Working Holiday Guide
A step-by-step guide from visa application to settling in Australia.
1. Visa Application
Eligibility Requirements
- Aged 18-30, or up to 35 depending on passport country — Korea from 1 July 2026 (at time of application)
- Passport holder of a 417 partner country (Korea, Japan and others — China, Vietnam and others use subclass 462)
- Valid passport (valid beyond visa period)
- Must not have previously held an Australian 417 visa
2. Departure Preparation
Flights
Book a one-way or return flight. Fares vary a lot by departure city and season, so compare direct flights against connections (via South-East Asia or the Middle East).
Travel Insurance
WHV holders are not eligible for Medicare. Overseas health insurance is strongly recommended.
Proof of Funds
You may need to prove AUD 5,000+ upon arrival. Prepare an English bank statement.
Packing Checklist
- Passport + visa grant letter (printed)
- International Driving Permit
- English bank statement
3. After Arrival
Airport to Accommodation
Sydney Airport: Airport Link train, buses, taxi/Uber. Hostels or Airbnb recommended. Book at least 3-5 nights.
TFN (Tax File Number) Application
First thing after arrival. Apply online via ATO, arrives by post in ~28 days. Without TFN, 45% tax rate applies.
ATO TFN Application Page (opens in a new window)Opening a Bank Account
Within 6 weeks of arrival, only a passport is needed. CommBank is most popular among WHV holders.
Buying a SIM Card
Prepaid SIMs at airport or stores. Major carriers: Telstra, Optus, Vodafone. Budget: Boost, Amaysim, Woolworths Mobile.
4. Finding Work
Job Search Sites
- Seek (opens in a new window) - Australia's largest job site
- Indeed (opens in a new window) - Global job platform
- Gumtree (opens in a new window) - Casual/short-term jobs
- AUWith Job Board - Migrant business job listings
Resume / Cover Letter Tips
- Australian resumes don't include photos (anti-discrimination)
- Keep it concise, 1-2 pages
- Focus on relevant experience (reverse chronological)
5. Tax / Super
Tax Return
Australian financial year: July 1 - June 30. WHV tax: flat 15% on income up to $45,000. Lodge via ATO myTax from July.
Superannuation
Employers contribute 12% to super. Apply for DASP when permanently departing. 65% tax applies.
ATO DASP Application Page (opens in a new window)6. Second Visa
Second Visa Conditions
- 88+ days in specified industries in regional areas during first WHV
- Specified industries: agriculture, fishing, forestry, mining, construction
- Designated regions: outside major cities
- Employment evidence required: pay slips, ABN
How to Apply
Working Holiday In-Depth Guide — 2026 Rule Changes, the 6-Month Limit, Workplace Rights, Tax and Farm-Work Risks
With fees, age limits and the minimum wage all changing at once, this guide takes a July 2026 baseline and digs into the practical issues of working holiday life — the 6-month work limit, pay and workplace rights, the traps of the 15% tax rate, farm and regional job risks, second-visa evidence and pathways beyond the WHV. Visa conditions and pay and workers compensation rules can differ by nationality (bilateral arrangements), visa round and state, so before making any final decision, confirm your own situation with official sources such as Home Affairs, the ATO and Fair Work.
The July 2026 Rule Changes in Full — What Is Different for Working Holiday Makers
Big Visa Fee Increases — AUD 840 for the First Visa, AUD 1,000 for Second and Third
From 1 July 2026, the application charge for a first 417 visa rose from AUD 670 to 840 — an increase of about 25% — while second and third applications went up about 49% to AUD 1,000. The fee that applies is the one in force at the moment you lodge and pay for the application, so anything lodged before the increase keeps the old price. The amount shown on the ImmiAccount payment screen is the final figure, and a small card surcharge is added for credit card payments. Fees are often adjusted around 1 July each year, so make it a habit to check the current amount on the Fees and charges page at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au just before you apply. The fee is not refunded if you are refused, so it is safer to check the eligibility requirements first and pay afterwards.
Age Limit Raised to 35 for More Passport Countries
From 1 July 2026, the upper age limit for 417 applications by holders of Korean, German, Finnish and Cypriot passports was raised from 30 to 35. Applicants from these countries can now apply up to age 35 (before their 36th birthday), putting them on the same footing as countries such as the UK, Canada and France where 35 already applied. For anyone who spent their twenties building a career or meeting national obligations at home and wants another shot in their early-to-mid thirties, this opens a genuine window. The other requirements are unchanged, though — no previous 417, no accompanying dependent children, and evidence of funds for your stay — so if you have already used a first 417, you still need to meet the second or third visa requirements (evidence of specified work) separately. Confirm exactly who the higher limit applies to and its current status on the Home Affairs country-specific pages before you apply.