How To Get A Second Working Holiday Visa In Australia

So you’re working and holidaying in Australia, but you need more time exploring coastlines and meeting new mates along the way? Don’t worry, you’re not alone; a lot of travellers extend their time in Australia with a second Working Holiday visa (WHV).

If you've already completed your first year WHV in Australia, you'll know that there are two types of visas based on your nationality: subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and subclass 462 (Work and Holiday). These two visas are essentially the same, but you have to know which subclass you are on when double-checking the requirements on the Immigration website. For the purpose of this article, we'll refer to both visas when we say "Working Holiday Visa".

In short, you need to apply about 4 months before your first WHV expires, it will cost you just over $635 AUD and you can stay in Australia for an additional 12 months.

How long can I stay in Australia on my Second Working Holiday visa?

Your second WHV will grant you an additional 12 months in Australia, during which you can work, study and travel.

What can I do on my Second Working Holiday visa?

With a Second WHV, you’re permitted to:

Undertake any kind of work in Australia (maximum 6 months at one employer)
Study for up to 4 months
Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want
Do 6 months of specified regional work to become eligible for a third Working Holiday visa

Second Working Holiday Visa Requirements

To be eligible for the Second WHV, you must meet these requirements:

You must have previously entered Australia on a First Year Working Holiday Visa (417 or 462).
If you’re in currently Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or your last substantive visa expired less than 28 days ago.
You must hold a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction. See the full list of eligible countries for 417 visas or 462 visas.
You must be between 18 to 30 years old, or 35 years old if you’re from France, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, the UK* or Italy.
You must have completed 3 months* of specified work during your last visa stay. Check the full requirements for 417 specified work and 462 specified work for more details.
And finally, you must not be accompanied by dependent children.

Check the official Australia Immigration website for the most accurate, up-to-date information on 417 or 462 Working Holiday Visas.

*UK passport holders are not required to complete any specified farmwork to be eligible to apply for a second WHV. Check out our guide to these changes for British backpackers.

How long does it take to get a second working holiday visa?

Assuming that you have met all of the requirements and submitted your application correctly, the wait time for your second WHV is usually around 20-80 days. But it does depend on each individual application, and your visa subclass. For 417 visas, 50% of visa applications are processed in 1 day and 90% are processed in 20 days. For 462 visas, 50% of applications are processed in 16 days and 90% are processed in 80 days.

So, if you’re at the two-month mark of your first WHV, it’s time to apply for a second to avoid last-minute stresses. Luckily, there are reports of backpackers receiving their second WHV visa in just one day. However, 90% of applicants have reported a 4-month wait.

How much does it cost to apply for a second working holiday visa?

As of January 2024, it costs $635 AUD to apply for your second WHV. This price may be subject to additional fees and changes.

Check the Working Holiday Maker program for any recent policy news or rebate options.

What do I have to do to be eligible for a Third Working Holiday visa?

To be eligible for a Third Working Holiday Visa, you must undertake 6 months of specified regional work during your Second WHV period. Make sure your employer is located in a valid regional postcode, and make sure you get detailed, official payslips that you can submit in your third WHV application.

Visit the Immigration website for more information about the full requirements for 417 specified work and 462 specified work!

How to apply for a Second WHV

Apply for your Second WHV through the Australian Department of Immigration and Home Affairs. We recommend applying as soon as you know you wish to stay in Australia for longer than your first WHV permits, as the application process and waiting time can be lengthy.

For more information, tips and how-tos for Aussie gap years, check out our handy working holiday guides.

Or, plan out your time on the incredible East Coast with our itinerary building quiz today!

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