88 Days Specified Work Guide — 2nd Year WHV Eligibility
Recognised industries, time calculation, farm host verification checklist, and popular regions (Bundaberg/Mildura/Tasmania) for 2nd/3rd-year 417 visa extensions.
What is 88 days specified work?
It refers to 88 days of work in recognised industries in specified Australian regions, required for a 2nd or 3rd-year extension of the 417 visa (also for some 462 nationals). Most holders qualify by working on farms, in mining or in construction.
- 417 visa 1st year → 88 days → 2nd visa (1 additional year)
- After 2nd visa, additional 6 months specified work → 3rd visa (1 more year)
- Up to 3 years total stay in Australia
- Specified work only counts in government-designated postcode regions
Recognised Industries (5 Categories)
1. Agriculture (Farms — most common)
Fruit/vegetable harvesting (picking), farm processing, livestock. 80%+ of WHV makers choose this category. Bundaberg, Mildura, Tasmania are typical hubs.
2. Fishing & Pearling
Commercial fishing vessels, pearl farms. Northern WA, NT, QLD Cairns. Remote + higher risk.
3. Tree Farming & Felling
Plantation, logging, nursery operations. Tasmania, eastern VIC, southern NSW are typical.
4. Mining
Mine labour, mineral processing. WA Pilbara, QLD Mt Isa. High wages (AUD 30+) but hard to land a role.
5. Construction (specified regions)
Residential/commercial construction in designated regions. Often requires certifications. Without them, you may enter as a general labourer.
How to Calculate 88 Days
- Full-time (38+ hrs/week): 1 day worked = 1 day counted
- Part-time / casual: total hours counted, 38 hrs = 5 days
- Piece rate (e.g., fruit picking): converted at full-time equivalent (AUD 25.41/hr or higher). Below this rate, the work does not count toward 88 days (2024 new rule).
- Holiday/sick leave: counted as normal work (must appear on payslip)
- Travel/standby: not counted (outside paid hours)
88 days means 88 working days, not 88 calendar days. Typically takes 4-5 months.
Checklist (8 Items)
- Verify employer ABN — confirm Fair Work registration
- Preserve work records — payslips 7 years, super contributions 7 years
- Track cumulative 88 days — daily/weekly self-tracking recommended
- Verify farm host — confirm Department of Home Affairs recognition
- Health insurance / accommodation / transport — compare farm-supplied vs self-arranged
- Heat / safety conditions — mandatory Fair Work breaks + PPE
- Report underpayment — Fair Work Ombudsman 13 13 94
- After 88 days, submit records to ATO + Department of Home Affairs
Popular Farm Regions
Regions frequently chosen by working holiday makers. This page covers general region information only.
Bundaberg (QLD)
Tomato, strawberry and vegetable harvesting. April–November season. A moderate community presence. Limited public transport — a vehicle is essential.
Mildura (VIC)
Grapes, citrus and olives. January–May and October–December seasons. A smaller community presence. Average wage AUD 25–28.
Tasmania (cherry/apple/hops)
November–March season. Excellent natural surroundings. A smaller community presence, but short-term cherry-season work is feasible.
WA (Carnarvon, Kununurra)
Bananas, mangoes and cattle stations. May–November. Remote, with very little community presence. Higher wages (AUD 27+).
Farm scams and underpayment do happen — check Fair Work, community reviews and a signed contract before you start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly counts as 88 days?
Full-time-equivalent days worked in recognised industries within designated postcode regions. You can combine multiple employers — it doesn't have to be 88 consecutive days with one employer.
How do I spot fraudulent farm hosts?
If all four are not satisfied — an ABN registered with Fair Work, community reviews (AUWith and elsewhere), a signed contract and regular payslips — treat it with suspicion.
I want to report wage underpayment.
Fair Work Ombudsman (13 13 94) or fairwork.gov.au online form. WHV makers receive identical wage protection as Australian workers. Retaliation is illegal.
Are non-specified-work jobs counted?
No. E.g., a Sydney/Melbourne CBD cafe or supermarket job does not qualify. You must work in both a designated postcode region AND a recognised industry.
What's the 3rd-year visa requirement?
Complete an additional 6 months of specified work after the 2nd visa to qualify for a 3rd visa (1 more year). Total stay up to 3 years. Separate application fee (AUD 650).