British applicants · Commonwealth of Australia
Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462) for British citizens
Short-term work-and-travel visa for young people from participating countries.
This page covers the Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462) specifically for British applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to United Kingdom. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 7 days – 2 months
- Government fees
- From AUD 650.
- Typical duration
- 12 months per grant; up to 3 visas with qualifying specified work.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
- Commonwealth
- Australia Working Holiday
Consular processing: London
Tourist entry vs. this route
British nationals enter Commonwealth of Australia visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462) is required separately for the activity it covers.
Key figures for British applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
7 days – 2 months
Working Holiday (417/462) typically resolves in 1–8 weeks; online lodgement is generally fastest.
Verified 1 June 2026 · Home Affairs — Working Holiday Maker
Visa overview
Australia's Working Holiday Maker programme has two subclasses: 417 (Working Holiday) for countries under the longstanding arrangement (UK, Ireland, Germany, France, etc.) and 462 (Work and Holiday) for countries with newer agreements (USA, China, Vietnam, etc.). Up to 3 years possible with agricultural/regional work extensions.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Participating country nationality.Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (Consulate-General, Noumea) ↗
- ✓Aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries).Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (Consulate-General, Noumea) ↗
- ✓Funds of approximately AUD 5,000 and onward travel.Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (via Australian Embassy Hanoi / Consulate-General Ho Chi Minh City) ↗
Common blockers
- !Aged outside band.Australian Government — Department of Home Affairs (Consulate-General, Noumea) ↗
- !Already reached 3-visa lifetime cap.
Typical evidence
Application pathway
Apply online
Simple individual application.
Travel and work
Most employers can hire for up to 6 months per employer.
Extend via specified work
3 months of specified regional work unlocks 2nd-year visa; 6 months the 3rd.
Other Commonwealth of Australia routes covered for British applicants
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa for skilled roles an Australian employer cannot fill locally.
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
Points-based permanent residence visa for skilled workers without employer or state sponsorship.
Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
Employer-nominated permanent residence for workers sponsored through Direct Entry, TRT, or Labour Agreement streams.
Not sure Commonwealth of Australia is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer youth mobility routes that British nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are British citizens eligible for the Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)?+
Eligibility for the Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462) is set by Department of Home Affairs and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though British applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Commonwealth, Australia Working Holiday. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do British applicants typically file the Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462)?+
London. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Department of Home Affairs — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do British applicants need a tourist visa for Commonwealth of Australia as well?+
British nationals enter Commonwealth of Australia visa-free for short tourism but must hold a current Electronic Travel Authorisation. The Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462) is required separately for the activity it covers.
How long does the Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 417/462) take to process from United Kingdom?+
The typical published decision window is 7 days – 2 months. British applicants usually file via London, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: Home Affairs — Working Holiday Maker, verified 1 June 2026.
How long can I stay in Australia on Working Holiday visas?+
Up to 12 months per visa, and up to three consecutive visas with qualifying specified work extensions — potentially 3 years total.