Dreaming of working and living down under? Before you book a flight, there’s one thing to sort out first: the right visa. Here’s a clear overview of your options — without the confusing government jargon.
The Working Holiday Visa — the popular one
For most young people, the Working Holiday Visa is the way in. It lets you live in Australia for up to a year, work to fund your travels, and explore the country as you go. There are two versions — subclass 417 and 462 — and which one you can apply for depends on your nationality.
A few things to know at a glance:
- ✓You’re usually eligible between the ages of 18 and 30 (up to 35 for some nationalities).
- ✓It’s valid for 12 months and lets you work for most employers.
- ✓You can extend it to a second — and even third — year by doing regional work.
- ✓The application fee is around AU$650 (always check the latest amount before applying).
Other ways to work in Australia
The Working Holiday Visa isn’t the only route. Depending on your situation, you might look at:
- ✓Student visa — study in Australia and work part-time alongside your course.
- ✓Skilled & sponsored visas — if you have qualifications or an employer willing to sponsor you.
These take more planning and paperwork, but they can be the smarter long-term choice if you want to stay for years rather than months.
The 88 days: how to stay longer
Here’s the part that surprises a lot of people. If you complete a set period of eligible regional work — often called “the 88 days” — you can apply for a second year on your Working Holiday Visa, and a further stint unlocks a third. That’s how many travellers turn a one-year trip into a multi-year adventure.
Typical regional work includes farming and harvest, construction, and certain roles in mining, solar and other industries — often in areas that pay well above the minimum wage.
Which visa fits you? That depends on your age, nationality, and how long you want to stay — and the order you tackle things in really matters. Getting it wrong can cost you weeks and money. This is exactly what we map out with you personally, so you arrive with a clear plan instead of a pile of open tabs.
Start with the right plan
The visa is step one of a much bigger picture: your tax file number, bank account, Medicare, a place to land, and a job waiting for you. Do it in the right order and the whole move feels easy. Do it blind, and it’s stressful and slow.
Not sure which visa is right for you?
Book a free, no-obligation call. We’ll look at your situation and map out exactly which visa fits and what to do first.
📞 Book your free callVisa rules, ages, fees and eligibility change regularly. Always confirm the latest details on the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website before you apply.
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