Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program offers young adults an opportunity to explore the country while supporting themselves through short-term employment. In 2025, the program continues to be a popular pathway for cultural exchange and adventure.
Eligibility and Application Process
To qualify, applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
- Have sufficient funds (generally AUD $5,000) to support initial stay and onward travel.
- Meet health and character requirements.
For certain countries like China, Vietnam, and India, a pre-application ballot system is in place due to high demand.
Applications are submitted online through the ImmiAccount portal.
Extending Your Stay
articipants can apply for a second or third WHM visa by completing specified work in regional Australia:
- Second Visa: Requires at least 3 months of specified work during the first visa period.
- Third Visa: Requires an additional 6 months of specified work during the second visa period.
Eligible work includes roles in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and disaster recovery efforts in designated areas.
2025 Updates
For the visa year July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025, Australia has placed annual caps on the number of first-time Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas granted to certain countries. However, applications for second and third visas remain uncapped.
Additionally, from February 2024, paid or volunteer work in natural disaster recovery areas counts as specified work for visa extensions.
Lastly
The Working Holiday Maker program offers a unique chance to experience Australia’s diverse landscapes and cultures while gaining international work experience. With recent updates and expanded opportunities, 2025 is an excellent time to embark on this adventure.
For more information and to start your application, visit the Department of Home Affairs website.