Everything you need to know about farm work on a Working Holiday Visa (417/462). Learn eligibility, 88-day requirements, visa extension, and how to find legitimate jobs.
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) is one of Australia's most popular visa programs, allowing young people from eligible countries to work and travel for up to 12 months. Farm work plays a crucial role in this visa, as completing 88 days of specified work in regional Australia unlocks the opportunity to extend your stay for a second—and even third—year. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about farm work on a Working Holiday Visa.
For citizens of: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, UK
For citizens of: Argentina, Austria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Uruguay, Vietnam
Note: Age limits vary by country. Canada and Ireland citizens can apply up to age 35. Check the official Department of Home Affairs website for your specific country's requirements.
To qualify for a second-year Working Holiday Visa, you must complete 88 days (approximately 3 months) of specified work in regional Australia during your first year. This work must be full-time and properly documented.
88 days = 88 calendar days, not 88 work days. If you work Monday to Friday for 3 months, weekends count toward your 88 days even if you don't work them.
You must work at least 35 hours per week for a day to count. Part-time work (less than 35 hours/week) requires more calendar days to reach 88 days of equivalent full-time work.
You can work for multiple employers to reach 88 days. Days don't need to be consecutive. Keep all documentation from each employer.
If paid by piece rate (per bucket, bin, etc.), you must work at least 35 hours per week for days to count. Keep detailed records of hours worked, not just earnings.
Extend your stay for another 12 months
Requirements:
Tip: You can apply for your second year visa while still on your first year visa, or after it expires (if you've left Australia). Processing takes 2-4 weeks.
Extend for a third year (total 3 years in Australia)
Requirements:
Note: The third year visa requires double the work (6 months vs 3 months). Plan accordingly and keep meticulous records.
Regional Postcodes Only
Work must be performed in designated regional postcodes. Major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast) do NOT count. Check the eligible areas list before accepting a job.
Payslips from each employer showing:
Written confirmation from employer including:
Official tax documentation:
Department of Home Affairs may contact your employer to verify employment. Provide accurate phone numbers, email addresses, and ABN for each employer.
Critical: Keep Everything Organized
Missing or incomplete documentation will delay or reject your visa application. Keep digital copies of all documents. If you lose paperwork, contact your employer immediately to request duplicates.
88Finder verifies every farm's ABN and provides reliability scores. Search by region, work type, and season to find legitimate opportunities.
Why 88Finder? All farms are ABN-verified, rated by previous workers, and include full contact details. Lifetime access for $59 covers your entire WHV period.
Harvest Trail (jobsearch.gov.au/harvest) lists seasonal work opportunities across Australia. Free to use but less detailed than specialized platforms.
Search for "88 days Australia", "farm work [region]", or "backpackers [city]". Read reviews and warnings from other travelers before applying.
Travel to farm regions during harvest season. Visit local hostels, job boards, and farms in person. Many farms hire walk-ins during peak season.
Research farms in your target region, verify their ABN, and contact them directly via phone or email. Be professional and specify your visa status and availability.
Find verified farm jobs across Australia. ABN-checked employers, real reviews, and full contact details. Lifetime access for $59.