Everything working holiday visa holders need to know about finding work in Australia: eligible countries, the 6-month rule, regional work for 2nd and 3rd year visas, best industries, and tax and super.
Australia's working holiday visas allow young people from eligible countries to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to a year, with the option to extend for a second and even third year by completing qualifying regional work.
| Feature | Subclass 417 Working Holiday | Subclass 462 Work and Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible countries | UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, and many more (31 countries) | USA, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Argentina, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, and others (25+ countries) |
| Age limit | 18–30 (up to 35 for some countries) | 18–30 |
| Qualification requirement | None required | Some countries require a degree or completion of 2 years study |
| Letter of support | Not required | Required from home country government for some nationalities |
| 2nd year extension | 88 days specified regional work | 88 days specified regional work |
| 3rd year extension | 179 days specified regional work in year 2 or 3 | 179 days specified regional work |
Roles: Barista, waiter, hotel staff, tour guide
High demand year-round, easy to find casual work, great for meeting people
Roles: Fruit picking, pruning, harvest work, packing
Qualifies for 2nd and 3rd year visa. Peak seasons vary by region.
Roles: Labouring, scaffolding, trade assistant
Higher pay rates, demand across regional and metro areas
To extend your working holiday visa for a second year, you must complete 88 days (about 3 months) of specified work in a regional area of Australia. For a third year, you need a further 179 days of specified regional work.
Tax Rates
Working holiday makers are taxed at a flat rate of 15% on the first $45,000 of income earned in Australia (Working Holiday Maker tax rate). Income above $45,000 is taxed at normal resident rates. You must inform your employer you are on a working holiday visa so they apply the correct rate.
Superannuation
Your employer must pay 11.5% superannuation (2026 rate) on top of your wages. When you permanently leave Australia, you can claim your super back through the Departing Australia Superannuation Payment (DASP), though a 65% tax applies to WHM DASP claims.
Tax File Number (TFN)
Apply for a TFN through the ATO (ato.gov.au) as soon as you arrive. Without a TFN, employers must withhold tax at the highest rate (45%). Your TFN is used for all tax purposes including your annual tax return.
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Disclaimer: This information is general guidance only and may change at any time without notice. Immigration law and visa conditions are complex and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements at homeaffairs.gov.au. This content does not constitute legal or migration advice. Consult a registered migration agent (MARA) or immigration lawyer for advice tailored to your situation.
