In 2017-18, a total of 210,456 WHM(Working Holiday Maker) visas including the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa were granted, a 0.3 per cent reduction compared to 2016-17.
Of the 42 partner countries, 19 are the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa arrangements, and 23 are the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa arrangements.
Total number of Working Holiday Maker visa applications granted in 2017-18 to 30 June 2018 by month – comparison with previous four financial years Source: Department of Home Affairs
In 2017-18, There was a 3.4 per cent reduction in the Working Holiday (subclass 417/ First and Second) grants to 185,450 while 31.2 percent increase in the Work and Holiday (subclass 462/ First and Second) visa grants to 25,006.
The key differences between the two visas are that Work and Holiday visa arrangements generally have caps on the number of visas granted annually and additional eligibility requirements.
Working Holiday Maker visa program
Working Holiday Maker visa program to foster closer ties and cultural exchange between Australia and partner countries has been in existence since 1975.
Both Working Holiday and Work and Holiday visa applicants must be aged 18-30 at time of application and hold a passport from an eligible partner country.
All Working Holiday Maker visa holders may work for the full duration of their 12 month stay in Australia, but cannot generally remain with any one employer for longer than six months. They are entitled to study for a period of up to four months during their 12 month stay in Australia.
First-time Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa holders who complete three months of ‘specified work’ in regional Australia during their stay acquire eligibility to apply for a second such visa.
First-time Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders who complete three months of specified subclass 462 work in northern Australia during their stay acquire eligibility to apply for a second such visa.
First Visa and Second Visa
A total of 152,622 first Working Holiday visas (subclass 417) were granted in 2017-18. This is a 3.3 per cent reduction compared to 2016-17. A total of 32,828 second Working Holiday visas were granted in 2017-18. This is a 3.7 per cent reduction compared 2017-18.
The top five countries for first Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) grants were United Kingdom (30,036), Germany (22,025), France (20,439), South Korea (18,145) and Taiwan (14,659) while the top five countries for second Working Holiday visa grants were United Kingdom (7,716), Taiwan (6,698), South Korea (3,992), France (2,778) and Italy (2,221).
The top five countries for first visa grants under the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa were United States of America (7,368), China (5,000), Chile (2,002), Spain (1,505) and Argentina (1,407).
Total number of Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications granted in 2017-18 to 30 June 2018 by citizenship country - comparison with the previous four financial years Source: Department of Home Affairs
