If you wish to renew your Working Holiday Visa for a second year in Australia, you must work for a minimum of three months – or 88 days – in a specific job position during your first year. To renew your visa for a third year, you will need to do 179 days (6 months) in a specific job position in an eligible region. Other conditions are also required for the renewal. In this article, we provide you with a list of the jobs eligible for a second year and third year visa.
Important: Following the Australia – UK FTD, UK passport holders will be exempted to work in specified jobs and areas to renew their WHV from 1st July 2024.
In Summary, to renew your WHV, you can :
- Work in agriculture, construction, mining in regional Australia
- Work in tourism and hospitality in northern or remote and very remote Australia
- Do bushfire and Natural disaster recovery work in declared affected areas only
- Work in the healthcare and medical sectors (COVID-19 critical work) anywhere in Australia.
Table of Contents
Eligible jobs in regional Australia
In order to be sure you’ll qualify, here is the list of all the jobs eligible to renew. This list is valid for a second and third year. It was extracted from the Australian government website (www.homeaffairs.gov.au). To be eligible, these jobs must be done in regional areas (i.e. where the postcode is eligible).
Plant and animal cultivation
- Agricultural work (Plant and animal cultivation)
- The harvesting and / or packing of fruit and vegetable crops
- Pruning and trimming vines and trees (commercial horticultural activities)
- General maintenance crop work
- Cultivating or propagating plants, fungi or their products or parts
- Immediate processing of plant products
- Maintaining animals for the purpose of selling them or their bodily produce, including natural increase
- Immediate processing of animal products (shearing, butchery, packaging and tanning)
- Manufacturing dairy from raw material.
Examples of eligible and ineligible jobs
Examples of eligible specified work in plant and animal cultivation:
- picking fruits on an orchard
- feeding and herding cattle on a farm
- horse breeding and stud farming
- conservation and environmental reforestation work
Examples of ineligible specified work in plant and animal cultivation:
- work as a nanny on a farm
- secondary processing or provision of plant and animal products, such as:
- wine-making, brewing and distillation
- manufacturing of smallgoods
- retail of dairy or butchery products
- giving wine tastings at a vineyard
Fishing and pearling
- Conducting operations relating directly to taking or catching fish and other aquatic species;
- Conducting operations relating directly to taking or culturing pearls or pearl shell.
In northern Australia only for 462 visa holders.
Tree farming and felling
- Planting or tending trees in a plantation or forest that are intended to be felled;
- Felling trees in a plantation or forest;
- Transporting trees or parts of trees that were felled in a plantation or forest to the place where they are first to be milled or processed or from which they are to be transported to the place where they are to be milled or processed.
Work undertaken in the areas of plant and animal cultivation, fishing and pearling, and tree farming and felling must be described in the list above to meet the specified work requirement.
Mining (subclass 417 only)
- Coal mining;
- Oil and gas extraction;
- Metal ore mining;
- Construction material mining;
- Non-metallic mineral mining and quarrying;
- Exploration;
- Mining support services.
The list of mining jobs according to the ANZSIC is available here.
Examples of ineligible jobs
- performing specialised social science services (ex anthropological and archaeological assessments) for mining companies
- cooking/catering on a mine site
- cleaning the interior of mine complexes or buildings
Construction work
- Residential building construction
- non-residential building construction
- heavy and civil engineering construction
- land development and site preparation services
- building structure services
- building installation services
- building completion services
- other construction services
Examples of eligible and ineligible jobs
Examples of eligible specified work in construction:
- landscaping the grounds of a construction/house site
- painting the interior/exterior of new buildings
- erecting fences on a construction site
- scaffolding
Examples of ineligible specified work in construction:
- ship/boat building
- manufacturing materials used on a construction site (such as concrete or steel)
- town planning or architecture.
The work carried out in the mining and construction industry must be defined by the ‘Australian and New Zealand Standard Industrial Classification (ANZSIC)’. For the list of specified work in construction according to the ANZSIC, click here.
Tourism and hospitality in northern or remote and very remote Australia
Tourism and hospitality work carried out in northern, remote and very remote Australia is be eligible for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417 & 462).
Occupations eligible must directly provide a service to tourists, this include:
- Tourist guides and operators
- Tourist transport services
- Hospitality workers in hotels or other accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos
- Outdoor adventure or activity instructors
- Gallery or museum managers, guides
- Conference and event organisers
Examples of eligible specified work in tourism or hospitality
- a chef in a restaurant
- a dive instructor
- a tour bus driver.
Examples of ineligible specified work in tourism or hospitality
- cleaning work in a restaurant
- driving a school bus
- sales assistant in a souvenir shop.
Bushfire recovery work in declared bushfire affected areas
Following the tragic fires that hit Australia in 2019-2020, the government made changes to existing laws to allow backpackers to help get the country back on track while renewing their WHV. New regions, as well as new jobs, were added for renewal.
We are talking about “assisting bush recovery efforts” or “disaster recovery work“. More concretely, this includes:
- Construction, farming, or any other work in association with recovery or restitution of land, property, farm animals or wildlife.
- Providing support services or assistance to people living, working or volunteering in the affected areas.
Volunteer work helping to rebuild properties and businesses ravaged by fire will also be considered for the renewal of PVT visas.
Examples of eligible & ineligible jobs in bushfire recovery
Examples of eligible specified work in bushfire recovery (paid or volunteer):
- re-building fences destroyed in a bushfire affected community
- caring for wildlife in a bushfire affected community
- support work for volunteer organisations assisting victims of bushfires
- demolition of buildings, trench digging, land clearing and earth moving
- residential and non-residential construction or renovation/repair, including of roads, footpaths, bridges, parking lots, fencing, railways, dams, irrigation systems, sewage and storm water drainage systems
Examples of ineligible specified subclass 462 work in bushfire recovery:
- hospitality, cleaning or administrative work in a business that was not damaged by bushfire
- construction or renovation work in an area that is not a declared bushfire affected area
- work carried out on or before 31 July 2019.
Important
These jobs (paid or unpaid) can only be carried out in disaster affected areas otherwise this will not count for your renewal.
More information here: Work in disaster-affected areas
Natural disaster recovery work
Working Holiday Visa holders can count work assisting in the recovery of natural disasters (floods, cyclones and other severe weather events) as ‘specified work’. The work can be paid or unpaid.
This applies to recovery work carried out from 31 December 2021 in areas that have been declared affected by flood, cyclone or other severe weather events.
Examples of eligible & ineligible jobs in flood recovery
Examples of eligible paid or volunteer specified work in flood recovery:
- general cleaning up (wiping down items, moving and cleaning furniture and appliances, mopping floors and transportation of rubbish)
- demolition of buildings, trench digging, land clearing and earth moving
- residential and non-residential construction or renovation/repair, including of roads, footpaths, bridges, parking lots, fencing, railways, etc.
- work for charitable organisations assisting flood affected communities, including administrative, technical, and coordination support
- administrative support, including customer service and working in call centres providing flood recovery support
- coordination support, including services for insurance companies and local, state and federal government organisations and community and evacuation centres
- transport support, including delivering food, medications or other essential items to flood victims
- caring for, transporting and managing affected animals and related equipment.
Examples of ineligible specified work in flood recovery:
- hospitality, re-building, cleaning or administrative work in a business that was not damaged by floods
- employment in a business not involved in flood recovery work
- clean-up, construction or any other work in an area that is not a declared flood affected area
- work carried out on or before 31 December 2021.
Critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors (all Australia)
Specified work eligible
Work carried out must be critical to Australia’s response to COVID-19 including:
- medical treatment, nursing, contact tracing, testing and research
- support services including cleaning of medical, health care and quarantine facilities and equipment directly involved in the response to COVID-19
Examples of eligible & ineligible jobs
Eligible specified work:
- nursing care for COVID-19 cases in a hospital or quarantine facility
- mental health support work for COVID-19 cases in a hospital or quarantine facility
- research relating to COVID-19 vaccine or treatment
- contact tracing for public health departments
- cleaning at a COVID-19 testing centre or quarantine facility
Ineligible work:
- general administration or cleaning work with no connection to COVID-19
- occupational therapy or physiotherapy for non-COVID-19 cases
- financial and administrative services at a hospital, health or aged care facility
- mental health support work not directly in response to COVID-19
- work as a laboratory technician on vaccines other than for COVID-19
- medical research other than for COVID-19
- manufacturing or selling personal protective equipment or personal hygiene products
Specified work must have been carried out after 31 January 2020, anywhere in Australia.
Conditions to renew your WHV in Australia
Several conditions apply to renew your Working Holiday Visa in Australia :
- be under 31 or 35 years old depending on your nationality
- have a valid passport
- be able to show that you have health cover for the length of your stay
- completed three months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia for a second year and 6 months (179 days) for a third year.
There are many different industries you can work in to qualify for a second and third working holiday visa. You can work in agriculture in such industries as harvesting, cultivation, processing as well as forestry, fishing and pearling, mining and construction industry. Remember that you have to work in a regional area for these jobs.
Finally remember that all specified subclass 417, 462 work must be paid in accordance with the relevant Australian legislation and awards. The minimum national wage in Australia is $23.23 per hour (as at January 2024).
How to count specified work?
In order to qualify for a second Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa, you must have engaged in specified work for a duration of at least 3 months. By “3 months,” we mean a period equivalent to the shortest 3 consecutive ‘calendar’ months of the year, totaling a minimum of 88 calendar days. This includes weekends or equivalent rest days during your employment.
To be eligible for a third WHM visa, you need to have completed at least 6 months of specified work starting from 1 July 2019 onwards. When we say “6 months,” we are referring to a period equivalent to the shortest 6 consecutive ‘calendar’ months of the year, totaling a minimum of 179 calendar days. This also accounts for weekends or equivalent rest days during your period of employment.
To fulfill the requirement for the minimum duration of specified work, you should complete the same number of regular workdays or shifts that a full-time employee in that role and industry would typically work within a 3-month (88 calendar day) or 6-month (179 calendar day) timeframe.
You must have undertaken all your specified work while holding your previous WHM visa. This means that when your apply for a second WHM visa you must have undertaken all specified work while holding your first WHM visa. And when you apply for a third WHM visa, you must have undertaken all specified work while holding your second WHM visa.
Read also : How to calculate your days to renew your visa
Work with the same employer for more than 6 month
Since 1 January 2024 you can work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months without asking permission if your work is:
- in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed 6 months
- in plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia
- in certain industries, including aged care and disability services, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in northern Australia only (see Northern Australia)
- natural disaster recovery work
- in critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, anywhere in Australia
- in the critical sector of tourism and hospitality anywhere in Australia.
Official Source: Homeaffairs
Updated 13/02/2024
The information provided in this article has been extracted from the official Australian government website. it may change rapidly, so always check the official website for up-to-date information.
Hi, does working in a food factory (cake making) count as specified work towards a 417 extension? Thanks!
Hi Jenny
Please check the 417 list https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work
Hi, does working on a solar farm count as specified work( in specified areas of regional Australia) forward to my second year? Thanks!
Hi Kristin,
Yes 🙂
n June 2018 I went to Australia on a WHV (417) and returned to the UK in May 2019. I was unable to do the 3 months farm work and so could not stay for my second year Visa (462).
I have been in England since returning in May and I would like to go back to Australia to work and extent my stay by completing the 3 months farm work. Can I apply for another WHV?
If this is not possible what other Visa’s can I apply for in order to live and work in Australia?
I have relatives in Australia, can they sponsor me in any way ?
Any help and advice would be much appreciated
Hi Tom,
Unfortunately, if you haven’t done your 88 days you wont be able to apply for a second year. You should check your other visa options on the immi website (student, TSS, 491) : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Hello,
With extending for a second 6 month period with the same employer- if the employee does work in Tourism and in does work in Northern Australia but not in a Ansco role outlined on that list provided for tourism and hospitality would this exclude them from working for the same employer twice?
Must their role be on the specified list for a 462 visa
Thanks very much
Hi Shell
We refer you to the immi website https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/6-month-work-limitation
Cheers
Thanks yes I have already been on this website but was hoping you might know if the job had to be specifically listed on the list for tourism or not?
Hey Shell,
No sorry we are not allowed to provide such info. Best to contact immi 🙂
Hi, I’ve check the government websites and feel the description is vague. Does working as a site administrator on a mine site count as specified work?
Thanks
Hi Holly,
I would advise you to contact the immi (via your immi account or over the phone) to confirm. Cheers
Hi this is Sukh I am working as a wood fire pizza chef . I have commercial cookery certificate 4 . Could I apply for my TR behalf of experience wood fire pizza chef or not? This experience will count for skill assessment or not plz answer my question? Thank you
Hi Sukh,
If you have experience and the required qualifications yes. Please check our dedicated article on TSS visa : https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/tss-visa-subclass-482-new-sponsorship-457/
Hi, I will be coming to Australia on a WHV (417) in April 2022 and would like to start specified work right away in order to apply for a 2nd WHV before turning 31 in September.
On the immi.homeaffairs website it says hospitality and tourism is only eligible in northern, remote and very remote Australia. Still, I see quite a few job offers in hospitality that are in NSW or QLD that state it would be eligible for a 2nd WHV.
Am I reading this wrong? I would very much appreciate your help!
Thank 🙂
Hi Lina,
First of all if you intend to arrive in Australia before 19th April, you will get your visa refunded.
You have all the info here : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work#:~:text=To%20be%20eligible%20to%20apply,industry%20and%20area%20of%20Australia.
Does construction work in Gold Coast count for the 88 days since Gold Coast is now classed as a regional area? Thanks
Hi James,
Please check the post code of your place of work. Cheers
Hello,
I always work in hospitality jobs. I found an opportunity on the Hayman Islands, the post code 4801 is in the list for remote and very remote place to work in tourism and hospitality.
But I didn’t find anything about someone who worked for tourism and validated his specified work.
My question is, does it really work ? Or do you have some feedbacks ?
Hi Louvel,
If the postcode and job is eligible no worries !
Hi I was wondering if the mine in Townsville and cairns count for the 88days visa
Hi there,
Please see https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work (for 417 visa holders). Cheers
Hi everyone,
Does working as a receptionist in a hotel count as specified work for the 417 visa.
I’m not quite sure if it falls underneath the tourism sector.
Thanks!
Hi Francesca,
First check that the area / postcode is eligible.
Eligible jobs in tourism include Work in a range of occupations that directly provide a service to tourists, including:
tourist guides and operators
outdoor adventure or activity instructors
tourist transport services
gallery or museum managers, curators or guides
hospitality workers, such as in hotels or other accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos
conference and event organisers
hello, is mining included in the specific work for the second year of working holiday visa ? it says it is in this article but in the government home affairs website it is not mentioned…
Hi Santiago,
Mining is listed as eligible work for 417 visa holders. Cheers
Does office work in Cairns 4870 tour agency/company (like tour consultant) count for the 88 days?
Thanks!
Hi Lisa, the job is eligible, please check the location : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work (if 417). cheers
Hi all,
I am the UK and travelled to Australia on a subclass 417 in March 2019. In that year I worked 6 months in remote/very remote tourism and hospitality. Would this make me eligible to now apply for a second year visa under 417? Thanks!
Hi Luke,
“From 22 June 2021, tourism and hospitality work carried out in northern, remote and very remote Australia will be eligible for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417 & 462) visa application lodged from March 2022.” But with the entry into force of the FTA, you ll be able to apply for another WHV without the need to work in specific jobs etc. So hopefully it will move forward quickly!
Hi,
Does land surveying or civil engineering in West Gosford NSW or Surfers Paradise QLD areas count as regional work as it’s shown as an affected area? Does the work have to be recovery work or does working in that area alone count towards the88 days? Thanks.
Hi Jason,
It needs to be recovery work. Cheers
Hi! You know if working in a solar farm (in NSW) is elegible to extend visa work and holiday subclass 462? Thank you!
Hi Valentina,
Yes it should be eligible – check the postcode though. Cheers
Hi, does working as an civil engineer in construction in a regional area count?
Yes should be – I invite you to check https://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/8322BF041248E73DCA25711F00146DA6?opendocument
Hello I came over in January 2022 and looking to do hospitality in 4510 (which is an eligible postcode) but I’m confused with the dates of applications being lodged etc!!
Hi Lily,
If postcode and job are eligible you wont have issues to renew 🙂 Cheers
Hi there, does Tasmania count as being remote to get a job in hospitality?
Thanks!
Yes
Check the postcodes here depending on your job https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work
Hi there I am working at Avis budget car rentals in cairns city does this kind of tourism count towards my 88 days ?
Hi Adelle, Please see below :
Work in a range of occupations that directly provide a service to tourists, including:
tourist guides and operators
outdoor adventure or activity instructors
tourist transport services
gallery or museum managers, curators or guides
hospitality workers, such as in hotels or other accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos
conference and event organisers
Examples of eligible specified subclass 417 work in tourism or hospitality
a chef in a restaurant
a dive instructor
a tour bus driver
Examples of ineligible specified subclass 417 work in tourism or hospitality
cleaning work in a restaurant
driving a school bus
working as a sales assistant in a souvenir shop
Hi there! I have something to ask about my 88days in hospitality.
How many hours exactly do I have to work per week, is it 35H or 38H?
And can I do 2 jobs(20-25H each) and add hours totally?
And if i can do 2 jobs, doesn’t matter that work 5-6H everyday and totally +35/38H?
Thank you!!
Hi Mia,
So it basically depends on the industry but on average its between 35 & 38 hrs per week. Yes you can add the hours for renewal. Cheers
Does housekeeping in a hotel in cairns count to the 88 days?
Hi Maja,
The job will work but check the postcode : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work
Hi Maja,
Does your job housekeeper really count for the 88j or did you have any issues ?
Thanks for your help
hello, is mining utility included in the specific work for the second year of working holiday visa ?
Hi Ivy, should be but you should definitely check that with the immi. Cheers
Hello 🙂
I’m having troubles understanding the thing with the hospitality work. When you say that the visa is “lodged in match 2022” does it means that anyone with a visa from before march 2022, like me in January 2022, can’t work in hospitality in order to get a second visa ?
Also I have found one job with the post code 6044, the manager sent me a picture from the government page that it was in the list but I don’t see it when I check by myself.
Could you help me ?
Thank you so much !! 🙂
Hi there,
It means that all the work performed after March 22 can count to renew you WHV. So you can definitely work in hospitality.
Here you can check the eligible postcodes : https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/eligible-areas-second-year-visa-australia/
Cheers
hello, I was just wondering if working in the fast food chains such as Mcdonald’s, Hungry jack’s, etc. in cairns count toward my 88 days? Since they are considering restaurants?
My visa is under subclass 462
Thank you
Hi Jane,
It should work, check the postcode and double check with your employer too! Cheers
Hey!
Does support working in a facility for aged and disabled count for your 88 days?
This includes maintaining covid protocols etc.
Situated northern Queensland.
Cheers.
Hi Nathan,
Yes should count if postcode is eligible. Cheers
Hi there. I am a bit confused by the hours. Hope I can have your help on it. May I ask if I can add up all the total working hours in specified work to apply 2nd years visa? As I’m not getting 38 hours per week from my specified job. But if I accumulated the hours to 704 hours (88days*8hours) from one job, can it counts towards the second year WHV?
Thank you so much!!
Hi Kammy
As long as you can prove a total of 88 days, it will work. Cheers
Hi there! I am having some problem about the hours wondering if you can help me on it.
May I know if I can add up the total working hours on my specified work to count the 88 days? As I cannot get guaranteed 38 hours per week from my employer. Is that ok if I accumulated 704 hours (88days*8hours) on my payslip to apply the second visa?
Many thanks!
Hey Kammy,
You need to be able to prouve the total hours… if you cannot accumulate 38h/w and it is common in the industry, it shouldnt be an issue. Double check with your employer and previous employees in the same situation. Cheers
Thanks for the help. If I have 2 jobs, can I use the hours from second job to compensate the missing hours?
Thanks a lot
Hi, I am working as a project engineer on a construction site post cod 3214 & 3216. These are consider eligible postcodes. However, Does a management role count towards the 88days.
Hi Robert yes it shouldnt be a problem. Cheers
Hi, working in construction in nt counts the days for the visa 462 ?
Hi Alvaro,
Construction in northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia is eligible. cheers
Hi, may i please ask where can I find construction or flood recovery jobs ard 4110 QLD?
Thanks a bunch
Hi, does hospitality anywhere in NT count towards a second year visa or is is specific post codes too?
For example would working in a cafe in Darwin CBD count for it?
Some people have said it’s whole of NT but then there’s still a list of postcodes for NT
Yes in northern Australia and remote and very remote areas. Cheers
Hi, does site administrator work count towards regional in postcode 6714
Hi Evan, in what industry? Cheers
Hi I’m currently working as a cabinet maker in the south west of Australia would this count towards my 3 months work under building completion works ?
Hi Jamie, could be yes. Make sure you check the postcode is eligible. Cheers
Hello. I recently landed in the Gold Coast and am searching for some specified work. In home affairs it says tourism and hospitality is approved in northern OR remote and very remote Australia. Is the gold coast a part of northern Australia. Because I cannot find the postal code under the “remote and very remote”, but does it count as the northern part. My question is if working in hospitality and tourism is accepted as specified work?
Hi Norah , GC wont be eligible as it is not remote Australia 🙁
Hi
I’m from Taiwan and on a 417 WHV, Working in a fast food restaurant as a cook in Northern QLD, does it count towards 6 months for applying third year WHV? Cheers
Hi there, yep if it is remote / very remote Australia – Check the postcode for sure. Cheers
Hi,
Does fifo utility work count as it is regional?
Kitchen hand
Mine site cleaning
Bar work
admin fifo?
Hi depends on the job – cleaning wont work for example. Check the details in the article or here https://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/8322BF041248E73DCA25711F00146DA6?opendocument
Hi does any work in exercise and fitness apply, I’ve been working at a bodyfit as a fitness coach ?
Hi Isaac, not sure about that 🙁
If I do 3 years in Australia, with all mandatory completed work, is there any way to stay in Australia still working? what’s the possibility to get sponsored? or let’s say i did construction for my 3 and 6 months of needed work (with no prior experience) could I then get a temporary work visa in the field of construction? this is just an example.
I really would love to stay and I don’t have a degree or 2 years of work experience in anything but administration which isn’t a job in high demand. and i don’t have the funds to study in Australia in order to be able to qualify for more points for PR. please help hahaha.
Hi Stephanie, in order to get a TSS visa you ll need to prouve your experience in the field – maybe you can gain your experience while in Australia and then apply for a sponsor. Good luck
Hi!
I’m hoping you can help with 2 questions!
No.1: does work as cellar hand in regional postcode that’s on immi website count for whv (417) job details grape picking/ harvesting but also bottling so there’s primary and secondary processing so I’m unsure.
No.2: with volunteer/paid work for flood recovery areas would a wfh position providing assistance for victims / office suppose for organisations count? If it’s voluntary how do I count the days as would have no payslips? Thanks very much !
Hi there,
No.1: The type of work that you are describing as a cellar hand, which includes both grape picking/harvesting and bottling, may qualify for a Working Holiday Visa (417) if it is listed as an eligible occupation on the Australian Government’s immigration website. However, it’s important to note that the specific job duties that you will be performing will be taken into consideration when determining if the work is eligible for the visa. It would be best to check with the Australian immigration authorities for more specific information and clarification.
No.2: Work that provides assistance for victims or office support for organizations, whether it is paid or voluntary, may be considered as eligible work if it is related to primary industry, that is Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing sectors. However, it would be best to check with the Australian immigration authorities for more specific information and clarification. For the voluntary work, you can provide a letter from the organization that you are working for that confirms the dates you worked and the nature of the work performed. This would help in calculating the days worked.
Hi just wondering if bar work in perth wa counts towards regional work for second year visa thanks.
Hi there, no wont work. Cheers
Hello, curious as to whether Hamilton island jobs (comes under the postcode for tourism and hospitality) such as retail assistant and handyman come under the eligibility?
Hi Tegan yes should work as hospitality work. Cheers
Are there job agencies that help find regional,work for travellers.
Hi Andrew, yes definitely : try Adecco, Alra, Curamoir… it will depends on which sector you are looking for as most of the agencies are specialised. Cheers
Hey,
Could you please advise if administrative work within postcode 6161 at a hotel / resort would count towards the 88 days?
Thanks so much!
Hi Ellie doubt it will work but double check with the immi. Cheers
Hi, I want to ask, is it possible to work at 2 places such as restaurants or cafe or hotels as kitchen hand, waiter, receptionist and etc in eligilbe postcode area to obtain the second year visa? Thanks
Hi tif, you can definitely work in different places to renew your WHV. Cheers
Hi, I ask to something about eligible work, I was work at Minesite at NT, aluminum industry award, but my position on contract was camp cook & utility, and actually do more utility jobs, and I still confused about is this eligible, because as I know industry award and position wasnt match, can you guys help me?
Hi BB yes they should match but it seems your position is eligible. You should double check with the immigration department. Good luck and don’t hesitate to share the answer 🙂
Does working in 6721 account to wards 88 days if volunteering as a tour guide for non for profit Kangaroo retreat or looking after wildlife in a volunteer basis?
Hi Johanna
If you work as a volunteer, for your hours to be counted it needs to be in bush fire and flooded affected areas – and linked to the disaster recovery work. The caring for wildlife in a bushfire affected community will be eligible. Cheers
Hi there,
I am confused about some terminology under the “Examples of eligible specified work in construction”; there is an example that says “landscaping the grounds of a construction/house site”. Does this mean I could take a job with a landscaping company or local landscaping contractor that does residential landscaping work on home properties in Regional Australia? Or does it specifically have to be landscaping on a construction site or home being built/under construction?
Thank you in advance!
Indeed, landscaping the grounds of a construction/house site will be considered as an eligible occupation. It needs to be on construction or house sites – not existing properties if that makes sense. Cheers
Yes, so not an already-built/finished home that someone lives in that has hired landscapers to come do work on the property, unfortunately. Thank you for the clarification!
Hi! I’m doing exploration geology in mount Isa but it’s with a very large corporate company and wanted to make sure this will count for 88 days, I’m not sure how they decide what work is specified as I’m using my bachelor degree for this job.
Hi Steph, the job you are going to do needs to be listed in the ‘eligible jobs’. Check our article and the government website to make sure it is the case: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-462
Hi Steph, how did you get hired for this position with the WHV? I’m a geologist with bachelor (3y studies in Italy) but have no experience. I have a resume ready though that I’ll spam all around starting from November.
My goal is to be able to work one year as geologist, then convert my Bachelor with VETASSESS and apply for 190 skilled visa…
Any suggestions for me?
Hi Francesco, definitely check Seek Indeed and the mines websites. Good luck 🙂
Hi there,
The Home Affairs website states “Tourism and hospitality work carried out from 22 June 2021 in the following areas of remote and very remote Australia will be considered eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa application lodged from 5 March 2022.”
The wording “visa application lodged from 5 March 2022.” ; does this mean any 2nd or 3rd year visa applications sent after 5 March 2022 can count hospitality and tourism? Or does it mean I had to have lodged my 1st year visa after 5 March 2022?
Hi OG,
It means that all applications after march 2022 would consider work performed in tourism and hospitality as eligible for the renewal. Cheers
Hi. Is domestic housekeeping considered eligible work for counting the 88 days? I got offered a weekly housekeeping job by my mate whom i’m staying with. He is too busy with the business he is running to do it himself and needs a hand so i thought this would be a great chance to squeeze in an extra day per week for my WHV renewal. Fingers crossed.
Hi Erik, dont think this will work but double check with the immi 🙂
Hi, does road traffic control in Margaret river count as specified construction work in regional Aus?
Hi Aine, postcode is eligible now it will depends on your work (i.e. if you work on a construction site)
Hi , it’s a receptionist in a zoo/wild life valid and eligible for the 2nd year for work holiday visa ?
Hi there, could be depending on the area. Check with the immi to be sure 🙂
Hello ,
I’m a Irish backpacker on my subclass 417 WHV currently living in Queensland Australia and I have gotten a farm work job at a macadamia farm in Gympie QLD with the post code of 4570 .I have accepted the job but just wondering does this post code sign off on my 88 days? just double checking as I want it to be within the requirements of the required postal code area .if you could let me know anyways for confirmation thanks again .
Hi Yvonne
Yes this postcode is eligible 🙂
Wanting to enquire if working as a motor mechanic labourer for 417 working visa in rural town is eligible, can’t clarify on website.
Hi Lewis,
Motor mechanic laborer work may not be considered specified work for the purposes of a WHV renewal but it’s always best to check the Australian government’s Department of Home Affairs website or consult with a registered migration agent or even the immi through your immi account. Cheers
Hi, would working as a labourer for a small locally owned car mechanics in regional Vic (3550/3551) allow me my second year visa?
Hi there, i don’t think motor mechanic laborer work may not be considered specified work for the purposes of a WHV renewal. But to be sure you should definitely check with the immigration directly. Cheers
I everyone
I’work to Maccadonal it available for 88 day in Queensland?
Thank
Hi, yes can be considered as hospitality (also depends o postcode and your job). Cheers
I work in a sign writers in rural queensland. I do a lot of general labour and help construct the signs, then erect them. The signs are for roads, estates, businesses etc. On my payslip it says construction. Will this qualify for my 88 days?
Hi Joe, if you playslips say so it shouldnt be a problem 🙂
Hi there, I was wondering does farm work in the postcode 4800 count ? I have checked out the official website but there is various lists of postcodes they accept so I am finding it quite confusing ? Thanks!
Hi Megan, it needs to be in regional areas of Australia. 4800 is eligible : https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/eligible-areas-second-year-visa-australia/#Regional_work_%E2%80%93_Eligible_postcodes
Hi does the postcode 2800 count as a regional area ? Thanks
Hi Megan, yes it does https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/eligible-areas-second-year-visa-australia/#Regional_work_%E2%80%93_Eligible_postcodes
Hi does working in an airport count as working on hospitality/ tourism ?
Hi, could count as ‘Tourist transport services’ but make sure it is in an eligible area. Cheers
Hi, does working at a horse racing stable as a stable hand count towards my 88 days? The post code is eligible 🙂
Hi Charlotte, can count depending on what your contract is saying about your position (horse breeding and stud farming). You should check with the immigration directly to be sure. Cheers
Hi there im currently working for a agency as a carpenter ive been put with a company that works in regional areas but my pay slips come from Perth cbd i can supply time sheets and letters from both companies to show i have been working in regional areas does it matter if my my pay slips don’t show a regional post code
Hi Toby, as long as you provide proof that work was done in regional areas it shouldn’t be an issue. Cheers
Hi, does working as a cook on a remote cattle station count for the 88 days?
Postcode being 6743.
Cheers
Hi Kaila, 6743 is an eligible postcode (remote and northern Australia) – so whether it is eligible for renew will depend on your position and what is written on your contract (if any). Cheers
Hi there,
Thanks so much for this resource, it must be so helpful to so many people, including myself.
I’m working in a tourist park on reception, so I organise accomodation for guests over the phone, email and in person.
I also make tourist recommendations, print and provide additional paperwork like maps and events as well as creating those resources. I help out when a guest needs something fixed in their room or replaced, either personally or calling on other staff, depending on availability.
I have also been offered housekeeping work but this is really confusing. Some gov sources state that housekeeping in hotel/accomodation services count, but I can’t seem to work out if this would.
It’s all in the right postcode, remote.
So does reception count for the second year 417, and would housekeeping in a tourist park count?
I will call immi but I find official dealings a bit intimidating, so I wanted to run this by someone with experience first.
Hi Charlie, thanks for your message. From what we understand from the immi website – your receptionist position could be eligible.
“Work in a range of occupations that directly provide a service to tourists, including:
tourist guides and operators
outdoor adventure or activity instructors
tourist transport services
gallery or museum managers, curators or guides
hospitality workers, such as in hotels or other accommodation facilities, restaurants, cafes, bars and casinos
conference and event organisers
Examples of eligible specified subclass 417 work in tourism or hospitality
a chef in a restaurant
a dive instructor
a tour bus driver
Examples of ineligible specified subclass 417 work in tourism or hospitality
cleaning work in a restaurant
driving a school bus
working as a sales assistant in a souvenir shop”
Cheers
Hi there.
Does anyone know if professional cleaning of roofs and gutters in commercial buildings is a job eligible?
Hi there, should be eligible as long as it s in regional areas. Cheers
Hi,
I’m in the Northern Territory and I done pool cleaning for hotel and private houses. That count for the hospitality work or not ?
Thanks for your help
Hi Clement, it could for hotels but it will depend on what says you payslip 🙁
Hi! I’m working in the NT like kitchen Hand and cleaner in the same hotel, the postcode is 4808, it appears in the postcode of the government website but not in Queensland, just in NT, do you know if it counts?
And I’m wondering if the cleaning it counts because it’s an hotel not a restaurant and in the payslips says ‘hotel cleaner’ and ‘kitchen hand’! Do you know if it counts ?
Thank you so much 🙂
Hi Andrea, postcode needs to appear on the immi website to be eligible. Cleaning wont count but kitchen hand will. Maybe you can get your employer to remove cleaner? Cheers
Hi guys,
I have a job in Cairns at an INDOOR activity centre- rockwall, trampolining, ninja area etc. It’s a brilliant centre- but as it’s INDOOR will it count toward 88 days? Cheers
Hi Julia, it can be counted in tourism and hospitality – depending on what says your payslip 🙂
Hi there,
I have a question regarding the hospitality jobs.
Would working as a bartender in the Gold Coast count towards a second year WHM (417) visa?
I have had a look on the government website but I am unsure if it counts or not.
Thanks!
Hi Scott, needs to be remote and very remote Australia – check the post code here: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work
Hi, I have already completed my 2 years back in 2018 and have seen that you can do a third year?
I am now 31 and curious if I can still apply and how?
Hi Jasmine, yes it s possible to do a third year – please check https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/uk-australia-free-trade-deal-changes-working-holiday-visas/ for more info 🙂
Hello, i’m trying to get 2nd WHM visa. i don’t know what kind of occupation title should i get.
There are lofs of eligible factories or farms for getting 2nd WHM visa. But not all of occupation title offer the chance to get 2nd WHM visa. How can i find eligible occupation title for getting 2nd WHM visa? ( Let’s say i would work in a factory not a farm)
Thanks
Hi Finn, if you cannot find the answer on our website, check the immi one: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work (for 417 visa holders). Cheers
Hey guys, I could really use some help! I’m a vet nurse and I have been trying to find if I can do this as my regional work – I have a subclass 417 visa. My friend lives in Australia and has said she can get me a job but I can’t find anywhere is say I can do vet nursing?
Please help, thank you! 🙂
Hi Jody, i personally think it could be eligible (if the postcode works too). You should contact the immi to be sure. Cheers
Hi I’m planning on coming to Australia on a working holiday visa 417 and was wondering if a commercial tire technician is valid to be sponsored or not and that’s what I do for a living, the website doesn’t really help that much with information on roles like this
Hi Ryley, you should check this article specific to the TSS visa with the relevant lists : https://www.australia-backpackersguide.com/tss-visa-subclass-482-new-sponsorship-457/
Hi. I am hoping to apply for a third whv from the UK. I did my first and second year in 2013 and 2014, having done my farm work. Now I see they are saying I have to do specified work in the second year but after 2019. Obviously, I haven’t done this. So are people who left before 2019 not eligible at all?
I am turning 36 in Nov and really wanted to do a final years whv. Please help!
Hi Izzy, yes unfortunately the work needed to be done after July 2019. UK passport holders will be bale to apply for 3 years of WHV without the need to do regional work but at the time you will be over the age limit (35). 🙁
Hi, I’m wondering if working at a construction site as a warehouse manager (eg.: delivering tools and construction materials as bricks or paint to workers and receibing materials from providers) could count as an eligible job position for a second WHV. I’m planning to do whatever eligible work in North Queensland for 88 days before relocating to Melbourne or Sydney and then apply to my second WHV giving evidence of my construction work. Thanks in advance!
Hi Emi, I believe this will be eligible (make sure location is too). Cheers
Hi there!
I was wondering if the site for fifo utility (housekeeping and kitchen hand) is listed on “Northern Australia” will this count towards my 2nd and 3rd Visa?
I’m really confused because in the mining industry section, it is said that fifo utility is ineligible.
Thank you in advance!
Hi Maroon, utility wont be eligible I believe 🙁
Hi there!
I was wondering if the site for fifo utility (housekeeping and kitchen hand) is listed on “Northern Australia” will this count towards my 2nd and 3rd Visa?
I’m really confused because in the mining industry section, it is said that fifo utility is ineligible.
Thank you in advance!
Hi there, when it is housekeeping or cooking, it wont be eligible as mining jobs unfortunately 🙁
Hi, does housekeeping in Townsville counts towards 88 days? I guess it should count because it’s hospitality/tourism work in Northern Australia but the ineligible “cleaning in a restaurant” got me confused. Thanks for your help.
Hi Mathilde, it needs to be in contact with the patrons. I mean it depends on what is written on your payslips too…
Hi, I’m wondering.
Massage/Spa/Beauty therapy work in Northern Territory area counts toward 2nd&3rd visa?
Hi Mo, it can work if it is in a hotel / place where there are customers. Cheers
Hi, I’m looking for hospitality jobs in northern area. I have 2 questions.
1. If I can get restaurant jobs as part time, like 4 hours per day and 5 days per week, how long term do I have to work?
2. Is it possible to get second visa for working as a housekeeper in hotels?
Hi Hina
You will only be able to count the days you are working (so no week ends). I dont believe housekeeping will qualify (but it depends what your payslips are saying too). Cheers
Hi, How can I contact immigration ? I wanted to be sure that housekeeping position in Cairns is eligible to the 88 days. cheers
Hi Alexandra,
You can contact the Global Service Centre on 131 881 (in Australia), Monday to Friday, from 9:00am to 5:00pm your local time.
Hi, does working at coles or woolworth as a Team member eligible for my 88 days?
Hi Alexander, I don’t think it will … but maybe depending on the location and what says your payslip… it could. Cheers
Hi there,
Does anyone know if working as a landscaper gardener would work for my 88 days? The work is in a regional area but I’m confused if this would fit. The work would vary from maintenance (mowing, weeding etc residential homes) to landscaping construction.
TIA
Hi Erwan,
It should yes. But it will depend on what your payslip is saying (maintenance or landscaping?) The second will work. Cheers
Hi,
Does manufacturing count as eligible work for 417 visa?
If not would manufacturing within the construction/agricultural industry count? The job is listed on the ANZSIC manual, but under manufacturing not agriculture or construction, so just trying to verify it’s eligible.
Also the postcode is eligible so that’s half the battle!
Thanks😊
Hi Mary,
If the manufacturing job is directly related to agricultural processes (like food production directly linked to farm activities) or is involved in the construction sector (such as manufacturing construction materials), it could potentially count as specified work. However, if the job is listed under manufacturing in the ANZSIC manual and not directly linked to these sectors, it’s unlikely to qualify.
Cheers
Hello,
I’m just looking for a clarification on what mining support services would be?
Would this be a site administrator? Wording is all very vague on this
Thank you in advance
Hi there, yes wording is quite vague .. I would say yes and because the immigration is more flexible at the moment, it should be in your favour. Cheers
Hi, is working in a plant nursery in the Northern Territory eligible for 88 days/176 days? Thank you☺️
Hi Hazel, no 100% sure about this one, I would say yes though
Hi does working in NT government as a cook is eligible for WHV (462)
Or in mining as houskeeping?
Or even disability care
Hi, Don’t think it will
Hello. Working at mc donalds as a crew menber count as a hospitality for 88 days? if the answeer is NO, what if i ask to my employer to change the job tittle as a kitchen hand? Thank you so much.
Hi Juan if you are in an eligible, it should count. Cheers
Hi, I am working as a cleaner for a private agency and cleaning gyms and houses in a remote town. Does this count as a farm job for my 88 days?
Hi Jo, I do not think it will count – but it also depends on the postcode and the job description on your payslips. Cheers