First Working Holiday visa
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Overview
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About this visa
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Eligibility
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Step by step
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When you have this visa
Stay
12 months
Cost
AUD635.00
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
With this visa you can
- do short-term work in Australia to help pay for your holiday
- study for up to 4 months
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
- do 3 months of specified work to become eligible for a second Working Holiday visa
See all conditions
See the Working Holiday Maker program
Check your eligibility
You must
- hold a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction
- be 18 to 30 years old (or 35 years old for some countries)
- apply online from outside Australia
- not be accompanied by dependent children or family members
- not have previously entered Australia on a subclass 417 or 462 visa. If you have previously been in Australia on a subclass 417 visa, see the second Working Holiday visa.
Help with your visa
If you are getting help with your visa, before you pay someone, read information on Who can help with your visa application.
Apply
With this visa you can
- do short-term work in Australia to help pay for your holiday
- study for up to 4 months
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
- do 3 months of specified work to become eligible for a second Working Holiday visa
Work
You can do any kind of work on this visa.
Usually, you can only work for the same employer for 6 months.
If the main purpose of your stay is to work, consider a work visa. Explore visa options.
Study
You can study for up to 4 months (17 weeks).
If the main purpose of your stay is to study, consider a Student visa.
How long you can stay
This is a temporary visa. You must enter Australia within 12 months of the date we grant it. We will not extend or defer this timeframe.
The visa's period of stay starts on the date you enter Australia. Once you have entered, you can:
- stay in Australia for up to 12 months
- leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like in those 12 months
Please Note:
- You do not need to apply for another visa to enter Australia, such as an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa, once you have been granted your Working Holiday Visa.
- If you apply for and are granted another visa (such as subclass 651 visa) after the grant of your Working Holiday visa, your Working Holiday visa (and related work rights) will cease on the date that visa is granted.
- If your first Working Holiday visa ceased due to the grant of another visa, such as an eVisitor visa, and you entered Australia on that other visa, you will not be able to apply for another first Working Holiday visa while you are in Australia.
You have another visa
Your Working Holiday visa starts on the date you enter or transit through Australia even if you hold any other temporary visa including:
- a Special Purpose visa
- an Electronic Travel Authority
- a Crew Travel Authority
- a Maritime Crew visa
It is important that you only apply for a Working Holiday visa once you are ready to enter Australia on that visa. Once we grant your Working Holiday visa and you travel to Australia and are immigration cleared at the border, the 12-month visa period of stay will automatically start upon entry, regardless of the purpose of your visit.
Stay longer
You can't stay in Australia longer by extending this visa. If you want to stay in Australia longer, apply for another visa.
Explore your visa options to stay longer in Australia.
You could apply for a second Working Holiday visa if you are eligible.
Stay longer on a Visitor visa
The total time you will be permitted to stay on your first Working Holiday visa and then a Visitor visa is 12 consecutive months.
If you want to apply for a Visitor visa to stay longer in Australia and the Visitor visa would result in you staying longer than 12 consecutive months in Australia, you must show there are exceptional circumstances.
For this visa, exceptional circumstances might be that a close family member in Australia has died or is seriously ill and you are required to stay in Australia to provide assistance or support.
Include family
You can't include family members in your application.
You can't be accompanied by dependent children while you are in Australia on this visa.
Cost
AUD635.00
You might also have to pay for health checks, police certificates and biometrics.
Apply from
You must be outside Australia when you apply for this visa and when we decide your application.
Processing times
For an indication of processing times for this visa, use the visa processing time guide tool. This will show the processing times for recently decided applications. It is a guide only and not specific to your application.
Your application might take longer to process if:
- you don't fill it in correctly
- you don't include all the documents we need or we need more information from you
- it takes us time to verify your information
Your obligations
You must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.
Learn more about conditions for this visa.
Tax
You must pay taxes when you work in Australia on this visa.
Superannuation
Australia has compulsory superannuation - a retirement savings scheme. Your employer must pay superannuation into your superannuation fund if you earn over a certain amount.
You can access your superannuation when you leave Australia.
Health insurance
We strongly recommend you take out health insurance to cover any unforeseen medical treatment you might need in Australia. You are personally liable for all your healthcare costs while you are in Australia. Insurance can help limit your financial liability.
See what we consider adequate health insurance.
Learn more about health insurance for overseas visitors.
Reciprocal healthcare agreements
Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia. Find out more from Services Australia about reciprocal healthcare agreements.
Travel
You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is in effect.
Time you spend outside Australia after your first entry does not extend the visa's 12-month period of stay in Australia.
Visa record
We will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
Hold this passport
You must be a citizen of and hold a valid passport from one of these countries/jurisdictions:
- 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 an official or diplomatic passport)
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders)
Be this age
At the time of application, you must be within the eligible age limit for your passport country:
- Belgium – 18 to 30 years
- Canada – 18 to 35 years
- Republic of Cyprus - 18 to 30 years
- Denmark - 18 to 35 years
- Estonia - 18 to 30 years
- Finland - 18 to 30 years
- France - 18 to 35 years
- Germany - 18 to 30 years
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China - 18 to 30 years
- Republic of Ireland - 18 to 35 years
- Italy - 18 to 35 years
- Japan - 18 to 30 years
- Republic of Korea - 18 to 30 years
- Malta - 18 to 30 years
- Netherlands - 18 to 30 years
- Norway - 18 to 30 years
- Sweden - 18 to 30 years
- Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport) - 18 to 30 years
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders) - 18 to 35 years
If you apply for the visa while you are 30 (or 35), but turn 31 (or 36) before we have made a decision, we can still grant you the visa if you meet all other requirements.
Previous visas
You must not have previously entered Australia on a:
- Working Holiday visa (subclass 417)
- Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Have enough money
You must have enough money to:
- support yourself while you are in Australia
- leave Australia at the end of your stay
This is usually about AUD5,000 for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.
Meet the health requirement
You must meet our health requirement.
Meet the character requirement
You must meet our character requirement.
Pay your debts to the Australian Government
If you or any family members (including those who don't apply for the visa with you) owe the Australian government money, you or they must have paid it back or arranged to pay it back.
Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused
We will consider your immigration history when we make a decision on your application, which means you might not be eligible for this visa if you have had a visa cancelled or refused.
In some circumstances you may still apply for a permanent visa if you have had a visa cancelled or an application refused see Limitations on applications in Australia.
If applying for a visa from outside Australia see Can I go to Australia.
If you want immigration assistance, see Who can help with your visa application.
Sign the Australian values statement
You must acknowledge the Australian Values Statement that confirms you will respect the Australian way of life and obey Australian laws when you apply for the visa.
Step 1
Before you apply
You can organise health exams or appoint someone to help you with your application.
Organise health exams
You might need to have health examinations. You can complete them before you apply or you can wait until we tell you to have them.
Find out the examinations you need and how to arrange them if you want to have them before you apply.
Get help with your application
Only some people can help you with your application. If you appoint someone to give you immigration assistance they must be:
- a registered migration agent
- a legal practitioner, or
- an exempt person.
You can appoint anyone to receive documents on your behalf relating to your visa matter.
Step 2
Gather your documents
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Identity documents
Provide the pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and passport issue and expiry dates.
Also provide a copy of your birth certificate showing both your parents’ names. If you don’t have a birth certificate and you can’t get one, provide a copy of the identification pages of one of these:
- a family book showing both your parents’ names
- government-issued identification
- a court-issued document that verifies your identity
If you have changed your name, provide proof such as:
- a marriage or divorce certificate
- change of name documents from an Australian Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, or the relevant overseas authority
- documents that show other names you have been known by
Enough money for your stay and to leave
Provide evidence you have enough money for your stay in Australia. This is usually AUD5,000.
You must also show us you have enough money to buy a ticket to leave Australia at the end of your stay, or that you already have the ticket.
If you don’t attach evidence to your application, processing may be delayed if we need to contact you to request further information.
Character documents
We might ask you to provide:
- an Australian police certificate if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16. We only accept complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police. We do not accept standard disclosure certificates or national police certificates issued by Australian state or territory police
- an overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent a total of 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16
- military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country
We will let you know if you need to give us these documents.
Tell us you are getting help
To nominate someone to:
- receive your correspondence, use Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF)
- provide immigration assistance, use Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person (308KB PDF).
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
Prepare your documents
Translate
Have all non-English documents translated into English.
Translators in Australia must be accredited by the National Accreditation Authority for Translators and Interpreters.
Translators outside Australia do not have to be accredited. But on each translation, they must include their:
- full name
- address and telephone number
- qualifications and experience in the language they are translating
These details must be in English.
Note: You do not need to have any documents certified.
Scan or photograph
Scan or photograph all documents (English and non-English) in colour.
The scans and photos must be clear.
If a document is more than one page, save it all as one file.
Attach
Attach a document only once, even if you are using it to show more than one thing.
Step 3
Apply for the visa
Provide accurate information
Provide accurate information. See what happens if you can't prove your identity or don't provide true information.
Apply online
- Log in or create an ImmiAccount.
- Attach documents.
- Pay the application fee. We will not process your application until you pay the fee.
- Note the transaction reference number.
Applicants with dependent children
You can’t apply online if you are the parent of a child under the age of 18.
Working Holiday visa holders cannot be accompanied by dependent children at any time during their stay in Australia. While it is possible to obtain a Working Holiday visa if you have a child, your child cannot join you in Australia at any time while you are on your Working Holiday visa – not even for one day.
Step 4
After you apply
See what you can and must do after you apply.
We will let you know when we have received your application.
Travel
Do not arrange to travel to Australia until we let you know, in writing, that we have granted you the visa
Biometrics
We might ask for biometrics. We will let you know if you need to provide them.
Health exams
If you didn't have health examinations before you applied, we will let you know if you need them.
Attach more information
If you didn't attach all documents when you applied, attach them via ImmiAccount as soon as you can.
We might also ask you to provide more information.
Mistakes on your application
Let us know as soon as you can if you made a mistake on your application.
Complete Form 1023 Notification of incorrect answers (168KB PDF) and attach it in ImmiAccount.
Help with your application
Let us know if you no longer want someone to:
- receive your correspondence - complete Form 956A Appointment or withdrawal of an authorised recipient (301KB PDF)
- provide immigration advice - complete Form 956 Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person (308KB PDF).
Upload your written notification or your forms to ImmiAccount.
For more information, see Who can help you with your application.
Tell us if things change
Tell us if things change after you lodge your application but before we have made a decision.
Things you need to let us know about include:
- you want to withdraw your application
- changes to your passport
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child
For any queries related to the processing of your first Working Holiday visa application that the website does not answer, you can submit a Working Holiday Maker Application Enquiry Form.
Step 5
Visa outcome
We will let you know our decision in writing.
If we grant your visa, we will tell you:
- your visa grant number
- the date your visa starts
- your visa conditions
Keep a copy of the decision notification with you when in Australia.
If we refuse your visa, we will tell you:
- why we refused the visa
- if you have a right to a review of the decision
Coming to Australia
Before you travel
Once you have been granted your Working Holiday Visa you do not need to apply for another visa, such as an eVisitor (subclass 651) visa, to enter Australia.
If you apply for and are granted another visa (such as subclass 651 visa) after the grant of your Working Holiday visa, your Working Holiday visa (and related work rights) will cease on the date that visa is granted.
If your first Working Holiday visa ceased due to the grant of another visa, such as an eVisitor visa, and you entered Australia on that other visa, you will not be able to apply for another first Working Holiday visa while you are in Australia.
Check your travel documents are up to date.
- Your Working Holiday visa will be linked to the passport you declared on your application. If you obtain a new passport after your visa is granted, you must tell us your new passport details. See how to tell us if your situation changes.
- If you do not update your passport details, you will face delays at your overseas departure point and may not be permitted to board your flight
You must have:
- a Working Holiday visa that is in effect to enter Australia - you do not need a separate visa to enter Australia (the Department recommends that you keep a copy of your grant letter (electronic or paper) while travelling)
- a valid passport or other travel document
If you also hold another visa
It is important that you only apply for a Working Holiday visa once you are ready to enter Australia on that visa.
Once we grant your Working Holiday visa and you travel to Australia and are immigration cleared at the border, the 12-month visa period of stay will automatically start upon entry, regardless of the purpose of your visit.
The Working Holiday visa period of stay will commence even if you are transiting through Australia on your way to another country, and if you hold one of the following temporary visas at the same time as you hold your Working Holiday visa:
- Special Purpose visa (for example, airline crew members who have been registered for a Crew Travel Authority (CTA) or transit passengers from certain countries)
- Electronic Travel Authority (subclass 601)
- Maritime Crew visa (subclass 988)
- Transit visa (subclass 771)
If you applied for a COVID-19 Pandemic event (subclass 408) visa
If you hold a Working Holiday visa and have an undecided COVID-19 Pandemic event visa application, but you no longer wish to be granted this visa, you must withdraw your application as soon as possible. If your COVID-19 Pandemic event visa is granted, it will replace your Working Holiday visa.
You can withdraw your application by submitting Form 1446 Withdrawal of a visa application via ImmiAccount.
At the border
Completing an Incoming Passenger Card
All people arriving in Australia must complete the Incoming Passenger Card. You will be given this card onboard.
Leaving the airport faster
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport, if you have one. You may be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.
In Australia
What you can do when you have this visa
- have a holiday
- do any kind of work
- study for up to 4 months
- travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
- become eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday visa
Study
You can study for up to 4 months (17 weeks).
To see your study entitlements use VEVO.
Work
Usually, you can only work for the same employer for 6 months.
To see your work entitlements use VEVO.
You must pay taxes when you work.
You are protected by Australian workplace law. See your workplace rights and entitlements.
Superannuation
If you earn over a certain amount, your employer must pay superannuation into your superannuation fund. Australia has compulsory superannuation - a retirement savings scheme.
When you leave Australia, you can access your superannuation.
To see your conditions for work, use VEVO.
Travel
You can travel outside Australia and return as many times as you want while the visa is in effect.
Time spent outside Australia after the visa starts does not extend the visa.
How long you can stay
This is a temporary visa. You must enter Australia within 12 months of the date we grant it.
The visa starts on the date you enter Australia. Once you have entered and the visa stay period starts, you can:
- stay in Australia for up to 12 months
- leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you like in that 12 months
To see when you must leave, use VEVO.
Stay longer
You can't stay in Australia longer by extending this visa.
You must apply for a new visa if you want to stay longer.
You could apply for a second Working Holiday visa if you are eligible.
See your options.
What you must do on this visa
You must meet all visa conditions and obey Australian laws.
See your conditions in your visa grant letter or VEVO.
Prove you have a visa
To prove you have a visa and show your conditions to someone, use VEVO.
Request your international movement records to get proof of your travel in and out of Australia.
Tell us if things change
Things you need to let us know about include:
- changes to your passport
- changes to your relationship status
- the birth of a child
See how to tell us if your situation changes.
Leaving Australia
Before you leave
Check your travel documents
You must have a valid passport or other travel document to leave Australia.
See what to do if your visa has expired or is about to expire.
At the border
Departures SmartGate
We have an automated process that uses facial recognition technology and your ePassport, if you have one. You may be able to leave the airport faster if you use SmartGate.
After you leave
Getting your superannuation
You are likely to have some money in a superannuation fund if you worked in Australia and you are:
- aged 18 years or older
- paid AUD450 or more before tax in a month
See how to access your super.
Proving you have been to Australia
Request your international movement records to get proof of your travel in and out of Australia.
