Subclass 462
The Subclass 462 visa is your gateway to exploring Australia while gaining international work experience.
The 462 Work and Holiday Visa Program
The Subclass 462 visa is a temporary visa for young adults aged 18–30 from eligible countries to have an extended holiday in Australia and work to help fund their trip.
Unlike the Subclass 417 visa, the 462 requires specific educational qualifications and functional English.
Key Factors:
- The Selection Ballot: For citizens of China, India, and Vietnam, you must first register and be selected in a ballot before applying for a first 462 visa.
- Specified Work: 3 months for a 2nd visa; 6 months for a 3rd visa in approved regional industries.
First Work and Holiday Visa
What it is for: Initial entry for young adults to holiday and work.
What it allows: Stay up to 12 months; work in any industry; study for up to 4 months.
Key Requirements:
- Age: 18 to 30 years old.
- Nationality: Must hold a passport from an eligible country (and participate in the ballot if from China, India, or Vietnam).
- Education: Must meet the educational qualification (e.g., degree, diploma, or two years of undergraduate study).
- English: Must demonstrate Functional English (e.g., IELTS 4.5 average).
GTE: Must show a genuine intention to stay temporarily.
Location: Must apply from outside Australia.
Length of Stay: Up to 12 months.
Second Work and Holiday Visa
What it is for: Extension for those who have completed regional work.
Key Requirements:
- Must have completed 3 months (88 days) of specified subclass 462 work.
- Must still be aged 18 to 30.
- Must have complied with all conditions of the first 462 visa.
Qualifying Visa: Subclass 462 (First).
Location: Can apply from inside or outside Australia.
Length of Stay: Up to 12 months.
Third Work and Holiday Visa
What it is for: The final 12-month extension.
Key Requirements:
- Must have completed 6 months (179 days) of specified subclass 462 work while holding the second 462 visa.
- Must still be aged 18 to 30.
Qualifying Visa: Subclass 462 (Second).
Location: Can apply from inside or outside Australia.
Length of Stay: Up to 12 months.
Maintaining compliance
- Work Limitation: Generally, you cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months without prior permission (though temporary flexibilities may apply in specific industries).
- Adequate Health Insurance: You must maintain health cover (OVHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
- Tax & Super: You are taxed at the "Working Holiday Maker" rate. You can claim your superannuation (DASP) once you depart Australia and your visa expires.
The 462 Application Process
Eligibility Audit
Confirm you meet age, education, and English requirements.
Registration
For ballot countries (China, India, Vietnam), enter the ballot via ImmiAccount.
Invitation
Receive the Notification of Selection and invitation to apply.
Lodgement
Submit the visa application within 28 days of invitation.
Biometrics/Health
Complete health exams and provide biometrics if requested.
For 462 Visa Applicants
The 462 visa is a strictly temporary pathway. Success in extending your stay depends on starting your specified work early. Waiting until the final months of your visa to find regional work is risky due to seasonal weather or job availability. At Immilex, we assess your eligibility for meeting specified work requirement for a second or third visa application.
We also advise on Country Caps. First-time applicants must monitor the cap status for their country. If a cap is "paused" or "closed," you must wait until the next program year (July 1st) to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
As of 2026, many countries no longer require a "Letter of Support," but youshould check the current requirements for your specific nationality.
You can still hold and complete your current 462 visa, but yougenerally cannot apply for a second or third visa once you have turned 31.
Generally, no. Specified work must be paid. The only exceptions arefor declared Bushfire Recovery or Natural Disaster Recovery work.
Plan Your Australian Journey
The 462 visa is more than a holiday; it’s a strategic entry into the Australian workforce. Contact us at Immilex for a consultation to ensure your educational evidence and regional work days are calculated accurately.