Fees

Most visa fees rose on 1 July 2026. Home Affairs now lists the first Working Holiday visa at AUD 840 and the second and third at AUD 1,000. Check the current fee before you pay.

Age limits

Home Affairs now assesses your age when you lodge. You must lodge before midnight Australian Eastern time on the day before your 31st (or 36th) birthday. If you are close, apply early.

Read the 417 guide for the full country list.

Before you apply

A working holiday visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 12 months and work while you travel. The application is online through ImmiAccount. Before you start, have these ready:

• A passport from an eligible country, valid for your whole stay.
• Proof of funds to support yourself at the start of your trip.
• Your visa fee, paid by card when you lodge.
• For the 462 visa, any extra requirements for your country, such as education or a letter of support.

Why the age change matters

The key date is the day you lodge your application, not the day it is granted. If you lodge the day before your 31st birthday (or 36th for countries with the higher limit) and the visa is granted a month later, you are fine. If you lodge one day too late, the application will not be accepted, and the fee is not refunded. If you are close to your birthday, do not wait. Lodge early and check the time zone: the cut-off is Australian Eastern time.

Which countries have the 35 age limit

For the 417 visa, passport holders from Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Korea and the UK can apply up to the day before their 36th birthday. For most other countries the limit is the day before your 31st birthday. Always check the Home Affairs page for your passport before you apply, as the list can change.

Budgeting for the fee

The fee is paid per application. If you plan to stay for a second or third year, you pay again for each one, at the higher rate. Factor this into your savings along with flights, your first weeks of rent and a bond for a room.

After your visa is granted

Once your visa is granted, it is linked to your passport. You do not get a sticker. Save a copy of your grant letter. When you arrive, get your TFN, open a bank account and get an Australian SIM. Then you are ready to start looking for work.

Thinking about a second or third year?

Second and third year visas usually need specified work in regional Australia, such as farm work, unless your passport is exempt. Keep every payslip. Changes to how second and third year visas are given out have been announced, so follow our Australia News section for updates.

When you land, find work fast with TAW jobs and our free CV builder.

Sources: Home Affairs: Working Holiday visa (417) · Home Affairs: Work and Holiday visa (462).