How to extend your Working Holiday Visa with Specified Work

How to extend your Working Holiday Visa with Specified Work

Are you a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) on a Subclass 417 or Subclass 462 visa dreaming of extending your stay in Australia? One of the key pathways to a second WHM visa or even a third WHM visa is by completing specified work. This article will guide you through the eligibility requirements and the types of specified work that can help you unlock a visa extension.

What is Specified Work?

Specified work refers to specific types of employment undertaken in designated regions of Australia. By completing a minimum number of days in these roles, you can meet the criteria for extending your WHM visa.

Key Types of Specified Work:

  • Tourism and Hospitality in Northern or Remote and Very Remote Australia (from 22 June 2021): This includes roles in hotels, restaurants, cafes, and other tourism-related businesses in designated areas.

  • Plant and Animal Cultivation in Northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia: This covers work on farms, orchards, and other agricultural businesses.

  • Fishing and Pearling in Northern Australia only: This includes roles in the fishing and pearling industries in specific regions of Northern Australia.

  • Tree Farming and Felling in Northern Australia only: This covers work in the forestry industry in designated areas of Northern Australia.

  • Construction in Northern Australia and other specified areas of regional Australia: This includes various construction roles in both Northern Australia and other specified regional areas.

  • Bushfire Recovery Work in declared bushfire-affected areas carried out after 31 July 2019: This recognizes the valuable contribution of WHM visa holders in assisting with bushfire recovery efforts.

  • Recovery work in flood, cyclone, or other severe weather affected areas carried out after 31 December 2021: This acknowledges the support provided by WHM visa holders in recovering from natural disasters.

  • Critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors anywhere in Australia, after 31 January 2020: This recognizes the vital role played by WHM visa holders in supporting the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic.

How Many Days of Specified Work are Required?

  • Second WHM Visa: You generally need to complete 88 calendar days of specified work to be eligible for a second WHM visa.

  • Third WHM Visa: You typically need to complete 179 calendar days of specified work to be eligible for a third WHM visa.

Important Considerations:

  • Full-time vs. Part-time Work: Both full-time and part-time work can count towards the required number of days.

  • Record Keeping: It is crucial to maintain accurate records of your employment, including dates, employer details, and the type of work performed.

  • Visa Application: When applying for a visa extension, you will need to provide evidence of your specified work, such as payslips, employment contracts, and tax returns.