Working Holiday Visa for Australia (WHV)

The Australian Working Holiday Visa, also known as the WHV or PVT (Working Holiday Programme), is one of the most popular opportunities for travelling and working in Australia.

What is the Australian Working Holiday Visa?

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa that allows nationals from certain countries, including France, Belgium, Canada and others, to live, study, or work while travelling in Australia.

This one-year visa allows you to:

• Travel to and within Australia
• Undertake training or study (limited to 4 months)
• Work legally (limited to 6 months with the same employer)*

Important: Work must not be the primary purpose of your stay in Australia. For the immigration authorities, work must remain secondary in order to be eligible; it should serve only to cover your travel expenses and finance your stay.

What are the conditions for obtaining an Australian Working Holiday Visa (WHV)?

To apply for a WHV (or PVT) for Australia, you must meet several conditions:

• Age: Be between 18 and 30 inclusive (35 for Canadians and French nationals since 2019)
• Nationality: Hold a passport from an eligible country
• Passport: Valid, with at least 6 months’ validity after arriving in Australia
• Dependants: No dependent children during your stay
• Funds: Have sufficient savings—minimum AUD 5,000, proven through a recent bank statement
• Flights: Hold a return ticket or have enough funds to purchase one
• Health: Hold valid private health insurance

How to apply for a Working Holiday Visa for Australia ?

The entire process is digital, and applications are submitted online through the official government website. You must complete a form and upload the required documents. Here are the key steps:

• Gather all required information and documentation
• Create an account on the official website: ImmiAccount
• Complete the “subclass 417” application form
• Upload the requested documents
• Pay the government fee: AUD 670 in 2025 (around €375)
• Note your application tracking number
• Receive your visa decision, including entry and stay conditions
• Check all personal information on the visa

Required documents for an Australian Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

To support your application and allow the immigration authorities to approve it, you must upload:

• A copy of your passport
• A compliant passport-style photograph (according to Australian standards)
• Proof of funds: a recent bank statement showing the equivalent of AUD 5,000

You may also be asked to provide additional documents, even if you appear to meet all criteria. It is recommended to prepare these in advance, as some may take time to obtain:

• A medical certificate in English confirming you are fit to travel and work
• A clean criminal record (French applicants can request this online)
• A motivation letter in English
• Proof of accommodation for your first days in Australia (booking confirmation)

How long is a Working Holiday Visa valid, and how can it be renewed?

The Australian WHV is a temporary visa valid for one year. Once granted, you have 12 months to enter Australia. Your one-year visa period begins on the date you enter the country.

To extend your stay in Australia, you can:

• Apply for a second Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
• Apply for a third Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)
• Explore other visa options depending on your situation or plans, such as a student visa or a work visa

To be eligible:

• For the second WHV: You must complete 3 months of specified work during your first year
• For the third WHV: You must complete 6 months of specified work during your second year

Processing time for an Australian Working Holiday Visa (WHV)

For a first WHV application, processing times are usually very quick. In most cases, immigration authorities issue the visa within 24 hours.

If additional documents are requested, processing times may vary and extend beyond one month. It is recommended to apply well ahead of your intended travel date.

For second and third WHVs, processing times are typically longer—1 to 2 months on average. You must lodge the new application before your current visa expires.

You do not need to apply too early, as you will receive a Bridging Visa A during processing, allowing you to continue your activities in Australia.

Important: Check your bridging visa travel conditions carefully—travel outside Australia is often not permitted. If required, you must apply separately for a Bridging Visa B to travel.

What does a Working Holiday Visa look like, and what should you check?

First, ensure your visa has been GRANTED.

Next, check the VISA DURATION and TRAVEL section:

• Date of grant: The date on which your visa was issued
• For first entry, arrive by: The latest date by which you must enter Australia
• Must not arrive after: Final deadline for entry
• Length of stay: Validity of the visa from your actual arrival date
• Travel: “Multiple entries” means you may leave and re-enter Australia freely during your visa validity

Finally, verify your personal details to avoid any issues. As the visa is electronically linked to your passport, any discrepancy may result in boarding refusal or problems during checks:

• Name and surname
• Date of birth
• Passport number

You will also receive an information notice from the Australian government outlining your rights and responsibilities as a WHV holder. It is essential that you read and understand this document thoroughly.

Our tips

Apply for your WHV in advance based on your intended travel dates

Once granted, double-check all details on your visa

Follow the rules during your stay, including those related to duration, employer restrictions, et