What is the Difference between 417 and 462 Visa?

Each year, almost 3 million visitors come to Australia, and with each passing year, this number has been increasing by 10 percent. Most of these visitors come on Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visas. 

So, if you are planning to visit Australia, it is important for you to understand the major differences between the Work & Holiday Visa (subclass 462) and the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417). Because not everyone is eligible for these visas. 

Read this blog post to learn more about the difference between 417 and 462 visas and which category is suitable for you.

What is a Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462)?

Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows the young adults to travel and work in Australia for up to three years. With the help of this visa, the holder can take an extended vacation to Australia and work to support themselves financially. You are permitted to apply for three Work and Holiday visas.

What is a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417)?

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa and is designed for those candidates aged between 18 to 30 years who want to extend their holiday. This visa allows them to work in Australia for up to 12 months so that they can fund their trip during their stay.

What is the Difference Between a 417 and 462 Visa?

Both these visas allow the candidates to visit Australia and work in the country for almost 12 months. The main difference between a 417 and 462 visa is the educational requirements. To apply for a 462 visa, you need to provide evidence of English language proficiency and a support letter from the government of your country of origin.  Moreover, the eligible countries for both visas are different.

Difference Between Age Requirements for 417 and 462

The age limit is also different for both subclasses. 

The age limit for an Australian Working visa (subclass 417) is 18 to 35 years. However, it depends upon your passport country. If you are from Canada, France, or the Republic of Ireland, the age limit for you is 35 years. However, candidates from any other country must be between 18 and 30 years old. 

On the other hand, the age limit for an Australian Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is 18 to 30 years for each country.

Difference Between Eligible Countries

Although there are several benefits associated with both visas, the eligible countries for both categories are different. Let’s have a look at them:

Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) Eligible Countries

If you are from Canada, Belgium, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan or United Kingdom, you are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).

Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) Eligible Countries

If you are from Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Argentina, Austria, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Uruguay, Vietnam, Brazil, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea or Switzerland, you are eligible to apply for a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). 

Subclass 462 Education Requirements

Unlike the subclass 417 visa, candidates for the subclass 462 visa must meet specific educational requirements as determined by the Immigration Department. These requirements are:

• You need to prove that you are proficient in the English language.
• You need to provide a letter of support from your country of origin for subclass 462 so that you can travel and work in Australia.

However, subclass 417 doesn’t require any such educational documents from you.

Final Thoughts

So, by now, you must have understood the major difference between 417 and 462 visa, their eligible countries, and educational requirements. So, check whether your country is eligible for a subclass 462 or 417 visa, and then prepare yourself accordingly. Moreover, if you don’t have the support letter from the Government of your home country, and the English language proficiency certificate, 417 is the suitable option for you. 

However, if you are still confused or have queries about these visas, it is better to seek professional help instead of trying on your own.

So, whether you need consultation or help with the application process, schedule an online appointment now. We are here to help you.

FAQs

What countries are eligible for an Australian Working Holiday Visa (subclass 462)?

Chile, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Argentina, Austria, China, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Uruguay, Vietnam, Brazil, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, and Switzerland are the subclass 462 eligible countries. 

Can I apply for PR on a 417 visa in Australia?

A Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa that does not provide a direct route to permanent residence in Australia. However, you can apply for other visas that will lead to permanent residence in Australia.

What’s the difference between a 417 and 462 visa?

The main difference between a 417 and 462 visa is that a 462 visa requires education requirements, and you don’t need to provide any educational qualifications or documents for a 417 visa.