After your first Working Holiday Visa in Australia, you have the possibility to renew your WHV in Australia up to 2 times. For this, you must (among other things) have worked at least 88 days in rural areas (specific activities and geographic areas). To be eligible for a third visa, it is necessary to carry out 6 months of specified work in regional areas while you are on your second WHV. You will find in this article the list of all the regional areas of Australia eligible to get a second and third Working Holiday Visa.
UK passport holders should be granted a visa for up to 3 years without the need to undertake farm work from 1st July 2024. Refer to FTA Australia – UK for more information.
Renew your Working Holiday Visa – Overview
You have the possibility to renew your WHV in Australia up to 2 times. For this, you must be between 18 and 31 or 35 years old (depending on your nationality), have a valid passport and have worked at least 88 days in rural areas (specific activities and geographic areas).
Working Holiday visa makers can also claim a third visa. To be eligible, it is necessary to carry out 6 months of specified work in regional areas while they are on their second year visa. To be eligible for a third-year visa, applicants must have completed six months of specified work during their second year. The eligible postcodes for the third-year extension are generally the same as those for the second-year. However, the type of work or the sectors may vary slightly, emphasizing the importance of verifying current requirements on the official website.
In addition, following the bushfires, floods and other disasters that hit the country, the Australian government has implemented changes to allow backpackers to participate in the country’s recovery while renewing their WHV. New regions and new jobs have been added for renewal. Voluntary work can only be included as specified work where it is related to bushfire recovery work undertaken in declared bushfire-affected areas or to flood recovery work undertaken in flood affected areas (see below).
The Australian Government encourages Working Holiday Visa holders to contribute to the rural and regional economies by offering the possibility to extend their visas for a second or third year. To qualify, visa holders must undertake specific work in designated areas. Understanding which postcodes are eligible and what type of work qualifies is crucial for planning your WHV extension.
Eligible Jobs for a second & third year visa
Remember that not all jobs are eligible to qualify you to renew your Working Holiday Visa.
Understanding Specified Work
Specified work for the purpose of a WHV extension includes, but is not limited to, sectors such as agriculture (fruit picking, farm work), fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, mining, and construction. The Australian Government periodically updates the list of eligible sectors to respond to labor shortages in rural and regional areas.
Eligible postcodes for Regional work
Unfortunately, not all areas are eligible to complete specified work.
Work carried out in the following areas of regional Australia in plant and animal cultivation and construction, is eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
Specified work carried out in the following areas of regional Australia is eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa.
Prior to starting any work, you should ensure that the location of the work is in an eligible regional area. For the original list of all the postcodes, just click here.
Eligible postcodes in Disaster-affected areas
Bushfire declared areas
Following the tragic fires that hit Australia in the summer of 2019-2020, the government has implemented changes. This is to allow backpackers to participate in the recovery of the country while renewing their WHV. We talk about “assisting bush recovery efforts” or “disaster recovery work”. Bushfire recovery work must be carried out after July 2019.
Here is the list of eligible regions in the disaster areas:
Natural disaster declared areas
Recovery work carried out from 31 December 2021 in the following areas of Australia declared affected by other natural disasters, such as flood, cyclones or severe weather events, are eligible for specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday visa. This applies to applications lodged on or after 2 February 2024 and undecided applications on this date.
Eligible postcodes for Remote and very remote Australia
Tourism and hospitality work carried out from June 2021 in the following areas of remote and very remote Australia will be considered eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417, 462) visa application lodged from March 2022.
Eligible postcodes in Northern Australia
Tourism and hospitality work carried out from 22 June 2021 in the following areas of northern Australia will be considered eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa application lodged from March 2022.
Work carried out in the following areas of northern Australia in tourism and hospitality, plant and animal cultivation, forestry and fishing is eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
How to find regional work in Australia?
There are different ways to approach employers, either by phone or by contacting farmers in person. Download our Backpackers guide to access contact details of over +500 farms. Vacancies specifically for plant and animal cultivation can also be found on Harvest Trail.
You can also find a job online, by searching on job boards or the website Gumtree, which publishes all kinds of classified ads. Apart from that, you have to watch out for scams! A great way to find a job in fruit picking is by word of mouth. Also, ask around in hostels.
Don’t leave it until the end of your stay to arrange your specified work! Unforeseen circumstances (bad weather, illness or not finding enough work) may prevent you to complete the required period of specified work.
Download our complete Guide to Work in Australia
- Best jobs in cities & farms
- Certificates & training requirements
- Visa options for residency
- Farms & Mining contact listing
How to better understand the eligible areas?
In Australia, when renewing your Working Holiday Visa, certain job requirements are tied to specific regions of the country. This means that in order to extend your visa, you will need to engage in specific types of employment within designated areas. These job requirements and regional restrictions are put in place to encourage working holiday visa holders to contribute to regional economies and communities by participating in industries that are crucial to those areas.
While some areas will allow for a broader range of regional work types, others will only accept certain jobs that align with their specific industries or needs. This means that in order to extend your visa, you might be required to engage in agricultural, horticultural, or related work in some regions, while other regions may have a more limited scope, focusing on specific sectors like tourism or hospitality. This targeted approach aims to ensure that working holiday visa holders contribute to the diverse needs of different regions, fostering sustainable growth and enhancing local economies.
Planning Your Work and Stay
- Research Thoroughly: Before moving to a region, research the job market, living conditions, and community to ensure it aligns with your expectations and needs.
- Document Your Work: Keep detailed records of your employment, including pay slips, work contracts, and employer details, as you’ll need to provide evidence when applying for your visa extension.
- Stay Updated: Immigration policies and eligible postcodes can change. Regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.
Disclaimer: The extracted information is subject to change quickly, we advise you to always check the eligibility of the postcode on the Australian immigration website.
Article updated on 09/02/2024
Good day,
Is Fraser Island code 4581 is eligible for second year in hospitality (462 visa)?
Cheers
Hi,
Only work carried out in areas of northern Australia is eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.It must be located north of the Tropic of Capricorn. Unfortunately Fraser is not included. Cheers
Hello, I have a question regarding the times to apply for the second working holiday. I am 35 years old and I turn 36 on the 7th of April. I just got the first 417 working holiday visa granted. I am determined to go to Cairns asap to work for 3 months in order to qualify for the second working holiday. Can I apply for the second working holiday before I turn 36? (I have Italian passport).
In the official government site its written till 35 for Italians. But I dont understand if it meens that I Have to apply before 36 ?
Thank you!
Hi Nicola,
It is 35 inclusive – which means that you can apply for the visa until your 36th bday. Cheers
Does work as a tour guide on the whitsundayโs count as 88day visa extension work?
Hey, shoudl work but please check postcode of your location. Cheers
Does the town Toowoomba count towards 417 for tourism? Keep getting really confused with the gov website
Hi Jessica, check the postcode of where you are staying to be sure (for 417 : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work) . Cheers
Does Nerang 4211 count for 2nd year visa to work in hospitality?
Thank you
Hi Colette, For a WHV 417 -> 4211 is listed in regional area and not remote ๐
Hi there,
I was wondering, Iโm supposed to get a job in Buderim, 4556 age care center. Iโm under 417 visa, is that count for second year ?
Hi Nolwenn, the work carried out must be critical to Australiaโs response to COVID-19 including:
-medical treatment, nursing, contact tracing, testing and research
-support services including cleaning of medical, health care and quarantine facilities and equipment directly involved in the response to COVID-19
Cheers
Hi there, is a grounds maintenance job eligible for a second WHM?
Regards,
Troy
Hi Troy,
Depends of where you are doing the maintenance (industry) Cheers
Hi,
I was hoping to do rural hospitality at Airlee Beach as my ‘regional’ for second year visa. Some of the nearby Whitsunday islands are classified but I’m unsure about Airlee Beach itself https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work
Hi Aine, it seems indeed that Airlie is not listed in remote / very remote Australia. Cheers
Hi, is the postcode 2320 in NWS eligible for the 2nd year working in the hospitality industry?
Thanks
Hi Denis, for hospitality to be ‘counted’ the work needs to be performed in remote/very remote Australia – https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/specified-work 2320 doesnt show up here.
Hi, thank you for your answer.
Just another question :
Does 2330 NSW post code fit?
It seems to me yes checking that link but could you please give me confirm or not to it?
Thanks
Hi
How are you?
I have been in two different woofing that can be eligible for extend my visa. I was there like woofer as the rule of the bush fire.
Can you tell me if the postcodes are ok?
It s 2429 et 7116.
Thanks you very very much!
Hi there, 2429 is eligible but not the other one
Hi there
Iโm interested in offering work for travellers and I am in a bushfire and flood affected postcode area. Is the process to apply difficult and arduous for either the sponsors or the interested parties?
Thanks
Anna
Hi Anna, there is no process for you to follow, you just need to make backpackers know that work is available at your place and eligible to renew their visa. feel free to post on FB pages or groups or even gumtree ๐
Hi Anna
I’m interested of work in flooted area(close to sydney like 2018 post code)
Please let me know and we keep in touch to see if its possible for me
Thank you
Stefania
Hi Stefania,
Flood recovery work carried out from 1 January 2022 is eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday- 2018 is listed as eligible. Cheers
Hi, does doing housekeeping in Exmouth count towards the 2nd year visa (currently on the 417 visa)
Hi there, 6707 is an eligible postcode for renewal. Housekeeping in Tourism and hospitality sectors will be ok. Cheers
Hello , Airlie beach is available for the 3nd visa ?
Hi Bonin, 4802 is not listed in the postcodes ๐
Hi I’m just wondering if working in a cafe in Dubbo-postcode 2830 counts towards the 88 days? I’m confused by two different answers.
Thank you
Hi there,
Work in hospitality and tourism must be in remote or very remote Australia. Dubbo is not listed there. Cheers
Hi there! Nice info.
Is there any postcode close to Brisbane, that counts towards the 88 days?
Thanks!
Hi R
Yes there are check the jobs available in those areas. Cheers
Hi Iโm just asking can hospitality work in Victoria 3699 definitely count as my 88 days?
Hi Andy, dont think it will work as only approved in remote/very remote parts of Australia.
Hello,
I did reception work for a hostel in Hobart, Tasmania and I was told it doesnโt classify for the 88 days. I am trying to extend for my second year. I wanted to ask as this site says otherwise.
Hi Ky, hospitality and tourism work is only eligible in some areas of the country (north, remote & very remote) as mentioned in the article. Cheers
Hi, work as a front house leader in a winery on caversham postcode 6055 counts for extend my visa? The postcode is in remote areas, but doesn’t say hospitality. Please helรฑ
Hi Benjamin, what is saying your contract/payslip, what is your position ? It can be eligible in hospitality areas, not sure it will be under agricultural work though (regional areas). Cheers
Hello!
Im a bit confused by the tables of postcodes here and also in the immi website.
It is said that hospitality and tourism is just on remote and very remote areas. What about the northern Australia table? Does it count as well for hospitality or not? Thanks in advance!
Hi there, tourism and hospitality is eligible in northern or remote and very remote Australia for 462 visa holders. Cheers
does anyone knows if working in electrical repairs in one of the flood affected area postcodes (4064) works for your extension to second or third year of whv ?
Hi Pedro, if it is helping the reconstruction of damaged properties yes it should. Cheers
Hi.
My property was badly affected by both the bushfires and more recently by two floods. The right skills would be very helpful. Postcode 2325 Laguna in the Boree Valley. Am I able to employ backpackers. Just read the information available and am unsure
Hi Troy, Bushfire recovery work carried out after 31 July 2019 in an eligible area is eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday visa. 2325 is eligible ๐
Hi there!
What are the criteria for a farm itself, so that my work at a farm counts towards the 88 days? Does it have to be a certain size or does it need an ABN?
Cheers!
Hi Alexander, no specific size required. You will need to make sure the farm is in an eligible area – and yes you will need to provide its ABN when applying for the renewal. Cheers
Hi, I work at Coleโs supermarket in Broome WA. Does working there count for the 88 days to apply for a second year visa?
Hi Ria, don’t think it s eligible but check with the immi ๐
Hi, thanks for all the information. I just want to clarify one thing, the first set of postcodes listed – is that specifically for construction and cultivation of plants and animal (Regional – Eligible Postcodes)? 4703 is listed as an approved area but immi website says it is not. My employer followed this website and they said they can approve 88 days.
Hi Anita, yes its for Work in agriculture, construction, mining in regional Australia. 4703 is listed as Regional Australia (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/specified-work-conditions/specified-work-417) Cheers
Hey guys!
I absolutely love the effort you have put into this page!
It would be amazing if you could make a visual map of the postcodes so one could see what areas and towns were included in the 88 days whv!
Maybe work for a rainy day!
๐
Oh dear… a few rainy days then… but if someone is keen to help ๐
Hi there, thanks for this page and the time you put in it.
I have a question and I can’t seem to find the answer as everyone got a different opinion on it.
I work in construction (company post code 6052 so doesnt count as regional) but all my worksites are on Ellenbrook (postcode 6069 which counts) and this is specified on payslips : the company name and postcode are specified like it should on top of the payslip but then on each specific days the hours and place of work are specified.
Do you know which postcode would work ?
Cheers
Hi Jude, it will be the one where your work is performed. Cheers
is postcode 3714 eligible to extend the visa? I didn’t see it in Victoria
Hi Enrico, no it doesn t seem to be eligible. Cheers
Hi guys, Iยดve the italian passport and I wanna know if in Sunshine Coast is possible to extend. Right now Iยดm in Darwin with everything ready to apply to the extension of the second year, but I wanna go to QLD next year, also I play football and knowing the quantity of days that I need to apply for the third year, I wanna know if exist specifics works that I can do there while Iยดm playing there, and I can save, after the football season, go to the mines or to the farms for example to complete the 179 days. Cheers mate!
Hi Daniel, yes some jobs will be eligible on the SC (a bit inland though). You need to check the postcode and jobs (for example for 417 jobs in construction are eligible on the SC). Cheers
Hi Im a little confused have tried to work out, we have a motel in Tassie, 7190 and are wondering if backpackers could work for us, or would it only be for the first visa holders.
Hi Joanne, Tourism and hospitality work carried out from 22 June 2021 in the following areas of remote and very remote Australia will be considered eligible specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417, 462) visa application lodged from March 2022 : 7001, 7139, 7255, 7256, 7257, 7466, 7467, 7468, 7469, 7470 for Tasmania. Cheers
Hi, is hail damaged affected roofing works comply job required for the 88 days regional area Dubbo
Hi James, no i do not think it will count towards the 88 days. Cheers
Hello,
I will be working as a FIFO physiotherapist in Port Hedland (6721). Will this count towards my 88 days?
Thanks,
Alan
Hi Alan, is your employer a mining company? what is written on your payslips? Cheers
Hi. I have some questions. First one would be if deckhand counts as tourism work? And if it does what areas would be eligible? Iโm struggling a little bit to understand the areas since all websites seem to have different options. Iโm thinking Cairns is possible and maybe Whitsundays?
Hi Alfonso, yes if you work on a tourist boat it can be eligible. It needs to be in an eligible area for tourism. Check the eligible postcodes under ‘Tourism and Hospitality’. Cheers
Hi I am working in construction in Canberra, would this count towards my 88 days Regional work for 417 w2nd year WHV
Hi Helen, I believe it doesn’t. โThe Australian Capital Territory is not classified as part of regional Australia
๐
hi there
i was wondering if working in hospo/tourism at Airlie beach is eligible for 88 days with 462 visa?
also – does working in a plant nursery counts as well for 88 days? as long as those plant nurseries are in the postcodes mentioned in the list
thanks for your help ๐
Hi Michal,
No Airlie Postcode (4802) is not listed. Regarding the nursery yes it should be eligible. Cheers
Hi there, Iโm doing my actual farm on a farm in an eligible area, but the ABN of the business is registered in 3977 which isnโt on the list, is this fine ?
Hi Josh, yes it should be fine as long as you explain it when applying for your second year ๐
Hi, I worked rurally for flood relief in Rochester, VIC postcode 3561. The company I worked for informed me this is eligible for the 88 days. Can you confirm this is true?
Hi Finley, if it is in an affected area yes. Cheers
Hi there,
I found farm work around broome on cattle station the postcode is 6725 this one stays on the list, my question is count it then for 88 days? I have working holiday visum 417
Hi Arno, if the postcode is listed in regional work then it is eligible. Cheers
Hi there,
What kind of work counts as farm work within the postcode 2481, NSW?
Thanks
Hi Jody, If it is considered as regional australia then all farm work jobs ๐
Hi there ,
I found a job as a pizza chef in Esperance WA, does this count as a visa renewal?
Hi there, Tourism and hospitality jobs are eligible in northern or remote and very remote Australia. Please check those postcodes. Cheers
Hi,
Is 6429 postcode in mining job counts for the 88 days ?
Thanks
Hi there, 6429 is eligible for regional work (subclass 417) Cheers
Hi,
I completed my regional work in Dimboola, Victoria, with a recruitment agency (programmed) based in Bendigo. Although the postcode for both locations is eligible, my payslips display the Bendigo agency’s address. Since I didn’t work in Bendigo, I’m unsure which address to use when extending my visa. Can you advise?
Thank you.
Hi Henri, it is usually the address where the work is performed. But maybe you should double check with the agency ๐ Cheers