Overview

The Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is a popular option for young adults aged 18 to 30 (or in some cases, 18 to 35, depending on the country) from eligible countries who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to 12 months. 

There are 3 streams for this visa

  • First working Holiday Visa: If it is the first time you apply for a 417 visa, you should apply for this stream.  
  • Second Working Holiday Visa: The Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) in Australia is an extension of the initial Working Holiday Visa, allowing eligible individuals to extend their stay for an additional 12 months. To be eligible for the second year, holders of the First Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) must have completed specified work in designated regional areas of Australia for a minimum period of 3 months. 
  • Third Working Holiday Visa: The Third Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) in Australia is an extension of the Second Working Holiday Visa, allowing eligible individuals to extend their stay for an additional 12 months. To be eligible for the third year, holders of the First Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) must have completed specified work in designated regional areas of Australia for a minimum period of 6 months. 

What can you do with a 417 visa?  

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) in Australia offers several opportunities during your stay: 

  • Work: Holders of the 417 visa can work to support their stay in Australia. They’re allowed short-term employment for up to 12 months, generally with the same employer for a maximum of six months. 
  • Travel: The visa allows multiple entries and exits from Australia during its validity period, giving you the freedom to travel. 
  • Study: Visa holders can study for up to four months during their stay. It’s an opportunity to enroll in short courses or skill-enhancement programs while experiencing life in Australia. 
  • Stay Duration: Initially, the visa provides a 12-month stay from the entry date into Australia. Under certain conditions, you might extend it to a second and/or third year. 
  • Regional Work: To qualify for a second-year visa, individuals can undertake specific types of work in designated regional areas of Australia for 3 months during their first year. And to qualify for a third-year visa, individuals can undertake specific types of work in designated regional areas of Australia for 6 months during their second year. This work typically involves industries like agriculture, mining, construction, or similar specified sectors.  

Who can apply for an Australian 417 visa? 

The Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is available for young adults from specific countries who wish to travel, work, and holiday in Australia. Eligibility criteria for the 417 visa typically include: 

  • Age Requirement: Applicants must usually be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application. However, for certain countries, such as Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italia and the UK, the upper age limit is extended to 35. 
  • Eligible Passports: Hold a valid passport from one of the eligible countries participating in the Working Holiday Visa program. Countries commonly included are Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Netherland, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.  
  • Health and Character: Meet health and character requirements specified by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.  
  • Financial Sufficiency: Show evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. This could include bank statements or a declaration of financial support. 
  • No Dependent Children: Applicants should not have dependent children accompanying them during their stay in Australia on the Working Holiday Visa. 

How to apply for a visa 417 Australia?  

To apply for the Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), follow these general steps: 

  • Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria, including age requirements, passport validity, health, character checks, and financial sufficiency. Confirm that your country participates in the Working Holiday Visa program. 
  • Gather Documents: Collect necessary documents such as: 
  1. A valid passport 
  2. Proof of funds: You need to prove that you have enough money for your stay in Australia, which is normally AUD5,000.  
  3. Health insurance 
  4. Police clearances (if required) 
  5. Any other supporting documents as per the visa application requirements. 
  • Create an ImmiAccount: Register an ImmiAccount on the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website. 
  • Complete the Application Form: Log in to your ImmiAccount and complete the online visa application form accurately. Provide all required personal information, travel history, and details about your intentions while in Australia. 
  • Upload Documents: Attach the necessary documents as specified in the application checklist within your ImmiAccount. 
  • Pay Visa Fee: Pay the visa application fee using the available payment options within the ImmiAccount portal. Your visa application is only processed once the fee is paid. 
  • Submit Application: Review your application thoroughly to ensure accuracy and completeness. Once satisfied, submit the application through the ImmiAccount. 
  • Await Decision: After submission, your application will be processed by the Department of Home Affairs. The processing time can vary based on various factors and individual circumstances. You will be required to undergo a health examination. You can do so before you apply for this visa or wait until the Department of Home Affair asks you to do.  
  • Check Application Status: You can monitor the progress of your application and receive notifications through your ImmiAccount. Any additional information or requests will be communicated through this platform. 
  • Receive Visa Decision: Upon a decision being made, you’ll be notified of the outcome. If approved, carefully read the visa grant notice for conditions, validity dates, and any additional information. 

How to include family member to the visa 417?  

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) generally does not allow for the inclusion of family members. You also can’t be accompanied by a dependent child while you stay in Australia under this visa. This visa is specifically designed for individuals who want to travel, work, and holiday in Australia on their own. 

How much does it cost to apply for a 417 visa? 

First Working Holiday Visa   Second Working Holiday Visa   Third Working Holiday Visa  
AUD 635  AUD 635  AUD 635 

FAQS

How long does it take to process a Working Holiday Visa application (Subclass 417)?

Processing times can vary. Generally, the application process is very quick, 90 percent of applications can be processed within 14 days.  

Can I study while on a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?

Yes, visa holders can undertake short courses or study for up to four months during their stay in Australia. 

Can I extend my stay beyond the initial 12 months with a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?

Under certain conditions, holders of the 417 visa can apply for a second year by completing specified work in designated regional areas at least 3 months during the first year of visa 417. To apply for a third year, they must complete specified work in designated regional areas at least 6 months during the second year of visa 417.  

Can I work for the same employer for the entire duration of my visa?

The visa usually allows work for the same employer for up to six months. This means that you must change your employer after 6 months working for him/her.  

What are 417 visa working restrictions?

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) in Australia allows visa holders to work in the country while they travel and holiday. However, there are certain restrictions and conditions regarding work: 

  • Duration with a Single Employer: Generally, visa holders can work for the same employer for up to six months. After six months, they might be required to seek employment elsewhere or with a different employer. 
  • Specified Work for Second Year: To be eligible for a second/third year on the Working Holiday Visa, individuals need to complete specified types of work in designated regional areas. This work typically includes jobs in agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, construction, and hospitality in specified regions. 

What is the difference between a 417 and 462 visa?

The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) are both temporary visas that allow young adults to travel, work, and holiday in Australia. The conditions of these two kinds of visas are almost similar. The main difference between them is about the eligible countries.  

Another difference is about the requirement you need to meet when applying for a working holiday visa. You are not required to prove your education qualification and your English proficiency when applying for a 417 visa. However, qualifications and English proof are needed for a 462 visa.  

How can SOL Migration assist you in gaining a Working Holiday Visa Subclass 417 Visa?

SOL Migration has a strong team of 5 experienced Registered Migration Agents. Our Registered Migration Agents will assess your eligibility and guide you through the process of applying for the visas you require. We will assist you in preparing all the relevant documents for your application. 

Contact us today on 07 3003 1899 or fill out the enquiry form. Our team will contact you within 24 hours at the latest!  

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