Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) vs Working Holiday Visa
Australia · WHM 417vs New Zealand · WHV
The WHV is the faster route (0–1 months), the WHM 417 is cheaper on official fees ($430). Which fits depends on your nationality, profession, and whether you already have a job offer, the breakdown below maps each visa to a profile.
Maintained by Senne Bels, Founder, Transita
Australia and New Zealand run the two most popular working-holiday programmes for people aged 18-30, and many travellers pick one as a stepping stone to the other. New Zealand's Working Holiday Visa is simple: 12 months for most passports, 23 for Canadians and up to 36 for UK citizens, from NZD 770. Australia's Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) starts at 12 months too, but you can extend to a second and third year by doing specified regional or agricultural work, which makes it the better choice if you want a longer runway. Eligible-country lists differ, so check your passport qualifies for the one you want.
How much does the New Zealand working holiday visa cost?
From NZD 770, paid online when you apply. Most schemes also ask you to show at least NZD 4,200 for living costs. Official source
How long can you stay on a New Zealand working holiday visa?
12 months for most passports. Canadians can stay up to 23 months and UK citizens up to 36. Official source
WHM 417 vs WHV: what are the key differences?
official sources: WHM 417 · immi.homeaffairs.gov.au·WHV · immigration.govt.nz
Which visa should you choose: WHM 417 or WHV?
- 01
How long you want to stay
Pick WHM 417Up to 3 years via regional-work extensions
Pick WHV12 months for most passports, 23 for Canadians, up to 36 for UK citizens
- 02
Extensions
Pick WHM 417Earn 2nd/3rd year through specified regional work
Pick WHVNo multi-year work-based extension
- 03
Path beyond the visa
Pick WHM 417Common bridge to AU skilled or employer-sponsored routes
Pick WHVCommon bridge to NZ AEWV or Skilled Migrant Category
Common questions
- Is the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) or the Working Holiday Visa faster to get?
- The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is typically faster, around 0–1 months, versus 1–2 months for the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417). Real timelines depend on the country's caseload and how complete your application is.
- Which costs more, the WHM 417 or the WHV?
- The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) costs more, about $460 in official fees, versus $430 for the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) (WHM 417). Both figures are government fees only and exclude legal, translation, and relocation costs.
- Can I get permanent residency with the Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417) or the Working Holiday Visa?
- The WHM 417 does not lead directly to permanent residency, while the WHV 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 WHM 417 or the WHV?
- No. Neither the WHM 417 nor the WHV requires a job offer to apply. Both assess you on your own profile (points, qualifications, or funds) rather than employer sponsorship.
Read the full pathway
Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417)
Allows young people from eligible countries to work and holiday in Australia for up to 1-3 years.
Full WHM 417 guideWorking Holiday Visa
12 month working holiday visa for citizens of 45+ partner countries (UK, Canada, US, EU members, Japan, etc.), up to 23 months for Canadians and 36 for UK citizens. Age 18–30 (35 for some countries).
Full WHV guideStill can't decide?
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