Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) vs Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417)

Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita

If you're choosing between these two Australian working holiday visas, your nationality is the deciding factor. Both offer the same duration, cost, and age range, but serve completely different eligible countries. Figure out which list you're on, and your choice is made.

Further reading: Australia 417 Working Holiday guide

1. 01

   Your nationality

   Pick 462

   Pick 462 if you're from the US, India, China, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Southeast Asia, or Middle East.

   Pick WHM 417

   Pick 417 if you're from the UK, EU, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Commonwealth nations.

2. 02

   Language test requirement

   Pick 462

   Pick 462 only if you're prepared to take and pass a language test as part of the visa process.

   Pick WHM 417

   Pick 417 if you want to skip language testing entirely during your application.

3. 03

   Education requirement

   Pick 462

   Pick 462 if you have no formal education requirements to meet.

   Pick WHM 417

   Pick 417 if you have at least a high school diploma or equivalent qualification.

4. 04

   Application cost

   Pick 462

   Pick 462 if you prefer a slightly lower fee at $420 USD.

   Pick WHM 417

   Pick 417 if you want the standard option (costs $495 USD).

Is the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) or the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) faster to get?

They are similar: the 462 takes about 1–2 months and the WHM 417 about 1–2 months. Neither has a decisive speed advantage, the completeness of your application matters more than the visa you pick.

Which costs more, the 462 or the WHM 417?

The Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) (WHM 417) costs more, about $430 in official fees, versus $420 for the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) (462). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.

Can I get permanent residency with the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) or the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417)?

The 462 does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the WHM 417 does not lead directly to permanent residency. If long-term settlement is the goal, weight the route with the clearer PR pathway more heavily.

Do I need a job offer for the 462 or the WHM 417?

No. Neither the 462 nor the WHM 417 requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.