How to Count Specified Work for Your Australian Working Holiday Visa Extension

How to Count Specified Work for Your Australian Working Holiday Visa Extension

How to Count Specified Work for Your Australian Working Holiday Visa Extension

Extending your Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa in Australia requires you to complete a certain amount of "specified work." This article will break down how this crucial requirement is counted, ensuring you have the information you need to successfully extend your stay Down Under.

Understanding the "3 Months" and "6 Months" Requirements:

  • Second WHM Visa: You must complete at least 3 months of specified work. This translates to a minimum of 88 calendar days, including weekends and public holidays.

  • Third WHM Visa: You must complete at least 6 months of specified work (on or after 1 July 2019). This equates to a minimum of 179 calendar days.

Key Principles for Counting Specified Work:

  • Equivalent to Full-Time Work: You must complete the same number of workdays as a full-time employee in that role and industry would typically work within the 3-month or 6-month period.

  • Flexibility in Work Arrangements:

    • Continuous Full-Time: Working 5 days a week for 3 or 6 consecutive months meets the requirement.

    • Part-Time Over Extended Period: Working less than 5 days a week over a longer period can also fulfill the requirement, as long as it equals the equivalent of 5 days a week over 3 or 6 months.

    • Multiple Short Periods: Combining full-time, part-time, or piecework roles that collectively equal 5 days a week over the required timeframe is acceptable.

  • No Short-Term Exceptions: The specified work must be completed over a minimum period of 3 or 6 calendar months, regardless of the number of days worked.

Examples:

  • John (Full-Time Continuous Work): John worked full-time for 88 calendar days (5 days/week) as a tour guide. He meets the 3-month requirement.

  • Ben (Insufficient Part-Time Work): Ben worked 2 days/week for 3 months, but this does not equate to the workload of a full-time employee in that role. She would need to work for a longer period to meet the requirement.

  • Kyle (Combined Full-Time and Part-Time): Kyle worked full-time for 4 months and then part-time for 4 months, effectively equaling 6 months of full-time work. She meets the 6-month requirement.

Important Considerations:

  • Timing of Specified Work: Generally, all specified work must be completed while holding your previous WHM visa.

  • Bridging Visas: In some cases, specified work completed while waiting for a visa application to be processed (on a bridging visa) may be counted.

By carefully tracking your workdays and ensuring they meet the equivalent of full-time employment, you can increase your chances of successfully extending your Working Holiday visa in Australia.