Second Working Holiday Visa Australia 2026 – Subclass 417

Australia is a dream destination for countless young travelers seeking adventure, cultural exchange, and short-term work opportunities. The Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) is one of the most popular ways for people aged 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for certain nationalities) to experience life Down Under.

After spending their first year in Australia, many travelers wish to extend their stay. That’s where the Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) comes in—offering an extra 12 months in the country, provided applicants meet specific criteria.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about applying for the Second Working Holiday Visa in 2026, including eligibility requirements, the step-by-step application process, benefits, common mistakes, and practical tips for success.

What Is the Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)?

The Second Working Holiday Visa is part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program. It’s designed for individuals who have already completed their First Working Holiday Visa and want to extend their stay for another 12 months.

This visa allows young travelers to keep exploring Australia while working to fund their travels. It can also pave the way for applying for a Third Working Holiday Visa after completing further specified work.

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Key Features

• Stay in Australia for an additional 12 months
• Work for up to six months with each employer
• Study for up to four months
• Travel freely in and out of Australia
• Complete six more months of specified work to qualify for a Third Working Holiday Visa

Eligibility Criteria:

Before applying for your Second Working Holiday Visa, ensure you meet these requirements:

Age

• You must be aged between 18 and 30 years at the time of application.
• For citizens of certain countries (such as Canada, France, and Ireland), the upper limit is extended to 35.

Nationality

• You must hold a valid passport from a country participating in the Subclass 417 visa program.

Specified Work Requirement

• You must have completed at least three months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia during your first Working Holiday Visa.

Examples of eligible specified work include:

• Plant and animal cultivation
• Fishing and pearling
• Tree farming and felling
• Mining
• Construction
• Bushfire recovery work
• Flood recovery or natural disaster cleanup

Important: This work must be paid employment. Voluntary work generally does not count unless completed during specific COVID-19 periods when temporary concessions were in place.

Applying from Inside or Outside Australia:

• You can apply for your second visa either inside or outside Australia.
• If you apply inside Australia, you must hold a valid visa without a “No Further Stay” condition.

Required Documents:

To ensure a smooth application, prepare these documents:

• A copy of your passport bio page
• Evidence of completing three months of specified work (e.g. pay slips, bank statements, group certificates, employer references, tax documents)
• Proof of any name changes (if applicable)
• Health and character records if requested by the Department of Home Affairs

How to Apply for Second Working Holiday Visa Australia 2026?

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Ensure you meet all requirements regarding age, nationality, and specified work.

Step 2: Gather Evidence of Specified Work

Collect detailed records of your employment during your first visa. Ensure all dates, work descriptions, and employer contact details are accurate.

Step 3: Create or Log into Your ImmiAccount

All visa applications are lodged online via the Australian Government’s immigration portal. You’ll need an ImmiAccount to start the process.

Step 4: Complete the Application Form

• Enter your personal details, previous visa information, and travel history.
• Upload all required documents.
• Be truthful and precise in your answers.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee

• The application fee for the Second Working Holiday Visa is AUD 635.
• Payment must be made online via credit or debit card.

Step 6: Submit the Application

• Once all sections are complete and documents uploaded, submit your application.
• Keep your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for tracking.

Step 7: Wait for Processing

• Processing times vary, but many applications are finalized within a few weeks.
• You might be asked for additional documents or to undergo health or character checks.

Visa Conditions:

If your visa is granted, you must comply with these conditions:

• You cannot work for the same employer for more than six months unless approved.
• You can study for up to four months.
• You may enter and leave Australia multiple times during your visa period.
• You must obey all Australian laws and visa conditions.

Benefits:

1. Extend Your Stay in Australia

The biggest benefit is simple—you get to stay an extra 12 months in Australia beyond your first Working Holiday visa. That means more time to travel, work, and enjoy the Aussie lifestyle.

2. Work to Fund Your Travels

You can work full-time, part-time, or casually for most employers. This flexibility helps you earn money to support your travels and living expenses.

3. Travel and Explore New Regions

Another year means you can explore Australia’s diverse regions—beaches, Outback, cities, and iconic landmarks like the Great Barrier Reef or Uluru.

4. Gain Valuable Work Experience

Working in Australia adds international experience to your CV, whether in hospitality, agriculture, tourism, or skilled trades. Employers often value the adaptability and independence of Working Holiday visa holders.

5. Possibility for a Third Visa

Completing eligible work during your second visa can make you eligible for a Third Working Holiday Visa, giving you up to three years total in Australia.

6. Experience Regional Australia

To qualify for the second visa, you need to complete specified regional work, giving you a unique chance to live and work in Australia’s rural or remote communities. It’s a fantastic cultural experience and often a great way to save money.

7. Study Opportunities

On your second Working Holiday visa, you can study for up to 4 months, perfect for short courses like English language classes, barista training, or diving certifications.

8. Meet New People

Backpackers, travelers, and locals—it’s a social adventure! The second year lets you build friendships and networks that last a lifetime.

9. Potential Pathway to Other Visas

Time spent in Australia on a Working Holiday visa might help you decide if you want to stay longer under other visa pathways, like student visas, partner visas, or skilled migration.

10. Contribute to Australia’s Economy

By working in industries like agriculture, hospitality, or tourism, you help fill crucial labor shortages, making a real impact on regional communities.

Useful Tips:

• Start your specified work early in your first year to ensure you meet requirements.
• Keep meticulous records, such as bank statements, pay slips, contracts, and employer letters.
• Apply well before your first visa expires to avoid last-minute stress or unintended travel interruptions.
• Use official government channels to avoid visa scams.
• Be truthful in your application to prevent refusal or future visa bans.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Applying without completing the full 88 days of specified work
• Misrepresenting the location or type of work (only certain postcodes and industries qualify)
• Applying under the wrong visa subclass
• Providing incorrect information about your location (inside vs. outside Australia)
• Submitting incomplete or unverified documents

Conclusion:

The Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) in 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for young travelers who want to extend their Australian adventure, gain international work experience, and immerse themselves in new cultural environments.

Although the process is straightforward, it requires careful planning, precise documentation, and compliance with visa conditions. For those who successfully complete the required specified work and follow the rules, this visa opens the door to further adventures—and even potential long-term pathways—in Australia.

Frequently Asked Questions: