Beyond Dawlish
Dreaming of spending a year in search of Australia while getting valuable work experience? Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) provides a perfect mix of travel and employment opportunities to young adults of eligible countries. Whether you are interested in surfing the beaches of Bayran Bay, raising fruits in Queensland, or working in a Sydney Cafe, this visa is your ticket for an Australian adventure of a time Australian adventure.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to learn about the visa subclass 462 - eligibility, profit, application stages, and suggestions.
What is Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa?
Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa is a temporary visa that allows youths between the ages of 18 to 30 (inclusive) - and for some countries to 35 - to live, work and travel in Australia for 12 months. This subclass 417 is similar to the working holiday visa, but is especially available for a separate set of countries and comes with a slightly different eligibility criteria.
If you complete the work specified in eligible regional regions, you can also expand your stay for the second or third year.
Key Features of the 462 Visa
Stay up to 12 months in Australia.
Work for up to 6 months with each employer.
Study for up to 4 months.
When you like, travel many times in Australia and while the visa is valid.
The opportunity to apply for the second and third 462 visas after completing the specified regional work.
This visa is ideal for getting international experiences when searching for backpackers, recent graduates, or anyone when searching for Australia.
Eligible Countries
As of 2025, the Subclass 462 visa is available to passport holders from countries including
Each country has an annual quota, and once it’s filled, no further visas are granted for that program year. It’s important to apply early if you’re from a country with high demand.
Basic Eligibility Requirements
To apply for the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), you must:
Be 18 to 30 years old (or up to 35 for some countries).
Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
Have completed at least two years of post-secondary education (varies by country).
Meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent), unless you're from an exempt country.
Have sufficient funds (usually around AUD 5,000) to support yourself initially.
Meet health and character requirements.
Hold health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Not have dependent children with you during your stay.
Some applicants may also need to provide a letter of support from their government, depending on the country of passport.
How to Apply for a Subclass 462 Visa
Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents
Passport bio page
English test results (if required)
Educational qualifications
Bank statements to prove funds
Government letter of support (if required)
Health insurance details
Step 2: Apply Online
Applications must be submitted online via the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount. You’ll need to create an account and complete the application form.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee for the Subclass 462 visa is AUD 635 (as of 2025). Additional costs may include medical exams or biometrics.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within 20 to 40 days. Delays can occur if additional information or documents are requested.
Extending Your Stay: Second and Third 462 Visas
You can apply for a second or third Subclass 462 visa if you complete a certain amount of specified work in regional Australia, such as:
Fruit picking or farm work
Hospitality or tourism in northern Australia
Bushfire recovery or flood support roles
Requirements:
Second visa: At least 3 months (88 days) of specified regional work on your first 462 visa.
Third visa: An additional 6 months of specified regional work while holding your second 462 visa.
Keep accurate records of your work, including payslips and employer references, as these will be needed for your subsequent visa applications.
What Kind of Work Can You Do?
While the Subclass 462 visa isn’t designed for permanent employment, it allows you to take up casual or temporary jobs to fund your travels. Common jobs include:
Hospitality (bars, cafes, restaurants)
Farm and harvest work
Tourism and resort work
Retail
Office temp jobs
Labouring or construction
You can work up to 6 months for each employer. However, you can request permission to work longer in some regional industries, particularly agriculture.
Travel and Lifestyle Tips
Get a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as you arrive to work legally and be taxed correctly.
Open an Australian bank account to receive your wages.
Consider backpacker hostels, shared accommodations, or farm stays to stretch your budget.
Use apps and platforms like Backpacker Job Board, Gumtree, and Seek to find work.
Make the most of your time by exploring Australia’s unique wildlife, national parks, beaches, and cities during your time off.
Why the Subclass 462 Visa Is a Life-Changer
The Work and Holiday visa isn't just about travel and income — it's a cultural exchange and personal growth opportunity. You'll meet people from around the world, improve your English, gain independence, and potentially build a foundation for future visa options in Australia, such as employer-sponsored or skilled migration pathways.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa offers an unforgettable way to explore Australia while earning money and gaining work experience. Whether you're backpacking the east coast, working on a vineyard in South Australia, or enjoying city life in Melbourne, this visa provides the freedom and flexibility to shape your own adventure.
