa, you need to show that you have enough funds to support yourself when you arrive in Australia. The minimum requirement is AUD 5,000.

In addition to this, there’s the visa application fee of AUD 670. Other expenses, like health checks, police certificates, and biometrics, may also apply depending on your circumstances.

Who is eligible for the 417 visa in Australia?

The Working Holiday Visa is available to young people (18 to 30 years old, or 35 for some countries) who want to travel to Australia and work to fund their holiday. To be eligible, you must:

Be a citizen of an eligible country (e.g., the UK, Canada, France, and more).
Not have previously held more than one Working Holiday visa.
Meet health and character requirements.
Have enough money to support yourself when you arrive in Australia.

What is the 6-month rule for the Working Holiday visa?

The 6-month rule refers to the required period of specified work that must be completed to be eligible for a third Working Holiday visa. You must complete at least 6 months of eligible specified work in Australia to qualify for a third visa. This work must be done while on your second Working Holiday visa.

How do I apply for a second year Working Holiday visa?

To apply for a second year of the Working Holiday visa, you must meet the work requirements. You must have completed at least 3 months of specified subclass 417 work in regional Australia during your first Working Holiday visa. After meeting the work requirement, you can submit an online application for the second year through the Department of Home Affairs website.

What is the processing time for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417)?

The processing time for the 417 visa can vary, but generally:

50% of visa applications are processed in less than 1 day.
90% of visa applications are processed within 64 days.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, check the DHA Visa Processing Time Tool.

Have more questions? Reach out to Knowbal.

Ready to Start Your Australian Adventure?

The 417 Visa is your ticket to exploring Australia while funding your travel. Let Knowbal help you take the next step towards securing your visa and making the most of this opportunity.