[Australia] How to Apply for a Second Working Holiday Visa

[Australia] Essential Info • By Vocation Abroad • Published on June 10

A step-by-step guide to completing your application for a Second Working Holiday Visa

If you’ve already completed 88 days of eligible work during your first Working Holiday Visa in Australia, you may be ready to apply for your second one.

While the eligibility requirements are covered in this blog, this guide focuses on what to do after you finish the work, specifically, how to submit your application online using ImmiAccount and what documents to prepare.

Step 1: Before You Apply

Before starting your application, keep these two points in mind:

🔍Organise Health Exams (if needed)

You might be required to undergo a health examination depending on your country of origin, past travel, or medical history.

You can either:

  • Wait for the Department of Home Affairs to ask for it, or
  • Complete the exam proactively if you're sure it's necessary

👉 Check if a health exam applies to you: Examinations you need

👥Get Help With Your Application (if necessary)

You can have someone assist you with your visa application, but only if they are:

💡You may also nominate someone to receive documents on your behalf, even if they’re not an official advisor.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents


Before you begin filling out your visa application, it's important to prepare all necessary documents for upload. This step ensures your application won't be delayed or rejected due to missing information.

🛂 Identity Documents

You'll need:

  • A scanned copy of your passport (photo page + personal details + issue/expiry date)
  • A birth certificate showing both parents' names

If you can't obtain a birth certificate, you can instead provide:

  • A family book with both parents’ names
  • Government-issued ID
  • A court-issued document verifying your identity

Changed your name?

Include:

  • A marriage or divorce certificate
  • A name change certificate
  • Any document showing alternate names used

👨‍🌾Proof of Specified Work (Subclass 417 or 462)

To qualify for a second Working Holiday Visa, you must prove you completed at least 88 days of eligible work in regional Australia during your first visa.

📄 Employment Verification Form (Required)

Ask your employer to complete one of the following forms, depending on your visa type:

These forms require your employer to confirm:

  • Your job type and location
  • The duration of your employment
  • The type of work (e.g., farm work, hospitality, bushfire recovery)
✅ You must upload a scanned version of this completed form when applying online.

📁 Additional Supporting Documents

In addition to the verification form, include as many of the following documents as possible to strengthen your application:

  • Payslips
  • Bank statements showing regular income
  • Group certificates / payment summaries
  • A piece rate agreement, if applicable
  • Employer references confirming work details
  • Tax returns
  • A written and signed statement outlining any lawful deductions from your wages

💵 Proof of Funds (if applying outside Australia)

Applicants outside Australia must show:

  • At least AUD 5,000 for living expenses
  • Sufficient funds or a ticket to leave Australia at the end of your stay

Applicants inside Australia are not required to submit financial proof unless requested.

🌍 Non-English Document Translation

If any documents are not in English:

  • Provide both the original and English translation
  • Australian translators must be NAATI-accredited
  • Translators outside Australia must include:
  • Full name
  • Address and phone number
  • Their qualifications and language experience

📌 You do not need to submit certified translations — just ensure clarity and completeness.

👮 Character Documents (if requested)

You might be asked to provide documents that prove you are of good character. These are not always required, but if requested, be prepared to submit:

  • An Australian police certificate — only if you have spent a total of 12 months or more in Australia during the last 10 years since you turned 16
  • 👉 Only complete disclosure National Police Certificates issued by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) are accepted.
  • An overseas police certificate — from every country (including your home country) where you spent 12 months or more in total over the past 10 years since turning 16
  • If applicable: military service records or discharge papers
💡 You’ll be informed during your application if character documents are needed.

🙋If Someone Is Helping You with the Application (Optional)

If you choose to nominate someone to assist you with your application, such as receiving correspondence or providing immigration advice, you’ll need to submit one of the following forms:

  • Form 956A — to nominate someone to receive your correspondence
  • Form 956 — to appoint a registered migration agent, legal practitioner, or exempt person to provide immigration assistance

📎 Upload the completed form(s) to your ImmiAccount.

⚠️ You don’t need to fill these forms if you’re applying on your own.


📎Scanning and Upload Tips

  • Scan or photograph all documents in color
  • Make sure text is clear and legible
  • If multi-page, combine into one file
  • Each document should be uploaded only once, even if it serves multiple purposes
  • Accepted file types: PDF, JPG, PNG

Step 3: Apply for the visa

Visit 👉 https://online.immi.gov.au

  • Register for an Individual Account if you don’t already have one
  • Set up your credentials and security questions
  • Log in to begin your application

▶Fill in the Online Form

Click “New Application” and select:

➡ Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462)

You’ll be asked for the following:

  • Personal details: name, date of birth, passport info
  • Previous visa history and current location
  • Specified work section: employer ABN, job type, duration, postcode
  • Upload required documents: Form 1263/1464, payslips, etc.
  • Health and character declarations

📎 Files can be uploaded in PDF, JPG, or PNG format.

▶Pay and Submit

Pay the application fee. 

  • Fee: approx. AUD 650 (as of Jan 2025)
  • Payment via credit card or PayPal
  • Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a Transaction Reference Number (TRN)

Step 4: After you apply


Once you've submitted your application, here’s what you can and must do while waiting for your visa outcome.

📩 Application Confirmation

You'll receive an email confirming that the Department has received your application. This includes your Transaction Reference Number (TRN), which you can use to track your application in ImmiAccount.

✈️ Travel Considerations

You applied in Australia:

  • You must be in Australia when your application is decided.
  • If you plan to travel overseas, inform the Department via your ImmiAccount.
  • Make sure you have a valid visa to return to Australia.
  • Time spent outside Australia after your third visa is granted does not extend your stay.

You applied outside Australia:

  • Do not arrange travel to Australia until you receive written confirmation that your visa has been granted.

🧬 Biometrics

You may be asked to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a photo).

📌 If required, the Department will contact you with instructions.

🩺 Health Examinations

If you did not complete your health exam before applying, you may still be required to do so.

📌 Wait for instructions — if needed, they’ll notify you.


📎 Attach More Information

If you forgot to upload a document when you submitted your application:

  • Log in to ImmiAccount and upload it as soon as possible.
  • You may also be contacted and asked for additional information.

🛠 Mistakes on Your Application

If you realise you made a mistake after submission:

  • Complete Form 1023 – Notification of incorrect answers
  • Upload the completed form via your ImmiAccount

🙋 If You Change or Remove an Appointed Helper

If someone was helping you (receiving mail or giving advice) and you want to change or remove them:

  • Complete Form 956A to update/remove an authorised recipient
  • Complete Form 956 to update/remove an immigration advisor
  • 📎 Upload the form(s) to your ImmiAccount

🔄 Tell the Department if Anything Changes

You must notify the Department as soon as possible if any of the following apply after submitting your application:

  • You want to withdraw your application
  • You get a new passport
  • Your relationship status changes
  • You have a child

💡 You can update these details through your ImmiAccount or by contacting the Department directly.

Step 5: Wait for Your Visa Outcome

  • Typical processing time: a few days to several weeks
  • Track your status in your ImmiAccount dashboard

If you applied from inside Australia, you may be issued a Bridging Visa to stay lawfully while you wait

Written by the Vocation Abroad team

Helping working holidaymakers and backpackers find jobs, useful information, and community around the world 🌏💼