Just Visiting into Full-Time Working
Second Working Holiday Visa
This is for those who currently hold or previously held the First or Second Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) and want to extend their stay in Australia.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
You may be eligible for a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462) to live and work in Australia depending on the country you come from. The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) permits you to live and work in Australia for 12 months, with the possibility of extending your stay up to two more times, giving you a total of three years in Australia under the Working Holiday Visa stream.
If you’re interested in living and working in Australia and you need to meet certain eligibility criteria and be familiar with all of the requirements and conditions of this subclass, so that you can plan your work in Australia to maximize your time here.
Applying for your First Working Holiday Visa? please click the link below.
Age Requirement
Be over 18 years of age and under 31 years old (or under 36 if from Canada, Ireland, or France) at the time of application
Visa Requirement
Currently hold or have previously held the First Year Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462)
Work Requirement
Complete 3 months (the equivalent of 88 calendar days) of Specified Work in a Regional Area before your First Year Working Holiday Visa expires
Specified Work (Farm Work)
We've put together a list of requirements with detailed information, but if you have any questions or concerns then don't hesitate to contact us.
What is Specified Work?
To complete Specified Work, commonly called Farm Work, you must be:
- Paid the correct legal wage while working in a specified industry
- Work in a primary role that falls under certain activities
The industry, type of work, and the location of the work will depend on whether you are on a subclass 417 or 462 WHV.
How much work do I need to undertake?
Depending on whether you hold/held the subclass 417 or the 462 WHV, you will need to have completed:
- 3 months (or 88 calendar days) for Second Year WHV
- 6 months (or 179 calendar days) for Third Year WHV
You must provide evidence that you have completed your Specified Work hours. The hours and days of work are what is considered a normal working day within the specific industry. Similarly, if you are on a piece agreement, the days you worked would be based on industry standards.
Work can be in one block with one business, or in separate blocks with one business or a number of businesses. Blocks of work may be in different kinds of specified work.
Speak With The Employer
Talk to them about your expected work hours/days/piece work, and pay rates before accepting employment and get this in writing.
Check If Work Is Qualified As Specific Work
Ensure the type of job you’re applying for and the job location will qualify as Specified Work.
Keep The Paperwork
Keep your pay slips, tax returns, bank statements showing wages earned, employer contact details, payment summaries, employer reference letters, and any contracts of employment (such as piece-rate agreements). You may also be required to submit an Employment Verification Form. It’s a good idea to print this in advance and keep record of it throughout your work period.
Begin As Soon As Possible
Give yourself ample time to complete the required time for application then start work immediately.
Specified Work for 417 WHV Holders
For Subclass 417 WHV Visa Holders, to be eligible for the Second Year WHV, you must have completed three months of Specified Work in the following industries, primarily performing prescribed activities in certain locations, while holding your First Year WHV:
Plant and Animal Cultivation
- harvesting and/or packing of fruit and vegetable crops
- pruning and trimming vines and trees
- ensuring general maintenance crop work
- cultivating or propagating plants, fungi or their products or parts
- immediate processing of plant products
- maintaining animals for the purpose of selling them or their bodily produce, including natural increase
- immediate processing of animal products including shearing, butchery, packing and tanning
- manufacturing dairy produce from raw materials
Specified Work for 462 WHV Holders
For Subclass 462 WHV Visa Holders, to be eligible for the Second Year WHV, you must have completed three months of Specified Work in the following industries, primarily performing prescribed activities in certain locations, while holding your First Year WHV, and completed after 18 November 2016:
Plant and Animal Cultivation
- harvesting and/or packing of fruit and vegetable crops
- pruning and trimming vines and trees
- ensuring general maintenance crop work
- cultivating or propagating plants, fungi or their products or parts
- immediate processing of plant products
- maintaining animals for the purpose of selling them or their bodily produce, including natural increase
- immediate processing of animal products including shearing, butchery, packing and tanning
- manufacturing dairy produce from raw materials
Applying for the Second or Third Year WHVApplying for the Second or Third Year WHV
If you meet the criteria, then you can apply for second or third year Working Holiday Visa
Tips for Planning Ahead
If you are on your First Working Holiday Visa and know that:
- You will want to eventually apply for the Third Working Holiday Visa after your Second Year.
- You may be able to begin accruing working days towards your Third Year requirements.
As soon as you apply for your Second Working Holiday Visa and once your First Working Holiday Visa expires, you may:
- Begin working towards your six months of required Specified Work
- Start work even before your Second Working Holiday Visa is approved
Where Do I Apply?
You can apply for the Second or Third Year WHV either online or via hard copy.
To check visa conditions such as the progress of your visa application you can check through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. You will need to have your Transaction Reference Number available or the password for your application. If your visa is refused you will receive a letter from the DIBP advising you and your rights to appeal.
If you would like to learn more about the WHV and how you can extend your time in Australia, Book a Consultation with one of our experienced Migration Agents.
Working Holiday Visa Process Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
We've put together a list of commonly asked questions with answers. Hopefully you'll find an instant answer to your question, but if your question is not listed here then feel free to get in touch with us.
What evidence is needed to apply for a working holiday visa extension?
Applying for the Second Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need these as evidence:
- Payslips
- Completed employment verification form (form 1263) signed by employer
- Photos
- Employment agreement
- Contact details
Can I work for an employer for more than 6 months?
You can, and here are the common options to extend your working holiday visa:
- Partner visa
- Becoming a Secondary Applicant
- Employer Sponsored Visas
- General Skilled Migration
- Student Visas
What are my options after completing all 3 WHVs?
Your options include:
- Partner visa
- Spouse / De Facto’s visa
De Facto requirement:
- Mutual commitment to a shared life to exclusion of all others
- Are in a genuine and continuing relationship
- Live together and do not live separately on a permanent basis
- The financial aspects
- The nature of the household
- The social aspect of the relationship
- The couple’s commitment to each other
Work visa
Employer sponsored
TSS requirements:
- Have a job offer from an employer
- Short-term skilled occupation or the medium and long term strategic skills list
- Experience and qualifications to fit the role
- 2 years work experience
- The employer must also agree to “sponsor” your visa and become an approved business sponsor
- English Requirements
General Skilled Migration Visa
- It’s a permanent visa
- A job offer is not required
Requirements:
Be qualified in an occupation Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skils Set (MLTSSL) 65 points on points test:
- Age
- Work experience
- English ability
- Education
- Plus several other categories
Student visa
- English
- Business
- Marketing
- Management
- Accounting
- Carpentry
- Joinery
- Engineering
- Fabrication
- Automotive Mechanical
- Commercial Cookery
- Painting & Decorating
- University Degrees