Australia is a dream destination for young travelers seeking adventure, cultural exchange, and an opportunity to fund their journey while exploring the country. The 417 working holiday visa opens doors for eligible young individuals to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to a year—or longer with extensions. Whether you're applying for the first working holiday visa subclass 417, looking into the 417 second year visa, or planning to stay permanently, this guide walks you through everything you need to know.
What is the 417 Working Holiday Visa?
The working holiday visa subclass 417 is a temporary visa that allows eligible individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some nationalities) to travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. It aims to promote cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and partner countries.
This visa is different from the work and holiday visa subclass 462, which has slightly different eligibility criteria and participating countries. With the 417 visa, you're permitted to work in Australia to help fund your stay, but there are some 417 visa work restrictions you need to be aware of.
The 417 working holiday visa offers young individuals the exciting opportunity to live, work, and travel across Australia for up to 12 months. But before you begin planning your Australian adventure or submit your 417 visa application, it's crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria set by the Australian Government. Whether you're a first-time traveler or someone aiming for a 417 second year visa, understanding the requirements will help you prepare a successful application and avoid unnecessary delays.
This visa is designed to promote cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and participating countries. It allows young people to experience life Down Under while supplementing their travel with short-term employment. Below, we break down who can apply for the working holiday visa subclass 417, covering everything from age limits to financial requirements and visa conditions.
To be eligible for the first working holiday visa subclass 417, you must be within a specific age bracket at the time of your application:
Most countries: 18 to 30 years old (inclusive)
Canada, Ireland, and France: 18 to 35 years old (inclusive)
Your age is calculated based on your birthday, not your passport expiry. If you’re applying on your 31st (or 36th) birthday, you're still eligible. However, once the day passes, you're no longer considered within the age range.
This age range is designed to ensure that participants are young, mobile, and interested in cultural exchange—one of the visa’s primary goals.
Depending on your previous travel history, you may be applying for the first, second, or third working holiday visa subclass 417:
First 417 visa: You must not have previously held a 417 or 462 visa.
Second 417 visa: You must have completed at least 3 months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia during your first visa.
Third 417 visa: You must have completed 6 months of specified regional work while on your second 417 visa.
You must provide appropriate documentation and evidence—such as pay slips, tax records, and employer references—to support your claims of specified work.
The pathway to a 417 visa to permanent residency often starts here. Gaining Australian work experience, especially in regional areas, may open future PR opportunities.
Where you apply from matters:
First 417 visa: You must apply from outside Australia.
Second or third 417 visa: You can apply from either inside or outside Australia, depending on your circumstances.
Keep in mind, visa grant conditions may vary depending on your application location. If applying from within Australia, ensure your current visa allows for a valid bridging visa to cover your stay during processing.
The working holiday visa subclass 417 is designed for independent young travelers. You cannot be accompanied by dependent children during your stay in Australia. The goal is to allow individuals to fully immerse themselves in Australian culture and lifestyle without additional family responsibilities.
Applicants must have sufficient funds to:
Support themselves upon arrival
Cover initial living expenses
Purchase a return or onward ticket
Generally, this means you should have at least AUD 5,000 in your bank account, plus the cost of a return or onward journey.
You may be asked to provide bank statements, savings account records, or travel itinerary documents to demonstrate this financial capacity.
This requirement is in place to ensure travelers are self-sufficient and not at financial risk during their holiday.
All applicants must:
Meet Australia’s health requirements. You may need to undergo a health examination if you plan to work in healthcare, childcare, or apply from a high-risk country.
Meet character requirements. You’ll be required to disclose criminal records and may need to provide police certificates.
These checks are essential to maintain the safety and health standards of Australia and protect the local community.
Although private health insurance isn’t a mandatory application requirement, you’re expected to maintain adequate health coverage throughout your stay in Australia. Most travelers opt for Overseas Visitors Health Cover (OVHC), which helps cover:
Doctor visits
Emergency medical services
Hospital stays
Prescription medications
Failing to meet the 417 visa conditions, such as not having adequate health insurance, could affect future visa applications.
You must not owe any money to the Australian Government. If you have any outstanding debts related to taxes, prior visas, or healthcare, they must be paid or under formal repayment arrangements before your 417 visa application can be approved.
The primary intention behind the 417 working holiday visa is to holiday in Australia, not to work full-time. Employment is allowed but must remain secondary to travel and leisure.
Jobs typically done on a 417 visa include:
Farm work
Hospitality
Retail
Tourism
Construction
Any evidence of using the visa purely for employment could raise concerns during future applications, including if you're hoping to transition from a 417 visa to permanent residency.
It’s important to understand the 417 visa work restrictions and 417 visa working conditions to ensure you stay compliant:
You can work for one employer for up to 6 months (unless an extension is granted).
You can study or train for up to 4 months.
You must not engage in work that violates visa conditions, such as roles restricted to Australian citizens.
You must maintain health insurance.
Breaching these rules may affect your current visa and your eligibility for future Australian visas.
If you don’t meet the criteria for the working holiday 417 visa, don’t lose hope. You may qualify for other visa types, including:
Australia work visa (skilled streams)
Student visa
Work and holiday visa subclass 462 (for eligible nationalities)
Consulting a migration agent can be helpful in exploring the most suitable options for your goals.
If you're planning your first trip to Australia under the first working holiday visa subclass 417, you're in for a unique experience. This visa is ideal for young travelers who want to explore the beauty of Australia while earning an income to support their travels. It is designed to encourage cultural exchange and provide a flexible way to travel across Australia with the option to work and study during your stay.
With the first working holiday visa subclass 417, you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date of your first entry. This gives you the freedom to discover Australia's diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and laid-back lifestyle while gaining international work experience.
Work for up to 6 months with one employer
This visa allows you to take up employment across a wide range of industries such as hospitality, farming, tourism, construction, and retail. However, you are limited to working a maximum of six months with the same employer. This rule helps ensure that your primary reason for staying is travel and cultural exchange rather than long-term employment. If you wish to work longer for the same employer, you must request formal permission from the Department of Home Affairs.
Study for up to 4 months
Alongside working and travelling, you're also allowed to study short-term courses for up to four months. This is a great opportunity to take a language course, a vocational class, or even a personal development program like yoga teacher training or photography.
Enter and leave Australia multiple times
One of the great features of the working holiday visa subclass 417 is its flexibility. You can travel in and out of Australia as many times as you like during the 12-month period, which means you can explore nearby countries in Asia or the South Pacific and return to Australia without needing to reapply for your visa.
The first working holiday visa subclass 417 is perfect for:
Gap-year students looking for adventure after high school or university
Young professionals seeking international work experience
Cultural explorers who want to immerse themselves in Australian life and meet people from all over the world
Digital nomads looking for a temporary base while they work online and explore the region
By choosing to apply for this visa, you open the door to an unforgettable experience where you can live like a local, gain global work experience, and build memories that last a lifetime. It’s also a fantastic stepping stone for those who may later wish to apply for a 417 second year visa or even consider moving from a 417 visa to permanent residency, depending on future goals and eligibility.
You are free to take up most types of jobs while you're in Australia, from hospitality and tourism to construction and farming. However, 417 visa working conditions limit you to a maximum of 6 months per employer unless an exemption applies.
While the working holiday 417 visa is flexible, it has specific 417 visa work restrictions:
You cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months unless authorized
You can work full-time, part-time, casual, or shift work, but the main purpose of your stay should be holidaying, not employment
You must comply with Australian workplace laws
If you’re unsure of your rights, you can consult a migration agent for accurate guidance.
One of the most attractive features of the 417 working holiday visa is the possibility to extend your stay by applying for the 417 second year visa.
To be eligible, you must:
Complete 88 days (3 months) of specified work in regional Australia while on your first 417 visa
Work must be in approved industries such as farming, mining, fishing, or construction
Your 417 visa application for the second year should be submitted before your first visa expires. It's best to maintain a detailed log of your work (dates, employer, ABN, location) to meet immigration requirements.
Yes, you can also apply for a third working holiday visa if:
You've completed 6 months (179 days) of specified work while on your second-year visa
The work must be done in eligible regional areas and industries
This allows a total of three years in Australia under the working holiday program—an excellent opportunity to immerse yourself further into Aussie life.
The 417 visa application is straightforward and can be done online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Here's a quick step-by-step:
Create an ImmiAccount on the official government site
Gather documents: passport, proof of funds, recent photo, and any required health checks
Submit the online form and pay the fee (AUD 635 as of April 2025)
Wait for a decision, which typically takes 1–3 weeks
Receive your visa grant notice, allowing you to travel to Australia
Be honest and accurate in your application to avoid delays or refusals.
When granted, your 417 working holiday visa will come with certain 417 visa conditions. Common ones include:
8101: You cannot engage in study or training for more than 4 months
8547: You can’t work for the same employer for more than 6 months
8501: You must maintain adequate health insurance
Failure to comply with these 417 visa conditions may result in visa cancellation.
Many people fall in love with Australia during their working holiday and wish to stay long-term. Luckily, transitioning from the 417 visa to permanent residency is possible.
Common pathways include:
Skilled Migration Visa (e.g., subclass 189, 190): If your occupation is on the skilled occupation list and you meet the points requirement
Employer Sponsored Visa (e.g., subclass 482 or 186): If you find a sponsor willing to nominate you
Partner Visa: If you develop a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident
This journey often starts with a 417 working holiday visa, making it a great stepping stone toward an Australia work visa.
The working holiday visa subclass 417 offers numerous advantages:
You can fund your holiday by working, gaining experience in various sectors, and traveling extensively across the country.
You’ll meet people from around the world, form lifelong friendships, and gain a deeper understanding of Australian life.
From communication to time management, the workplace experience gained can enhance your resume and future career prospects.
With opportunities to apply for the 417 second year visa and transition to permanent residency, this visa can lead to long-term opportunities in Australia.
Apply Early: Especially during peak travel seasons
Maintain Records: Keep documentation for any specified work you complete
Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Department of Home Affairs
Consider Insurance: Private health insurance is mandatory under 417 visa conditions
The 417 working holiday visa is more than just a tourist visa—it’s a gateway to adventure, employment, cultural immersion, and even a new life in Australia. Whether you’re applying for your first working holiday visa subclass 417, looking into the 417 second year visa, or considering a 417 visa to permanent residency pathway, understanding the process and conditions will make your experience smooth and rewarding.
So pack your bags, submit that 417 visa application, and get ready to explore the Land Down Under. Your Aussie adventure awaits!
1. Can I apply for the 417 visa if I’ve already held a 462 visa?
No, you cannot apply for a 417 if you've previously held a work and holiday visa subclass 462.
2. How many times can I apply for a 417 visa?
Up to three times—if you meet the requirements for each extension (first, second, and third year).
3. Can I change my employer on the 417 visa?
Yes, you can work with multiple employers, but no more than 6 months with the same one without permission.
4. Can I study on this visa?
Yes, but only for a maximum of 4 months.
5. Do I need a migration agent to apply?
Not necessarily. The process is designed to be user-friendly, but hiring a migration agent may be helpful if you’re unsure about your options.
