For people already in Australia
Jobs for Working Holiday Makers on 417 and 462 visas
Working Holiday Makers on a subclass 417 or 462 visa can work in any occupation, generally for up to 6 months with one employer (Home Affairs, accessed 2 October 2026) unless an exemption applies or permission is granted. If you want a further working holiday visa, you may also need to complete specified work in eligible industries and postcodes.
Who this guide is for
This guide is for people in Australia on a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) who want paid work while they travel. It suits travellers looking for hospitality shifts, aged care support work or trades assistant roles, and anyone planning work that could count towards a further working holiday visa.
How does the limit on working for one employer work?
Visa condition 8547 means Working Holiday Makers can generally work for any one employer for a maximum of 6 months (Home Affairs, accessed 2 October 2026). Some work falls within an exemption, and Home Affairs lists these on its 6-month work limitation page. If your work does not fit an exemption and you want to stay longer with the same employer, you need written permission. Home Affairs says you must submit the request before the initial 6-month period lapses (Home Affairs, accessed 2 October 2026). If you do, you can keep working for that employer until you receive a written outcome. If you submit late, you have to stop working for that employer and wait for the decision. Track your start date with each employer from day one, and share those dates with your recruiter so roles can be planned around them.
What counts as specified work for a further visa?
To be eligible for a second or third working holiday visa (Home Affairs, accessed 2 October 2026), you may need to complete specified work in particular industries and eligible postcodes. The industries and postcodes differ between the subclass 417 and 462 visas, so read the specified work page for the visa you hold. Home Affairs says it is temporarily applying flexibility to this requirement, meaning work that supports the ongoing operations of a specified industry in an eligible postcode may be accepted. Not every job in a regional area counts, so check the industry, postcode and your visa subclass before you rely on a role for a further visa. Keep payslips and records of your work, as you may need to show evidence when you apply. CrossNation can show you roles in different locations, but we cannot confirm whether a job will count as specified work.
What else should I know before starting work?
Working holiday visas are designed for an extended holiday with work to help fund it, so study is limited too. Condition 8548 limits study or training to a maximum of 4 months on each visa (Home Affairs, accessed 2 October 2026), although Home Affairs treats workplace-based training as employment rather than study. That matters if a role includes on-the-job training, such as an aged care induction. At work, you have the same rights and protections as every other worker in Australia, regardless of your visa status. The Fair Work Ombudsman explains pay rates, entitlements and how to raise a problem with an employer. Be wary of offers that pay cash only, ask you to pay for a job or want to hold your passport. If anything about a role or your visa is unclear, check the Home Affairs pages or speak with a registered migration agent before you start.
Which open roles could suit you?
These counts are live from the CrossNation job board. A listing is not a job offer, and it does not mean the employer sponsors visas. Check that a role fits your work rights before you apply.
- Hospitality jobs: 1 open
- Aged care jobs: 0 open
- Trades jobs: 4 open
Open roles in these sectors
Frequently asked questions
Is CrossNation a registered migration agent?
No. CrossNation is a recruitment agency, not a registered migration agent. We can help you find work, but we cannot tell you whether a job counts as specified work or advise on your visa. Check Home Affairs or speak with a registered migration agent.
Can I stay longer than 6 months with one employer?
Only if an exemption applies or Home Affairs gives you written permission. Submit any request before your initial 6-month period with that employer ends (Home Affairs, accessed 2 October 2026).
Will the roles on your job board count towards a further visa?
Not necessarily. Whether work counts depends on the industry, the postcode and your visa subclass. Check the Home Affairs specified work pages before relying on any job.
Am I protected at work as a working holiday maker?
Yes. Your visa status does not change your workplace rights. You are entitled to correct pay and a safe workplace, and the Fair Work Ombudsman can help if you think you are being treated unfairly.