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Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) Visa Overview

The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) are Australia Visa categories designed for young adults who want an extended holiday in Australia and the ability to work to help fund their travels. Subclass 417 is available to citizens of countries with a working holiday arrangement, while Subclass 462 applies to citizens of countries under a work and holiday arrangement, which typically carries additional criteria such as minimum English language ability and educational qualifications. Applicants must generally be aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for some nationalities), hold no dependent children accompanying them, and demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay. For some high-demand countries, including China, India, and Vietnam, first Work and Holiday (462) places are allocated through a ballot system due to demand exceeding available visa places. Approval is decided solely by the Department of Home Affairs.

Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) Visa Fees

Fee TypeGovernment Fee (AUD)
Visa Application Charge, Subclass 417Approx. $660
Visa Application Charge, Subclass 462Approx. $660

Visa Application Charges are reviewed periodically by the Department of Home Affairs and may vary by nationality and program arrangement. Fees are generally non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) Visa Processing Time

Processing time for the Australia Working Holiday Visa categories depends on the visa subclass, nationality, and whether a ballot system applies. The Work and Holiday (462) visa generally involves additional eligibility criteria compared to the Working Holiday (417) visa, which can result in longer processing times. For countries where demand exceeds available places, such as China, India, and Vietnam, applicants must first register for a ballot and, if selected, are notified to lodge their online application within a set window. Because ballot and processing timelines vary by country and program year, applicants should check the Department of Home Affairs’ current guidance for their nationality.

Required Documents Checklist

Valid Passport (eligible nationality for 417 or 462)
Evidence of Age (18 to 30, or up to 35 for some nationalities)
Evidence of Sufficient Funds for Initial Support
English Language Test Results (required for Subclass 462, and in some cases 417)
Evidence of Educational Qualifications (Subclass 462)
Ballot Registration Confirmation (if applicable to your nationality)
Health Examination Results (if requested)
Police Clearance Certificate (if requested)
Completed Online Application via ImmiAccount

Document requirements vary depending on the visa subclass and nationality.

Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) Visa Application Process

Confirm your nationality is eligible for Subclass 417 or Subclass 462.
If your country participates in a ballot system, register during the ballot window.
If selected (or if no ballot applies), create an ImmiAccount and start your application.
Provide evidence of age, funds, English proficiency, and qualifications, as required.
Pay the Visa Application Charge.
Complete a health examination and provide a police certificate, if requested.
Wait for a decision through your ImmiAccount.
If approved, plan your travel within the visa's validity period and review your work conditions.

Important Notes

Visa approval depends solely on the decision of the Department of Home Affairs.
Subclass 462 generally has stricter eligibility criteria than Subclass 417, including English and education requirements.
Some nationalities (including China, India, and Vietnam) use a ballot system for first Work and Holiday (462) visas due to high demand.
To be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa, applicants generally must complete specified work during their first visa.
Applicants cannot be accompanied by dependent children under these visa categories.
Visa Application Charges are subject to periodic review.
Information may vary depending on the visa subclass, nationality, and individual circumstances.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa involves understanding your nationality’s specific arrangement, any ballot requirements, and the eligibility criteria that apply to your case. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you register for ballots where required and prepare a complete application once selected. Our personalised guidance is tailored to your age, qualifications, and nationality-specific requirements. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Australia Visa journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do the Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) visas cost?
Both visa categories currently have a Visa Application Charge of approximately AUD 660, though this is reviewed periodically. Confirm the current fee before applying.
What is the difference between Subclass 417 and Subclass 462?
Subclass 417 is for citizens of countries with a working holiday arrangement, while Subclass 462 applies to work and holiday arrangement countries and generally includes additional criteria, such as English language ability and educational qualifications.
What is the ballot system for the Work and Holiday visa?
For high-demand countries like China, India, and Vietnam, IRCC uses a random ballot to select applicants from a pool of registrants for the first Work and Holiday (462) visa, due to demand exceeding available places.
How long does processing take for these visas?
Processing time varies by nationality, ballot requirements, and application completeness. Check the Department of Home Affairs' current guidance for your specific country.
Is the visa fee refundable if my application is refused?
No. The Visa Application Charge is generally non-refundable, whether the visa is approved or refused.