Living in Australia

‍How to get your second and third Working Holiday Visas

December 20, 2022

‍How to get your second and third Working Holiday Visas

Are you looking to extend your stay in Australia and apply for your second or third Working Holiday visa? If so, you're in the right place! This blog will provide all the information you need to successfully apply for your second or third WH visa in Australia. 

We'll cover the eligibility requirements, the application process, and what you need to do to meet the visa conditions. So whether you're looking to continue working and travelling in Australia or simply want to extend your stay, we've got you covered. So read on to learn more about how to get your second or third WH visa in Australia!

Overview of the Working Holiday (WH) visa program in Australia

The Working Holiday visa program in Australia is a temporary visa that allows young people from certain countries to live and work in Australia for up to one year. The program encourages cultural exchange and enables young people to travel and work in Australia.

To be eligible for a WH visa, applicants must be aged 18 to 30 (inclusive) and hold a passport from one of the participating countries. In addition, applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia and have sufficient health insurance.

The WH visa allows holders to work in any employment for the duration of their stay in Australia. This can include casual or part-time work, temporary or seasonal work, or volunteering. The visa also allows holders to study for up to four months while they are in Australia.

After completing the requirements of their first WH visa, some individuals may be eligible to apply for a second or third WH visa. This allows them to continue working and travelling in Australia for another year or two.

For more information, check out our blog, "How to apply for your Australian Working Holiday Visa" or "Which Australian visa to apply for".

Importance of understanding the process for applying for a second or third WH visa

The process for applying for a second or third Working Holiday visa in Australia is important to understand for several reasons.

First, the eligibility requirements for a second or third WH visa differ from those for the initial visa. To be eligible for a second WH visa, applicants must have completed at least three months of specified work in regional Australia while on their first WH visa. To be eligible for a third WH visa, applicants must have completed at least six months of specified work in regional Australia while on their second WH visa. It is important to understand these requirements to ensure that you meet them before applying for a second or third WH visa.

Second, the second or third WH visa application process differs slightly from the initial visa. For example, you will need to provide evidence of your specified work in regional Australia as part of your application. It is important to understand the specific documentation and information you will need to provide to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.

Finally, understanding the process for applying for a second or third WH visa can help you to plan your stay in Australia and make the most of your time in the program. For example, suppose you know that you will need to complete specified work in regional Australia to be eligible for a second or third WH visa. In that case, you can plan your travels and work accordingly.

Overall, understanding the process for applying for a second or third WH visa is important for ensuring that you meet the eligibility requirements and can successfully complete the application process. This can help you extend your stay in Australia and enjoy all the country offers.

Age limits for second and third WH visas

The age limits for second and third Working Holiday visas in Australia differ slightly from those for the initial visa.

To be eligible for a second WH visa, applicants must be aged 18 to 30 (inclusive) and have held a first WH visa at some point in the past.

To be eligible for a third WH visa, applicants must be aged 18 to 30 (inclusive)  and must have held both a first and a second WH visa at some point in the past.

Requirements for having completed specified work in regional Australia

To be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa in Australia, applicants must have completed specified work in regional Australia while on their first or second WH visa respectively. The requirements for specified work are as follows:

  • Second WH visa: To be eligible for a second WH visa, applicants must have completed at least three months of specified work in regional Australia while on their first WH visa. Specified work is defined as paid work in an eligible industry, such as agriculture, forestry, fishing, or mining. The work must be undertaken in a regional area of Australia, defined as anywhere outside the Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane metropolitan areas.

  • Third WH visa: To be eligible for a third WH visa, applicants must have completed at least six months of specified work in regional Australia while on their second WH visa. Like the second WH visa, specified work for the third WH visa must be paid work in an eligible industry in a regional area of Australia.

It is important to note that the specified work requirements for second and third WH visas apply only to paid work. Voluntary or unpaid work does not count towards the required number of months.

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How to apply for a second or third WH visa

To apply for a second or third Working Holiday (WH) visa in Australia, follow these steps:

  1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the age and specified work requirements for a second or third WH visa. You can find more information on these requirements above.
  2. Gather required documentation: You will need to provide evidence of your specified work in regional Australia as part of your application. This may include pay slips, tax records, or a letter from your employer. You will also need to provide proof of your identity and your passport.
  3. Complete the online application form: You can apply for a second or third WH visa through the Department of Home Affairs website. The application form will ask for information about your personal details, your work and travel history, and any criminal convictions or infringements. To complete the online application for WHV (subclass 417), click here, and to complete the online application for WHV (subclass 462), click here.
  4. Pay the visa application fee: The fee for a second or third WH visa is currently AUD 510. You can pay this fee online as part of the application process.
  5. Wait for a decision: The processing time for a second or third WH visa can vary depending on the workload of the Department of Home Affairs. You can check the status of your application online using the reference number you receive when you submit your application.

Required documentation and fees

When applying for a second or third Working Holiday (WH) visa in Australia, you must provide specific documentation and pay a fee as part of the application process. The specific requirements are as follows:

Documentation:
  • Evidence of your specified work in regional Australia, such as pay slips, tax records, or a letter from your employer
  • Proof of your identity, such as a copy of your passport
  • Any other supporting documentation that may be required, such as police clearance certificates or medical reports
Fees:
  • The fee for a second or third WH visa is currently AUD 510. You can pay this fee online as part of the application process.
  • If you are applying from outside of Australia, you may also need to pay a service fee to the visa application centre or embassy where you submit your application.

It is important to note that the documentation and fee requirements for a second or third WH visa may change over time. Therefore, checking the most up-to-date requirements on the Department of Home Affairs website is always a good idea before submitting your application.

Requirements for maintaining a WH visa, including maintaining good character and not engaging in work that is not allowed under the visa

The requirements for maintaining a Working Holiday visa in Australia are designed to ensure that visa holders comply with the terms and conditions of the visa. These requirements include:

  • Maintaining good character: WH visa holders are required to maintain good character while they are in Australia. This means that they cannot engage in criminal activity or behaviour that is contrary to the interests of the Australian community. If a WH visa holder is found to have engaged in such behaviour, their visa may be cancelled.
  • Not engaging in work that is not allowed under the visa: WH visa holders are only allowed to work in certain types of employment while in Australia. They are not allowed to work in occupations listed as "prohibited" on the Department of Home Affairs website. If a WH visa holder is found to be working in a prohibited profession, their visa may be cancelled.
  • Complying with any other conditions that may be imposed on the visa: Depending on the circumstances of the individual case, a WH visa holder may be subject to additional requirements on their visa. For example, they may be required to remain in a particular area of Australia or to provide evidence of their travel plans. WH visa holders must comply with such conditions to maintain their visa.

Several tips can help you to increase your chances of a successful second or third Working Holiday (WH) visa application in Australia:

  1. Check your eligibility: Make sure you meet the age and specified work requirements for a second or third WH visa. You can find more information on these requirements in the previous paragraphs.
  2. Gather required documentation: You will need to provide evidence of your specified work in regional Australia as part of your application. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation before you begin the application process.
  3. Complete the application form accurately: Pay attention to the details when completing the online application form. Make sure that all of the information you provide is accurate and up-to-date.
  4. Pay the visa application fee: The fee for a second or third WH visa is currently AUD 510. Make sure you pay this fee online as part of the application process.
  5. Monitor the status of your application: You can check the status of your application online using the reference number you will receive when you submit your application. You can contact the Department of Home Affairs for further information if you have any questions or concerns.

Overall, following these tips ensures that you meet the eligibility requirements and provide all the required.

In conclusion, the Working Holiday (WH) visa program in Australia is an excellent opportunity for young people from certain countries to live and work in Australia for up to one year. If you have already participated in the program and want to extend your stay, you may be eligible to apply for a second or third WH visa. By understanding the eligibility requirements, the application process, and the requirements for maintaining a WH visa, you can increase your chances of a successful application and make the most of your time in Australia. Whether you're looking to continue working and travelling or simply want to extend your stay, a second or third WH visa can be a great opportunity to experience all that Australia has to offer.

The information provided in this article is for your information only. While all care has been taken in the preparation of the article, Sven Global Pty Ltd makes no representation or warranty as to, or accepts any responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, completeness or currency of the information, its usefulness in achieving any purpose or your reliance upon it.

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