Work and Study
Working
You can do any kind of work in Australia and may work with the same employer for up to six months.
The six month work limitation applies to full-time, part-time, casual and shift work.
Workplace-based training is considered to be work. You are able to undertake workplace-based training with each employer for up to six months.
The 'employer' is the business for which you are working directly.
You cannot stay in the same job beyond six months by using different employment agencies, business affiliates or sub-contracting arrangements.
If you hold a second Working Holiday visa, you may return to work for a further six months for an employer with whom you worked on your first Working Holiday visa.
Extending the work limitation
Requests to extend the employment period beyond 6 months are only granted in exceptional circumstances. An extension may be allowed for a very short period of time (less than one month) and only if there is very strong justification to grant it.
Submit your completed form ’Request permission to work with an employer beyond six months on a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa’ to the department, at least two weeks before the expiry of the six month employment limitation.
Note: You will be requested to provide a letter of support from your employer.
Visa holders who work for more than six months with an employer without prior written permission from the Department are in breach of their visa condition and their visa may be cancelled.
Studying
You can study
for a maximum of four months. If you study while on your first Working Holiday visa, you may return to the
same institution if granted a
second Working Holiday visa.
Four months is interpreted as
17 weeks of actual study excluding holidays and orientation period.
If you want to study for a longer period in Australia, you may be able to apply for a student visa.
You can apply for a student visa from Australia, but you must apply before the end of your first or second Working Holiday visa.