How to Calculate
88 Days
The complete guide to understanding, calculating, and validating your 88 days of regional work in Australia. Discover which jobs count, how to calculate correctly, and how 88Finder helps you find verified farms.
What Are the 88 Days in Australia?
The 88 days are a requirement of the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462). If you complete 88 days of specified regional work, you can extend your visa for an additional year.
This is a unique opportunity: instead of leaving Australia after 12 months, you can stay for 24 months with a second year. For a third year (36 months total), you need to complete an additional 6 months of specified regional work.
However, not all jobs count. Only specified regional work, performed in designated regions, is recognized by Australian immigration.
Which Jobs Count Towards 88 Days?
Australian immigration recognizes only certain types of regional work. Here's the complete breakdown:
| Job Type | Counts? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fruit picking | ✓ Yes | Apples, grapes, berries, etc. |
| Agricultural work | ✓ Yes | Vegetables, crops, planting |
| Dairy farm work | ✓ Yes | Milking, animal care |
| Vineyard work | ✓ Yes | Harvesting, pruning, vintage |
| Restaurant/café work | ⚠ Sometimes | Only in designated areas (e.g., Broome, remote regions) |
| Hotel/hostel work | ⚠ Sometimes | Only in designated remote areas |
| Construction work | ⚠ Sometimes | Yes in regional areas, agricultural construction, or remote areas. No in major cities. |
| Food processing factory | ✓ Yes | Fruits, meat, agricultural products |
Source: Department of Home Affairs Australia. Rules may change. Always verify on immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
Important Note: Some service industry work (restaurants, hotels, bars) CAN count in certain designated remote areas like Broome, Derby, and other remote regions. These areas have special provisions. Always check the official list of designated areas on the Department of Home Affairs website before accepting a job.
How to Calculate Your 88 Days
The calculation is straightforward, but you must follow Australian immigration rules carefully.
Official Rules:
- 1 day = working the normal hours for your industry/farm (typically 7-8 hours for farm work)
- Full-time work: you must work the standard hours for your position (not a fixed 8 hour rule)
- Designated region: work must be in a regional area (not Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane CBD)
- Multiple employers: you can work for different employers
Calculation Example:
Scenario: You work picking apples in Mildura (Victoria) for 3 months.
- • January: 22 days worked (8h+ per day)
- • February: 20 days worked
- • March: 18 days worked
- = 60 days counted
- You still need 28 more days to reach 88 days
You then need to find another specified regional job to complete the remaining 28 days. This is where 88Finder becomes essential: access to hundreds of verified farms, ABN-checked, and ready to hire.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠️ Misunderstanding the "hours per day" rule
It's NOT a fixed "8 hours = 1 day" rule. What matters is whether you worked the NORMAL hours for your industry/farm. If 6 hours/day is standard for your farm, that counts. If 8 hours is standard and you work 6, it might not. Always verify with your employer what constitutes a "full day".
❌ Working in cities (Sydney, Melbourne)
Only regional work counts. Major cities are not eligible.
❌ Accepting non-specified work
Restaurant, hotel, or shop work doesn't count, even in rural areas.
❌ Not keeping proof
Keep your pay slips, employment letters, and contracts. Immigration may ask for proof.
❌ Working for unverified farms
Some farms are scams. Verify the ABN and check reviews before accepting.
✓ 88 Days Calculator – Now Available!
We've launched our Premium 88 Days Calculator & Tracker (Lifetime access $59) to help you monitor your progress in real-time throughout your entire WHV period:
- ✓Upload payslips and track your hours worked
- ✓Automatically calculate your worked days
- ✓See exactly how many days you still need
- ✓Monitor your progress towards 88 days
- ✓Verify eligibility for visa extension
How 88Finder Helps You Complete Your 88 Days
Finding the right farms is key to completing your 88 days quickly. That's exactly what 88Finder does.
Verified & ABN-Checked Farms
All farms on 88Finder are verified via Australian ABN. No scammers.
Reliability Scores
Each farm has a reliability score based on worker reviews. Choose the best ones.
Direct Contact with Employers
No middlemen. Contact farms directly and negotiate your terms.
Search by Region & Job Type
Find exactly the type of farm and region you're looking for. Picking, dairy, vineyard, etc.
FAQ – 88 Days Australia
Q: Can I count days worked in cities (Sydney, Melbourne)?
No. Only regional specified work counts. Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane CBD) are not eligible. You must work in a designated regional area.
Q: If I work 10 hours per day, does it count as 1 day or 1.25 days?
It counts as 1 day only. Whether you work 8 hours or 12 hours, it's 1 day. There's no "bonus" for extra hours.
Q: How long do I have to complete the 88 days?
You must complete the 88 days before the end of your first visa year. If you finish early, you can apply for your second year immediately.
Q: What happens if I don't complete the 88 days?
You cannot extend your visa. You must leave Australia at the end of your first year. This is why it's important to plan ahead and find the right farms quickly.
Q: Does freelance/self-employed work count towards 88 days?
No. You must be employed by a farm or agricultural business. Self-employed work is not recognized by Australian immigration.
Related Resources
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