Working holiday in Australia
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Australia Working Holiday Visa
for Canadian citizens

Visa snapshot

Eligible age
18-35
At application
Initial stay
12 mo
From grant
Maximum stay
36 mo
via separate 2nd & 3rd WHV applications
Visa fee
$840
AUD
Processing time
1-3 days
Typical

Work and study

Work rights
Any kind of work; usually max 6 months with the same employer (per 'When you have this visa'). Tax + superannuation apply.
Study rights
Study up to 4 months (17 weeks)

Funds and health

Funds required
Approx. AUD 5,000 for initial stay + onward fare
Health and insurance
Must meet health requirements. May need to undergo a medical examination depending on country of origin
Health and insurance details →

Extensions

Further stay
Available, conditions apply

Quota or ballot

Allocation
No cap stated on official page for 417 countries
No ballot

Reciprocal healthcare

Agreement in place
No
Private health insurance needed
Government sourceSource: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au · How we verify →
On this page

Eligibility at a glance

  • Passport: This route is for Canadian citizens, so you must apply on a valid Canadian passport.
  • Age: You must be aged 18 to 35 when you apply, not when you travel.
  • Funds: Approx. AUD 5,000 for initial stay + onward fare
  • Health: Must meet health requirements. May need to undergo a medical examination depending on country of origin

Eligibility and conditions

Who can apply

No dependent children accompanying; apply online from outside Australia; health & character requirements; must not have previously entered Australia on a 417 or 462; must enter on the passport linked to the grant. 2nd WHV after 3 months specified work; 3rd after 6 months.

  • Canada passport holder
  • Aged 18 to 35 at time of application
  • Sufficient funds: Approx. AUD 5,000 for initial stay + onward fare

General conditions

Must enter within 12 months of grant; visa (12-month stay) starts on entry. Cannot extend - new visa required. Grant of another visa (e.g. eVisitor/Transit) ceases the WHM visa. No dependent children. Must enter on the passport linked to the grant.

Health cover

No RHCA, so unlike UK or Irish applicants there is no Medicare fallback.

Extensions

Second visa extension

2nd WHV: 3 months of specified subclass 417 work. UK passport holders EXEMPT from specified work if applying on/after 1 Jul 2024.

Third visa extension

3rd WHV: 6 months of specified subclass 417 work. UK passport holders EXEMPT (from 1 Jul 2024).

Important application rules

If you hold a second passport
Previous-entry ban on 417/462 applies per person - a second passport does not reset eligibility.

How to apply

Check your eligibility
Make sure you meet all requirements including the age limit of 18-35 and hold a valid Canadian passport.
Gather your documents
You will need your passport, a recent photo, health insurance details, and proof of sufficient funds.
Apply through the official portal
Submit your application through the official government portal. The fee is $840 and is non-refundable.
Wait for a decision
Processing typically takes 1-3 days. Most applications are decided within days.
Ready to apply?
Apply on the official government portal

Applications are submitted through the Australian Government's official visa portal. Processing typically takes 1-3 days.

Apply Now →
This link leaves Working Holiday Essentials and opens the official Australian Government website.

Get ready for Australia

Sort out the essentials before you arrive, from banking and mobile data to flights, accommodation and insurance.

Essential setup

Banking

Open a local account soon after you arrive in Australia so you can get paid and skip foreign-card fees. Most banks let you start the application online before you land.

Providers: ANZ, CBA, NAB, Revolut, Westpac, Wise

Mobile and connectivity

Set up a local number or eSIM in Australia for data and calls. The major networks have the widest coverage; budget MVNOs run on the same towers for less.

You will need private health insurance
Canadian citizens are not covered by a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, so you must arrange your own cover. Read the healthcare guide

Other nationalities going to Australia

All routes to Australia →Where else Canadian citizens can go →

Your first-week checklist

The practical order of things for your first days. What to sort and where to go next.