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VISA GUIDE 2025

Working Holiday Visa Farm Work — Complete Guide for Australia

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.

15 min read

Updated Feb 2025

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.

What is the Working Holiday Visa?

Subclass 417

For citizens of: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, UK

Age: 18-30 years

Duration: 12 months

Extendable to 3 years

Subclass 462

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

Age: 18-30 or 18-35*

Duration: 12 months

Extendable to 3 years

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.

The 88-Day Farm Work Requirement Explained

What Are the 88 Days?

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.

What Counts

• Plant and animal cultivation
• Fishing and pearling
• Tree farming and felling
• Mining
• Construction
• Work in regional postcodes only

What Doesn't Count

• Work in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
• General office or administrative work
• Most retail and hospitality (except designated recovery work)
• Volunteer or unpaid work
• Work without proper documentation

How Days Are Calculated

Calendar Days, Not Work Days

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.

Minimum Hours Required

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.

Multiple Employers Allowed

You can work for multiple employers to reach 88 days. Days don't need to be consecutive. Keep all documentation from each employer.

Piece Rate Work

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.

Second and Third Year Visa Extensions

Second Year Visa

Extend your stay for another 12 months

Requirements:

Complete 88 days of specified work during first year visa
Work must be in designated regional areas
Provide payslips, employment contracts, and tax records
Apply before your first year visa expires

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.

Third Year Visa

Extend for a third year (total 3 years in Australia)

Requirements:

Complete 6 months (179 days) of specified work during second year visa
Work must be in designated regional areas
Same work types as 88-day requirement
Provide comprehensive documentation

Note: The third year visa requires double the work (6 months vs 3 months). Plan accordingly and keep meticulous records.

Types of Farm Work That Count

Plant Cultivation

• Fruit and vegetable picking
• Packing and sorting produce
• Pruning and weeding
• General farm maintenance
• Planting and harvesting

Animal Cultivation

• Dairy farming (milking, feeding)
• Livestock handling
• Shearing and wool handling
• Poultry farming
• Animal husbandry

Fishing & Pearling

• Commercial fishing operations
• Pearl farming
• Aquaculture
• Processing seafood
• Boat crew work

Other Industries

• Tree farming and felling
• Mining operations
• Construction in regional areas
• Bushfire recovery work
• COVID-19 critical work (2020-2022)

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.

Required Documentation for Visa Extension

What You Must Provide

1. Payslips

Payslips from each employer showing:

• Your name and employer's ABN
• Dates of employment (start and end)
• Hours worked per pay period
• Pay rate and total earnings
• Tax deductions

2. Employment Contract or Letter

Written confirmation from employer including:

• Job title and duties performed
• Employment dates (start and end)
• Work location (address and postcode)
• Hours worked per week
• Employer signature and contact details

3. Tax Records

Official tax documentation:

• Payment summary (group certificate)
• Tax return showing farm work income
• ATO records of employment

4. Employer Contact Details

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.

How to Find Legitimate Farm Work

Recommended Job Search Methods

Use Verified Platforms

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.

Check Official Government Sites

Harvest Trail (jobsearch.gov.au/harvest) lists seasonal work opportunities across Australia. Free to use but less detailed than specialized platforms.

Join Backpacker Facebook Groups

Search for "88 days Australia", "farm work [region]", or "backpackers [city]". Read reviews and warnings from other travelers before applying.

Visit Regional Areas

Travel to farm regions during harvest season. Visit local hostels, job boards, and farms in person. Many farms hire walk-ins during peak season.

Contact Farms Directly

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.

Avoid These Red Flags

• Jobs requiring upfront fees or "placement charges"
• Employers with no ABN or refusing to provide it
• Cash-only payments with no payslips
• Accommodation tied to employment with excessive costs
• Unrealistic promises ("guaranteed 88 days in 2 months")

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462)?

The Working Holiday Visa allows young people (18-30 or 18-35) from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. Subclass 417 is for specific countries, while subclass 462 is for others. Both allow farm work for visa extension.

How does the 88-day farm work requirement work?

To extend your Working Holiday Visa for a second year, you must complete 88 days (3 months) of specified work in regional Australia. This includes farm work, fishing, mining, and construction. Work must be full-time and properly documented with payslips.

Can I get a third year Working Holiday Visa?

Yes. To qualify for a third year visa, you must complete 6 months (179 days) of specified work in regional Australia during your second year visa. The work must be in the same industries as the 88-day requirement.

What types of farm work count toward the 88 days?

Eligible farm work includes: fruit/vegetable picking and packing, pruning, weeding, harvesting, general farm maintenance, livestock work, dairy farming, and other agricultural activities. Work must be in designated regional postcodes.

How do I prove my 88 days of farm work?

You need: payslips showing dates and hours worked, employment contracts, tax records (payment summaries), and employer contact details. Keep all documentation organized. Your employer must have a valid ABN.

Can I work for multiple employers to reach 88 days?

Yes. You can work for as many employers as needed to complete 88 days. Days don't need to be consecutive. Just ensure each employer provides proper documentation and has a valid ABN.

When should I apply for my second year visa?

Apply as soon as you've completed 88 days and have all documentation. You can apply while still on your first year visa, or after it expires (if you've left Australia). Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Start Your 88 Days Journey Today

Find verified farm jobs across Australia. ABN-checked employers, real reviews, and full contact details. Lifetime access for $59.

Search Farm Jobs Read 88 Days Guide

Home/Blog/Working Holiday Visa Farm Work

VISA GUIDE 2025

Working Holiday Visa Farm Work — Complete Guide for Australia

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.

15 min read

Updated Feb 2025

What is the Working Holiday Visa?

Subclass 417

For citizens of: Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, UK

Age: 18-30 years

Duration: 12 months

Extendable to 3 years

Subclass 462

Age: 18-30 or 18-35*

Duration: 12 months

Extendable to 3 years

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.

The 88-Day Farm Work Requirement Explained

What Are the 88 Days?

What Counts

• Plant and animal cultivation
• Fishing and pearling
• Tree farming and felling
• Mining
• Construction
• Work in regional postcodes only

What Doesn't Count

• Work in major cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane)
• General office or administrative work
• Most retail and hospitality (except designated recovery work)
• Volunteer or unpaid work
• Work without proper documentation

How Days Are Calculated

Calendar Days, Not Work Days

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.

Minimum Hours Required

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.

Multiple Employers Allowed

You can work for multiple employers to reach 88 days. Days don't need to be consecutive. Keep all documentation from each employer.

Piece Rate Work

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.

Second and Third Year Visa Extensions

Second Year Visa

Extend your stay for another 12 months

Requirements:

Complete 88 days of specified work during first year visa
Work must be in designated regional areas
Provide payslips, employment contracts, and tax records
Apply before your first year visa expires

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.

Third Year Visa

Extend for a third year (total 3 years in Australia)

Requirements:

Complete 6 months (179 days) of specified work during second year visa
Work must be in designated regional areas
Same work types as 88-day requirement
Provide comprehensive documentation

Note: The third year visa requires double the work (6 months vs 3 months). Plan accordingly and keep meticulous records.

Types of Farm Work That Count

Plant Cultivation

• Fruit and vegetable picking
• Packing and sorting produce
• Pruning and weeding
• General farm maintenance
• Planting and harvesting

Animal Cultivation

• Dairy farming (milking, feeding)
• Livestock handling
• Shearing and wool handling
• Poultry farming
• Animal husbandry

Fishing & Pearling

• Commercial fishing operations
• Pearl farming
• Aquaculture
• Processing seafood
• Boat crew work

Other Industries

• Tree farming and felling
• Mining operations
• Construction in regional areas
• Bushfire recovery work
• COVID-19 critical work (2020-2022)

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.

Required Documentation for Visa Extension

What You Must Provide

1. Payslips

Payslips from each employer showing:

• Your name and employer's ABN
• Dates of employment (start and end)
• Hours worked per pay period
• Pay rate and total earnings
• Tax deductions

2. Employment Contract or Letter

Written confirmation from employer including:

• Job title and duties performed
• Employment dates (start and end)
• Work location (address and postcode)
• Hours worked per week
• Employer signature and contact details

3. Tax Records

Official tax documentation:

• Payment summary (group certificate)
• Tax return showing farm work income
• ATO records of employment

4. Employer Contact Details

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.

How to Find Legitimate Farm Work

Recommended Job Search Methods

Use Verified Platforms

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.

Check Official Government Sites

Harvest Trail (jobsearch.gov.au/harvest) lists seasonal work opportunities across Australia. Free to use but less detailed than specialized platforms.

Join Backpacker Facebook Groups

Search for "88 days Australia", "farm work [region]", or "backpackers [city]". Read reviews and warnings from other travelers before applying.

Visit Regional Areas

Travel to farm regions during harvest season. Visit local hostels, job boards, and farms in person. Many farms hire walk-ins during peak season.

Contact Farms Directly

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.

Avoid These Red Flags

• Jobs requiring upfront fees or "placement charges"
• Employers with no ABN or refusing to provide it
• Cash-only payments with no payslips
• Accommodation tied to employment with excessive costs
• Unrealistic promises ("guaranteed 88 days in 2 months")

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462)?

How does the 88-day farm work requirement work?

Can I get a third year Working Holiday Visa?

What types of farm work count toward the 88 days?

How do I prove my 88 days of farm work?

Can I work for multiple employers to reach 88 days?

Yes. You can work for as many employers as needed to complete 88 days. Days don't need to be consecutive. Just ensure each employer provides proper documentation and has a valid ABN.

When should I apply for my second year visa?

Start Your 88 Days Journey Today

Find verified farm jobs across Australia. ABN-checked employers, real reviews, and full contact details. Lifetime access for $59.

Search Farm Jobs Read 88 Days Guide

Working Holiday Visa Farm Work Australia 2025 | Complete Guide | 88Finder | 88Finder