Work and Travel Visa Australia: Complete Guide to Eligibility, Cost & Process

Traveling across Australia while earning money is a dream for many young people. The Work and Travel Visa Australia, officially known as the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), allows young adults to explore Australia, work legally, and gain international experience for up to one year, with options to extend up to three years.
This visa is highly popular among students, recent graduates, freelancers, gap-year travelers, and early-career professionals who want to travel affordably, experience different cultures, and build global work exposure.
What Is the Work and Travel Visa Australia?
The Work and Travel Visa is designed to promote cultural exchange by allowing young travelers to fund their stay through temporary employment. With this visa, you can:
Work legally in Australia
Travel freely across all states
Study short courses for up to 4 months
Apply for a second and third year extension
There are two main visa subclasses:
Subclass 417 (Working Holiday Visa): For citizens of eligible countries like the UK, Canada, Germany, France, Japan, and others.
Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday Visa): For applicants from additional countries, including India through selected pathways.
Who Can Apply?
This visa is ideal for:
University students on a break
Young professionals seeking overseas work experience
Remote workers and freelancers
Gap-year travelers
Recent graduates and adventure lovers
If you want a balance of travel, work, and lifestyle, this visa is one of the best options.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Work and Travel Visa Australia, you must meet these requirements:
Age: 18–30 years (up to 35 for some nationalities)
Nationality: Passport from an eligible country
Funds: Minimum AUD 5,000 in savings
Travel Proof: Return ticket or extra funds
Character: No criminal record (police clearance required)
Health: Medical test or X-ray if requested
English: Required for Subclass 462 applicants.