Australia Announces 19 Countries Whose Citizens Can Apply for Working Holiday Visa
- Australia's Department of Home Affairs has named the 19 countries that qualify for the Working Holiday visa subclass 417 in 2026
- According to the government, holders of the visa can work, study for up to four months, and travel in and out of Australia as many times as they want
- Citizens who complete three months of specified work on the visa become eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday visa
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The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed the list of 19 countries and jurisdictions whose citizens are eligible to apply for the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), opening a pathway for young travellers to fund short-term stays in Australia through work.
The visa allows holders to take up any kind of work in Australia, though they are generally limited to six months with the same employer.
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Holders can also study for up to four months, which amounts to 17 weeks, and may enter and exit Australia multiple times throughout the validity of the visa.
Citizens who complete three months of what the government classifies as "specified work" during their stay can qualify for a second Working Holiday visa.
The Department of Home Affairs noted that the visa is designed for those whose primary purpose is holidaying, not working or studying full-time.
Those whose main reason for travel is employment are encouraged to explore dedicated work visa options, while those looking primarily to study should consider a Student visa instead.
19 countries eligible for Australian Working Holiday visa
According to the Department of Home Affairs, applicants must be citizens of and hold a valid passport from one of the following countries or jurisdictions:
1. Belgium.
2. Canada.
3. Republic of Cyprus.
4. Denmark.
5. Estonia.
6. Finland.
7. France.
8. Germany.
9. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.
10. Republic of Ireland.
11. Italy.
12. Japan.
13. Republic of Korea.
14. Malta.
15. Netherlands.
16. Norway.
17. Sweden.
18. Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport).
19. The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders).
Australia Working Holiday visa: Key conditions to note
The six-month employer limit is a central condition of the visa. Working beyond that period for a single employer without approval could put a holder's visa status at risk. The study cap of four months similarly applies regardless of how long the overall visa remains valid.
The government's guidance makes clear that eligibility is tied strictly to citizenship and passport type, meaning residents or permanent residents of these countries who do not hold the relevant nationality will not qualify under this pathway.
In a related story, Legit.ng reported that Australia had listed three categories of people approved to help you with your visa applications.
Australia's age limit for Work Holiday visa
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that Australia had announced the age limit for foreigners seeking a Work Holiday visa.
The visa is designed for young people who want to spend an extended period in Australia, combining leisure with work opportunities to help cover the cost of their stay.
While the standard upper age limit is 30, the Department of Home Affairs confirmed that citizens from certain eligible countries can apply up to the age of 35.
Source: Legit.ng
