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Visas, Immigration and Refugees

Working Holiday

How this Visa Works


The purpose of this visa is for you to holiday and travel in Australia. Any work should be temporary to supplement your funds. Periods of work should be broken up by periods of holiday and travel.

Working

Work and Holiday visa holders are allowed to undertake any type of work on a temporary basis. You are allowed to work for up to six months with each employer.

Working beyond six months with the same employer, without the required permission, may result in your visa being cancelled and you may be required to leave Australia.
Note: It is not possible to qualify for an additional Work and Holiday visa by working in regional Australia. This option is only available under the Working Holiday visa.
See: Working Holiday Visa Options

If you intend to work in your own occupation you should check if registration or licensing is required.
See:
Australian Skills Recognition Information (ASRI)
National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition
Trades Recognition

If your main reason for coming to Australia is work, you should consider applying for a business visa.
See: Employer Sponsored Workers

Studying

You can study for a maximum of four months.

If you are considering studying in Australia, particularly for a longer period of time, it may be helpful to check if there is a student visa option that is more suitable to your needs.
See:
Student Visa Options
Studying in Australia

Visa validity period

If granted a Work and Holiday visa you have 12 months from the grant date to enter Australia. The visa is valid for 12 months from the date you first enter Australia.
Note: If you leave Australia during your 12 month stay, you cannot recover the period of time spent outside Australia.

Accompanying family

You cannot include family members in your application for this visa. If your partner wants to accompany you to Australia, they may do so, but will need to apply for their own visa.

It is not possible for you to travel to Australia on a Work and Holiday visa with children. If you want to travel to Australia with children, you should apply for a different kind of visa.

Annual visa limit

The annual limit on the number of Work and Holiday visas granted to applicants from Thailand is 500. The annual limit is based on the Australian financial year (1 July to 30 June).

For information on the current status of the visa ceiling please contact the Australian Embassy in Thailand.
See: Thailand – Contacts

Extending your stay in Australia

The Work and Holiday visa allows you to stay in Australia for 12 months. You can only extend your stay in Australia if your Work and Holiday visa is not granted with a 'No Further Stay' condition. If your visa is granted with a 'No Further Stay' condition you will be advised of this in your visa grant letter.

Work and Holiday visa holders without a 'No Further Stay' condition are only able to apply for a limited number of other visas from within Australia.
Example: It is not possible for Work and Holiday visa holders to apply for most skilled and student visas from within Australia. Please contact the department for further information.
See: Contact Us