Working Holiday Visa Rights in Australia
Last updated: June 2026
The Working Holiday Visa
Australia offers two working holiday visa options:
- Subclass 417 — Work and Holiday visa, for citizens of eligible countries (UK, Ireland, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Korea, Japan, and others)
- Subclass 462 — Work and Holiday visa, for citizens of countries with a bilateral agreement (USA, China, India, Vietnam, and others)
Both allow you to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months initially, with the option to extend.
Age Limit
You must be aged 18 to 30 when you apply (35 for citizens of Canada, France, Ireland, and some other countries).
Work Conditions
How long can you work for one employer?
You can work for any one employer for a maximum of 6 months on a first or second working holiday visa. Working more than 6 months for the same employer breaches your visa conditions.
However, there is an exception for regional employers — see below.
Extending to a Second and Third Year
You can apply for a second 12-month working holiday visa if you complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia during your first year.
Eligible regional work includes:
- Plant and animal cultivation (fruit picking, farm work)
- Fishing and pearling
- Tree farming and felling
- Mining
- Construction (in regional areas)
From your second year, you can apply for a third year if you complete 179 days of specified regional work in your second year.
Your Workplace Rights
Working holiday makers have full Australian workplace rights:
- National minimum wage and award rates apply
- You are entitled to superannuation contributions (and can claim them back when you leave Australia)
- You are protected by workplace health and safety laws
- You cannot be discriminated against or exploited
The Fair Work Ombudsman has a dedicated Overseas Workers section. You can report underpayment without fear of visa consequences — the government has committed not to take visa action against workers who report exploitation.
Common Exploitation Issues
Working holiday makers are frequently exploited, particularly in agriculture and hospitality. Common issues include:
- Being paid less than the minimum wage (cash-in-hand arrangements)
- Having accommodation or transport costs deducted from wages
- Pressure to work excessive hours
- Being misclassified as a contractor
- Employers threatening visa consequences to keep workers compliant
Superannuation
Employers must pay superannuation (currently 11.5%) for working holiday makers earning over $450 per month. When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your super back as a Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP) — taxed at a special rate.