88 Days
Minimum specified work required for 2nd year visa.
Regional Only
Work must be in eligible regional postcodes.
Paid Work
Must be paid at legal award rates with payslips.
What is the 88 Days Requirement?
The "88 days" requirement is a condition set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs. To qualify for a Second Working Holiday Visa, you must complete specific work in regional Australia while on your first visa.
Key Rule: 3 Months vs 88 Days
You need to work for 3 calendar months or 88 days. If you work full-time (e.g. 5 days a week), you can include weekends in your count, meaning you finish in 3 months. If you work casual/part-time, you must count every single day worked until you hit 88.
Second vs. Third Year Visa
Great news! You can actually stay for up to 3 years in total.
The Extension
- Requires 88 days (3 months) of specified work
- Work done while on 1st visa
The Extra Year
- Requires 6 months (179 days) of specified work
- Work done while on 2nd visa
Eligibility Checklist
Before you start picking fruit, make sure you qualify:
- Hold a valid Subclass 417 or 462 Working Holiday Visa
- Be aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for some countries like UK, Canada, France, Ireland, etc.)
- Work must be "Specified Work" (Farm work, fishing, mining, construction)
- Work must be in an eligible regional postcode
- You must be paid properly (Payslips required, no cash-in-hand)
Application Timeline
Complete Your Work
Finish your 88 days. Collect all payslips and employer references (Form 1464).
Prepare Documents
Scan passport, bank statements (proof of funds), and work evidence.
Apply Online
Submit via ImmiAccount. Cost: ~$635 AUD.
Visa Granted
Processing can take from 1 day to 3 months. Bridging visa granted if applying onshore.
Important Rules to Remember
Onshore vs Offshore
If you apply in Australia, you must be in Australia when the visa is granted. If you apply outside, you must be outside when granted.
Volunteer Work
Volunteer work (WWOOFing) generally does NOT count anymore for 417 visa holders. It must be paid work. Some exceptions exist for bushfire recovery.
Start Counting Your Days Today
Use our Premium calculator (Lifetime access $59) to track your progress and ensure you're on target for your visa throughout your entire WHV period.