Getting a third year Working Holiday visa
If you've spent two years in Australia as working holiday maker, you don't have to leave just yet. You can extend your Working Holiday visa for a third year on your unforgettable adventure.
With white-sand beaches and red rock monoliths, it's no wonder you want to stay in Australia a little longer. Luckily, the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Program allows young people to work and travel through Australia for up to three years.
Here's what you need to know to get your third-year visa.
Changes to Australia's Working Holiday Maker Visa Program
Did you know?
Working holiday makers can now count bushfire recovery efforts as 'specified work.' Find more information here.
The Department of Home Affairs can make changes to the Working Holiday Maker program at any time. Since November 2018, working holiday makers can work in a wider geographical area of Australia, and can stay with the same agricultural employer for 12 months (previously six months).
From 1 July 2019, you can extend your stay for a third year if you complete six months of specified work. If you’re from Canada, France or Ireland, you’re also now eligible for a working holiday visa from the age of 18 until the age of 35 (previously only until age 30).
Outback Ballooning, Red Centre, Northern Territory © Tourism NT, Jackson Groves
What is required to stay for a third year?
There are a few requirements if you want to extend your visa for a third year. The first requirement is that you hold, or have previously held, a Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417 or subclass 462). Another important requirement is that you complete six months of 'specified work' during your second year to qualify.
Specified work refers to work completed in an industry and location outlined by the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. Because specified work takes place outside of Australia's major cities, it's often called 'farm work' or 'regional work.' Popular second and third-year visa jobs including fruit picking and packing, fishing, pearling and construction.
The work that counts toward your required six months of specified work depends on your visa, so check the Home Affairs website to find out more.
Booroomba Rocks, Namadji National Park, Australian Capital Territory © Tourism Australia
How do I apply for my third-year visa?
You’ll need to apply for your third Working Holiday Maker visa online using an ImmiAccount. Just like your first and second-year visas, you'll need to provide all the necessary documentation, such as your passport, and pay the visa cost of AUD $485. You’ll also need to provide proof of completing your six months of specified work. Attach evidence such as pay slips, bank statements, piece rate agreements, group certificates, payment summaries, tax returns and employer references.
Where do I get more information?
Seek out the most up to date information regarding visas and the Working Holiday Maker program on the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website.
Note: Tourism Australia is not the Australian government visa granting authority. The visa granting authority is the Australian Government Department of Home Affairs. For up-to-date information, please refer to their website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder.
The content on this page is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with an Australian qualified immigration lawyer or migration agent if you are seeking legal advice.
