Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462)
Who it's for: For young adults from eligible countries who want an extended holiday in Australia and to work to fund it.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 6 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Minimum education: Secondary school
- Language: an average band score of at least 4.5 based on 4 parts of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, TOEFL iBT)
- Age limit: 18 to 30
- Money to show: A$5,000
- Main fee: A$840
- Family can join: No
- Decision time: 3 months
Figures and costs
| Item | Amount | In your currency | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main fee | A$840 | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.auOfficial · 6 Nov 2026 |
| Money to show | A$5,000 | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.auOfficial · 1 Nov 2026 |
Figures marked check could not be confirmed on a live official page, or come from a secondary source.
What the official pages say
7 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Minimum educationSecondary schoolOfficial wording
“You must have a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education or equivalent.”
Languagean average band score of at least 4.5 based on 4 parts of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test (IELTS, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced, TOEFL iBT)Official wording
“an average band score of at least 4.5 based on 4 parts of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test”
Age limit18 to 30Official wording
“You must be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) when you apply.”
Money to showA$5,000Official wording
“This is usually about AUD5,000 for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.”
Main feeA$840Official wording
“Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) - First AUD840.00”
Family can joinNoOfficial wording
“You cannot include family members in your application.”
Decision time3 monthsOfficial wording
“The average processing time is expected to be around three months.”
We have not yet recorded: Job offer needed; Study place needed; Work experience; Salary threshold; Can lead to permanent residence; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other working holiday routes in Australia
All visa types in Australia
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
Australia visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.