First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) – Complete Guide 2026

This visa is specifically designed for young adults from eligible partner countries. It gives you the incredible opportunity to have an extended holiday in Australia while taking on short-term jobs to fund your travels. Here is everything you need to know to secure your very First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462).

Visa Application Charge and Costs

Here are the primary costs you need to expect:

• Base Visa Fee: The current standard application charge for the Subclass 462 visa is AUD $670.
• Ballot Fee (If applicable): AUD $25.
• Other Costs: Keep in mind that you may also need to pay for mandatory health checks, police clearance certificates, and official English language tests.

Who Can Apply for a First 462 Visa?

Eligible Passport Countries

Only citizens of an eligible country who hold a valid passport from that country can submit a First Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) visa application. The eligible countries are listed below:

General Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for your first Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462), you must generally meet the following requirements:

• Age Limit: You must be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) when you lodge your application.
• Location: You must be outside of Australia when you apply for your first Work and Holiday visa.
• No Previous Subclass 462 or 417 Visa: Must not have previously entered Australia on a Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) or a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417).
• Education: Most applicants must have successfully completed a tertiary qualification or at least two years of undergraduate university study.
• English Language Proficiency: You must prove you have “Functional English”. This is typically shown by achieving an average band score of 4.5 on the IELTS test (or equivalent).
• Financial Capacity: You must show evidence that you have enough money to support yourself when you arrive. This is generally around AUD $5,000. You must also have a return flight ticket or enough extra funds to buy one.
• No Dependents: You cannot be accompanied by dependent children at any point during your stay
• Government Support Letter: Have a letter of support from the government if they are from:
  • Ecuador
  • Greece
  • Indonesia
  • Malaysia (Good Conduct Certificate)
  • Mongolia
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • San Marino
  • Slovenia
  • Thailand
  • Türkiye

The Visa Ballot System (Important for Certain Countries)

If you hold a passport from China, India, or Vietnam, you cannot apply directly for the visa. Because demand is so high, the Australian Government uses a random pre-application visa ballot.

You must first register for the ballot, which costs an AUD $25 non-refundable registration fee. You can only submit a formal visa application if you are randomly selected and officially invited to apply.

How to Apply

If you have gathered your educational documents, English test scores, and bank statements, you are ready to apply!

1. Check your passport: Ensure your country is on the eligible list and check if you need a government support letter or need to enter the ballot system.
2. Create an ImmiAccount: Head to the Department of Home Affairs website to create your online profile.
3. Attach your documents: Upload high-quality colour scans of your passport, bank statements, education certificates, and English test scores.
4. Pay the fee: Pay the AUD $670 application charge to formally lodge your visa.

Note: Never book your flights to Australia until your visa has been officially granted in writing!

Processing Times

Processing times for the First Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) can vary depending on annual visa caps, ballot outcomes (where applicable), application volumes, and the timely submission of complete information and supporting documents.

Providing all required documents and responding promptly to any requests from the Department can help avoid unnecessary delays in processing.

Visa Validity and Entry Timeline

The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months. Once your visa is granted, you must make your first entry into Australia within 12 months from the grant date. The 12-month validity period officially activates on the exact date you arrive and enter the country. While your visa is valid, you are allowed to leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want.

Work and Study Conditions

Holders of the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) can work, study, and travel in Australia during the validity of their visa. They may also travel to and from Australia multiple times while the visa remains valid.

Work Rights

Work and Holiday visa holders can undertake any type of employment in Australia. However, they can generally work for the same employer for a maximum of six months.

Visa holders may also complete specified Subclass 462 work to meet the eligibility requirements for a second or third Work and Holiday Visa, where applicable.

Study Rights

Work and Holiday visa holders are permitted to study in Australia for up to four months (17 weeks).

Need Help Applying for a First Subclass 462 Visa?

Applying for a Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and providing the required supporting documents.

At Migration Dreamz, we can guide you through every stage of the application process, including assessing your eligibility, preparing your application, and ensuring all required documents are submitted correctly.

If you need assistance with the ballot process, visa eligibility, document preparation, or any other aspect of the Subclass 462 visa application, please contact our team for professional advice and support.

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