January 7 2026:
Working Holiday (WHM) Visa in Australia
For nearly 50 years, Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program has connected young people from around the world with real, people-to-people experiences in Australia. It’s designed to promote cultural exchange and international understanding, while giving travellers the chance to explore the country.
Today, the program partners with 50 countries and offers two visa subclasses, letting eligible young people live, travel, and work in Australia to fund their adventures.
The Working Holiday Maker visa is processed very quickly, with 50% applications finalised within just 1 day. The cost is reasonable at AUD 670 for a 12-month stay. The visa can be extended, subject to meeting the requirements for a second and third WHM visa, with UK passport holders eligible for exemptions that allow a total stay of up to three years
Employers also benefit, filling key roles and sometimes identifying talent for longer-term opportunities.
A word of caution: while the program offers amazing opportunities, exploitation can occur. Always connect with reputable employers who comply with Australian employment standards. The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information on workplace rights and protections : Visa holders and migrants – Fair Work Ombudsman
Discover more about the WHM program’s history and impact here: Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program
Participating Countries include :
Working Holiday (Subclass 417)
Belgium
Canada
Republic of Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
Republic of Ireland
Italy
Japan
Republic of Korea
Malta
Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders)
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Argentina
Austria
Brazil
Chile
China, People’s Republic of
Czech Republic
Ecuador
Greece
Hungary
India
Indonesia
Israel
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mongolia
Papua New Guinea (PNG)
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Singapore
Slovak Republic
Slovenia
Spain
Switzerland
Thailand
Türkiye
Uruguay
United States of America
Vietnam
Current as at Dec 2025
