Understanding specified work for Working Holiday Visa Extensions in Australia 

Whether you’re an employer looking to support your staff or a visa holder planning to extend your stay in Australia, understanding the rules around “specified work” is essential.

This guide breaks down what qualifies as specified work under the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) and how both employers and visa holders can ensure compliance. 

What is specified work? 

Specified work refers to employment in particular industries and locations that meet the criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs. Completing a minimum period of specified work is a requirement for visa holders seeking a second or third Working Holiday Visa. 

• Second visa: Requires at least 88 days of specified work. 

• Third visa: Requires at least 179 days of specified work. 

All specified work must be paid in accordance with Australian workplace laws, unless it is voluntary recovery work in declared disaster zones. 

Approved industries for specified work 

Location requirements 

Specified work must be performed in eligible postcodes, which fall under: 

• Regional areas of Australia 

• Northern Australia 

• Remote or very remote areas of Australia 

• Declared disaster zones 

Refer to https://immi\.homeaffairs\.gov\.au/visas/working\-holiday\-visa/specified\-work to confirm whether the postcode is eligible.

Tourism and Hospitality: What counts? 

Tourism and hospitality work is only eligible if performed in Northern or remote areas. Accepted roles include (but are not limited to): 

• Tour guides 

• Outdoor activity instructors 

• Hotel receptionists 

• Baristas and waitstaff 

• Museum and gallery staff 

Employer responsibilities

If you are an employer who employs working holiday visa holders, you should ensure that before advising that the work is eligible, you confirm that your business operates in an eligible industry sector and location and by keeping proper records by ensuring all work is paid and appropriately documented.

Visa holder responsibilities

If you are a working holiday visa holder, you should always do your own research to confirm that the job and the location meet the specified work criteira and eligibility requirements. Ensure your work is paid (unless you are volunteering in disaster recovery), and you are being issued with payslips and keeping records of your employment and days worked.

Note for United Kingdom passport holders

As of 1 July 2024, passport holders of the United Kingdom are exempt from the specified work requirement when applying for their second or third working holiday visa.

Further advice and assistance

If you are an employer or visa holder and have further questions around the specified work requirement or would like to advice on your particular circumstances in more detail, please contact our office for further assistance from our immigration lawyers.