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Go Work Travel

Help Centre

Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know about working, living and getting set up in Australia. Filter by topic or browse all.

Getting started

A Working Holiday Visa (WHV) lets young people — typically aged 18 to 35 from eligible countries — live and work in Australia for up to 12 months. You can travel freely, take on paid work to fund your trip, and experience life as a local. The two main subclasses are the 417 (Working Holiday) and the 462 (Work and Holiday).

Eligibility comes down to your nationality, age and passport. The fastest way to find out is our free Visa Eligibility Checker — it takes about two minutes and gives you a personalised result. You can also speak with our team directly.

For the 417 visa you must be 18 to 30 — or up to 35 for passport holders from Canada, France, Ireland and several other countries. For the 462 visa the limit is 18 to 30 for most eligible countries. You need to be within the age limit when you apply, not when you arrive.

Most people are ready to depart within four to eight weeks of signing up. Your MARA Registered Migration Advisor manages your visa application as part of your package, and the visa is often granted within a few days of submission. We recommend starting two to three months before your intended departure to give yourself room to plan.

Packages & services

We handle the complex parts so you can focus on the experience. Depending on your package, that includes a dedicated MARA Registered Migration Advisor who manages your entire visa application (valued at $1,200), job placement in your chosen industry, pre-departure briefings, airport pick-up, accommodation assistance, tax file number support, bank account setup and ongoing in-country support throughout your stay. Every package also includes a free in-country consultation with a Registered Migration Advisor to explore your options to remain in Australia — including employer sponsorship, further study or a subsequent visa.

We place working holidaymakers across hospitality, farm work, construction, au pair placements, aged care, and office and administration roles. Some industries — particularly regional farm work — can help you qualify for a second-year visa extension.

Accommodation depends on your package and placement type. Some roles — particularly farm work and au pair placements — include live-in accommodation. For other placements we provide a curated list of trusted options and can assist with booking. Check the details of your specific package or ask our team.

Advanced and Pro package holders receive a free in-country consultation with our MARA Registered Migration Advisor while in Australia. It covers every pathway available to you, which may include employer sponsorship (such as a TSS 482 or Employer Nomination Scheme visa), study on a Student Visa, or a subsequent Working Holiday Visa. Your advisor provides personalised advice based on your situation and goals.

Yes. If you complete 88 days of specified regional work — such as farm work, fruit picking or regional construction — during your first year, you may be eligible for a second-year Working Holiday Visa. Complete another 88 days in your second year and you could qualify for a third. We help you plan your work to maximise eligibility.

Money, pay & tax

Australia's national minimum wage is among the highest in the world. Depending on your industry and hours, most working holidaymakers earn between $800 and $1,400 AUD per week before tax. Hospitality, farm work and construction roles can pay particularly well, especially with overtime.

Yes. You'll need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN) and will pay tax on your earnings. The working holidaymaker rate is a flat 15% on the first $45,000 earned. You can claim a tax refund at the end of the financial year in July, and many people receive a meaningful amount back. We help you set up your TFN and understand your obligations.

Most major Australian banks let you open an account online before you arrive, which we recommend. You then activate it at a branch once you land. We guide you through the process during onboarding. Commonwealth Bank, ANZ and NAB all offer options designed for new arrivals.

Support & safety

Our support continues well beyond departure. We're available by phone, email and WhatsApp, check in with you regularly, help resolve any issues that arise at work, and maintain a network of contacts across Australia if you need local assistance.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and required by some employers. It should cover medical expenses, emergency repatriation, personal liability and trip cancellation. We can point you toward policies popular with working holidaymakers if you'd like guidance.

We work hard to match you with the right placement from the start, but we understand plans change. If a placement isn't working, contact us and we'll do everything we can to find you an alternative.

Still have a question?

Our team is here to help. Reach out and we'll get back to you within one business day.

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