Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa
Young people from eligible Work and Holiday countries (often with extra requirements like education and a letter of support).
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is an Australian visitor & working holiday visa. This guide covers who the 462 visa is for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025–26 cost (≈ $680) and processing time (≈ days to a few weeks), the pathway to permanent residence, common pitfalls, and frequently asked questions — in plain English.
Who the 462 visa is for
Young people from eligible Work and Holiday countries (often with extra requirements like education and a letter of support).
No — but specified work can unlock a 2nd or 3rd year.
Subclass 462 eligibility criteria
- Aged 18–30 at application
- Hold an eligible Work and Holiday (462) passport (and meet any ballot/quota)
- Some tertiary education and functional English (country-dependent)
- A government letter of support where required
- Sufficient funds; health and character
Subclass 462 cost & processing time (2025–26)
The indicative government visa application charge for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is ≈ $680, with an indicative processing time of ≈ days to a few weeks. Figures are for 2025–26 and government charges usually change on 1 July.
| Visa type | Temporary (12 months) |
|---|---|
| Location | Onshore or offshore |
| Length of stay | 12 months, extendable to a 2nd/3rd year with specified work |
| Work rights | Yes (limited time per employer) |
| Study rights | Up to ~4 months |
| Government charge | ≈ $680 |
| Processing time | ≈ days to a few weeks |
| Pathway to PR | No — but specified work can unlock a 2nd or 3rd year. |
Pathway & next steps
No — but specified work can unlock a 2nd or 3rd year.
Many applicants also compare the 417 (Working Holiday visa), the 600 (Visitor visa), the 500 (Student visa). Run a free 60-second VisaChief check to see which subclass best fits your profile, then prepare a lodgement-ready application reviewed by a registered migration agent.
Common 462 visa pitfalls we fix
Subclass 462 visa — frequently asked questions
How much does the subclass 462 visa cost?
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) base application charge is ≈ $680. Government charges are indicative for 2025–26 and usually change on 1 July — always confirm the current visa application charge at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au before lodging.
How long does the subclass 462 visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ≈ days to a few weeks. Actual timeframes depend on the Department of Home Affairs caseload, how complete your application is, and your individual circumstances.
Does the subclass 462 visa lead to permanent residence?
No — but specified work can unlock a 2nd or 3rd year.
Can I work on the subclass 462 visa?
Work rights on the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462): Yes (limited time per employer).
Who can apply for the 462 visa?
Young people from eligible Work and Holiday countries (often with extra requirements like education and a letter of support).
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Australian Government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, charges and processing times change — confirm the current rules before you lodge:
- Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) — official Australian immigration authority