How to Get Your 2nd Year Visa Australia — Step by Step
Want to stay in Australia for another year? Complete 88 days of specified work in a regional area and you can extend your Working Holiday Visa. Here is exactly how.
Quick Summary
- Requirement: 88 calendar days of specified work in a regional area
- Visa types: Subclass 417 (Working Holiday) and 462 (Work and Holiday)
- Cost: $650 AUD visa application fee
- Processing time: Typically 2-4 weeks (can vary)
- 3rd year option: 179 days of specified work during your 2nd year
1Understand the 88 Days Requirement
To qualify for a second year Working Holiday Visa, you must complete 88 calendar days of specified work in a designated regional area during your first year visa.
How Days Are Counted
- Calendar days: Every day you are employed counts, including weekends and public holidays between shifts
- Part-time counts: Even if you work 3 hours on a day, it counts as a full day
- Multiple employers: You can combine days from different employers
- Gaps do not count: If you take a week off between jobs, those days do not count
Use our 88 Days Calculator to track your exact day count and verify your eligibility.
2Find Eligible Work
Not all work qualifies. The Department of Home Affairs defines specific industries:
Eligible Work Types
- 🌾 Plant and animal cultivation (farming)
- 🍎 Fruit and vegetable picking/packing
- 🐄 Dairy farming and cattle work
- 🐟 Fishing and pearling
- 🌲 Tree farming and felling
- ⛏️ Mining
- 🏗️ Construction
- 🔥 Bushfire recovery work
- 🌊 Flood recovery work
Does NOT Count
- ❌ Hospitality (cafes, restaurants, hotels)
- ❌ Retail work
- ❌ Office or admin work
- ❌ Volunteering / WWOOFing (unpaid)
- ❌ Work outside regional areas
- ❌ Work under ABN (as a contractor)
- ❌ Tourism activities
The fastest way to find eligible farm work is to search on 88Finder. Every farm is ABN-verified and located in eligible regional areas. See our eligible areas checker to verify a postcode.
3Work in a Regional Area
Your work must be in a designated regional area. Most of Australia outside major cities qualifies. The popular regions for farm work include:
Not sure if your postcode counts? Use our free postcode checker to verify instantly.
4Keep Your Evidence
Documentation is critical. The Department of Home Affairs can request proof at any time. Keep all of the following:
Essential Documents to Keep
- Payslips — for every pay period, showing employer ABN, hours, and dates
- Employment contract — signed, with start and end dates
- Bank statements — showing wage deposits matching payslips
- Form 1263 — employer declaration confirming your work dates and type
- Tax return — showing income from regional employment
Pro tip: Photograph or scan every document and store copies in cloud storage. Use our 88 Days Calculator to track your progress automatically.
5Apply for Your 2nd Year Visa
Once you have completed 88 days, you can apply online through the Department of Home Affairs ImmiAccount portal.
Application Checklist
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount
- Select Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 or 462)
- Upload proof of 88 days (payslips, Form 1263, etc.)
- Pay the $650 AUD application fee
- Provide health insurance and character requirements
- Wait for processing (2-4 weeks typical)
When to apply: You can apply from inside or outside Australia. If applying inside, you can keep working while your application is being processed (bridging visa A applies automatically).
7 Common Mistakes That Get Applications Rejected
Working in a non-eligible postcode
Check every postcode with our eligible areas checker before starting work.
Not keeping payslips
Request payslips every pay period. No payslips = no proof.
Working as a contractor (ABN)
You must be employed, not self-employed. Contractor work does not count.
Counting volunteering as work
Only paid employment counts. WWOOFing and HelpX are not eligible.
Miscounting days
Calendar days, not hours. But gaps between jobs do not count.
Working for a non-genuine employer
Use ABN-verified farms to ensure your employer is legitimate.
Applying with incomplete evidence
Upload payslips, Form 1263, bank statements, and contracts.
Want a 3rd Year? Here Is What You Need
If you want to stay for a third year, you need to complete 179 days (approximately 6 months) of specified work during your second year visa. The same eligible work types and regional areas apply.
| Visa | Required Days | When |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Year | 88 days | During 1st year visa |
| 3rd Year | 179 days | During 2nd year visa |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for a 2nd year visa?
88 calendar days of specified work in a regional area during your first year visa.
What work counts for the 88 days?
Farming, fruit picking, dairy, fishing, mining, construction, tree farming, and bushfire/flood recovery work in a designated regional area.
Can I do my 88 days part time?
Yes. Every calendar day you are employed counts, even if you only work a few hours. But you must be genuinely employed and paid.
How do I prove my 88 days?
Keep payslips, employment contracts, bank statements, and Form 1263 from each employer.
Can I apply for a 3rd year visa?
Yes. Complete 179 days of specified work during your 2nd year visa to qualify for a 3rd year.
Start Your 88 Days Today
Find ABN-verified farms in eligible regional areas. All contacts included, free to search.
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