SP
Loading...
Working Holiday & Temporary Activity Visas
Working Holiday &
Temporary Activity Visas
Subclass 417, 462, 400, and 408 — short-stay work, cultural exchange, and specialist activity visas for Australia.
Australia offers several short-term visas that allow people to work temporarily, gain experience, or participate in specific activities. These are not permanent migration visas, but in some cases they may lead to future study or skilled pathways.
MARN: 2619317
Subclass 417 & 462
Working Holiday Visas
Live, travel, and work in Australia — 12 months at a time
The Working Holiday (417) and Work and Holiday (462) visas allow young adults to travel to Australia and work temporarily to support their stay. These visas promote cultural exchange and are popular with backpackers and graduates wanting international experience. Eligibility depends on your passport country.
What This Visa Allows
- Stay in Australia for 12 months
- Work to support your travel
- Study for up to 4 months
- Travel in and out of Australia freely
- Apply for second and third Working Holiday visas (subject to specified regional work)
Basic Requirements
- Age 18–30 (or 18–35 for some eligible countries)
- Eligible passport country
- No dependent children travelling with you
- Sufficient funds for initial stay
- Health and character requirements
- Meet education or English requirements (mainly for subclass 462)
Subclass 400
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
Highly specialised short-term work — up to 3 months
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) allows people to come to Australia for short-term, highly specialised work that cannot reasonably be performed by an Australian worker. This visa is commonly used for technical specialists, short-term consultants, emergency or urgent project work, and specialist trainers or installers.
What This Visa Allows
- Stay for up to 3 months (up to 6 months in limited cases)
- Single or multiple entry options
- Work must be non-ongoing and highly specialised
- No pathway to permanent residency
Basic Requirements
- Evidence of highly specialised skills or knowledge
- Strong business case showing the work is short-term
- Invitation or support from an Australian organisation
- Health and character checks
This visa is not suitable for general employment or long-term roles. Work must be strictly non-ongoing and highly specialised.
Subclass 408
Temporary Activity Visa
Approved activities — sports, entertainment, cultural exchange, and more
The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) allows people to come to Australia to participate in specific approved activities on a temporary basis. This visa has multiple streams, each designed for a particular type of activity.
What This Visa Allows
- Sports — athletes, coaches, and officials
- Entertainment — performers, film and television production
- Cultural and social exchange programs
- Research, training, or government endorsed events
- Stay period depends on the activity and stream
- Family members may be included in some cases
Basic Requirements
- Participation in an approved activity
- Evidence of skills, experience, or formal invitation
- Australian sponsor or supporter (if required for the stream)
- Health and character requirements
📋 Sponsorship or support is often required. Work is limited to the approved activity only.
Important Things to Know
- These visas are temporary and strictly condition based
- Working outside approved conditions can lead to visa cancellation
- Some holders may later become eligible for student, skilled, or employer sponsored visas
- Correct visa selection is critical to avoid refusal or future immigration issues
Confirm Eligibility Before You Apply
Selecting the wrong visa can lead to refusal or future immigration consequences. Book an appointment to confirm the right visa and any future pathway options.