Work and Holiday Visa — Subclass 462
Work and Holiday Visa for Australia
The Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) allows eligible young people from approved partner countries to holiday in Australia and work to support their stay. It covers nationalities not eligible for the subclass 417 and carries additional eligibility requirements including educational qualifications, English language evidence, and for some nationalities a government-issued letter of support.
Subclass 462 — overview
The subclass 462 covers nationalities not eligible for the subclass 417, including citizens of the United States, India, and other countries with bilateral arrangements with Australia. The eligible country list is extensive and eligibility requirements differ by nationality.
Most subclass 462 applicants must have completed at least 18 months of post-secondary education, demonstrate functional English, and in some cases obtain a letter of support from their home government. The applicant must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application, or between 18 and 35 for nationals of some countries.
For certain nationalities including China, India, and Vietnam, the Department has introduced a ballot system. Applicants must first register for selection before they can apply. The ballot is drawn at intervals throughout the program year. Applicants who are not selected in the ballot cannot proceed to lodge a visa application in that program year.
Key eligibility requirements
Approved country nationality
The applicant must hold a passport from a country with a Work and Holiday arrangement with Australia. The eligible country list differs from the subclass 417 list.
Educational qualification
Most nationalities must have completed at least 18 months of post-secondary education. Some countries require a completed degree. The specific requirement depends on the bilateral arrangement for the applicant's nationality.
English language
A minimum English language standard, typically IELTS 4.5 overall, is required for most nationalities. Evidence of an alternative qualification demonstrating functional English may be accepted in some cases.
Ballot system for selected nationalities
Nationals of China, India, Vietnam, and some other countries must first register for and be selected in a ballot before lodging a visa application. Registration windows and selection dates are published by the Department.
Second subclass 462
To be eligible for a second subclass 462, the holder must complete three calendar months of specified work in regional Australia during the first visa, the same requirement as the subclass 417 second visa.
462
Visa subclass
12 months
Per visa grant
IELTS 4.5
Typical English requirement
Ballot
Required for some nationalities
Why instruct Visa Plan?
Country-specific requirements
The eligibility requirements for the subclass 462 vary by nationality. We confirm the specific requirements for the applicant's country before any application is prepared.
Ballot registration advice
For nationalities subject to the ballot, we advise on the registration window, what to expect from the selection process, and how to prepare the application in advance of selection so it can be lodged promptly.
Subclass 417 vs 462
Some nationalities may be eligible for either subclass 417 or subclass 462. We advise on which visa is more appropriate based on the applicant's nationality, educational background, and plans in Australia.
Work and Holiday Visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at 2 June 2026. Eligible countries, ballot arrangements, and fees are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.