Eligible Postcodes for a Second and Third Year Visa in Australia
You can renew your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) up to two times by completing specified work in regional areas. The 2nd WHV requires 88 days of regional work. The 3rd WHV requires 6 months of regional work while on your 2nd visa. Find the full list of eligible regional areas in this guide!
⚠️ UK passport holders should be granted a visa for up to 3 years without the need to undertake farm work since July 2024. Refer to FTA Australia – UK for more information.
Check if your postcode is eligible
Enter the postcode of your future employer to check whether the region is eligible to renew your WHV.
Renewing Your Working Holiday Visa in Australia
You can extend your Working Holiday Visa (WHV) up to two times, provided you meet specific requirements. To qualify, you must be 18 to 31 or 35 years old (depending on your nationality), hold a valid passport, and complete 88 days of specified work in regional areas. UK passports holders are exempt.
Second & Third WHV Eligibility
– Second WHV: Requires 88 days of regional work in approved industries and locations.
– Third WHV: Requires 6 months of specified work during your second-year visa. The eligible postcodes for a third-year WHV are generally the same as those for the second-year extension, though job types and industries may differ slightly. Always check the latest requirements on the official immigration website.
Visa fees (since 1 July 2026): the 2nd and 3rd WHV each cost AUD 1,000 (the 1st WHV costs AUD 840). These fees are non-refundable if your application is refused.
🆕 Expansion of eligible areas
As of 2025, the Australian government has updated the list of eligible postcodes for recovery work following natural disasters. These now include areas affected by bushfires, floods, cyclones, and other severe weather events.
This update applies to visa applications submitted on or after that date, as well as to pending applications.
You’ll find the updated list further down in this article.
👷♀️ Eligible Jobs for a second & third year visa
Remember that not all jobs are eligible to qualify you to renew your Working Holiday Visa.
📅 Counting your work days
88 days: For the 2nd WHV, the days can be consecutive or non-consecutive, but must be completed within a maximum period of 12 months.
179 days: For the 3rd WHV, the days must be completed during your second year on a WHV.
Important: Make sure each day of work is properly documented with payslips, bank statements, and employer letters, as these documents will be required when applying for your visa extension.
Eligible Postcodes for Regional Work
Not all locations qualify for specified work under the Working Holiday (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas.
✅ Work in plant and animal cultivation or construction in the following regional areas counts towards a second or third Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
✅ Specified work in eligible regional areas qualifies for a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa.
🔍 Before starting any job, verify that the work location falls within an eligible regional postcode.
Eligible postcodes in Disaster-affected areas
Bushfire declared areas
Following the tragic fires that hit Australia in the past years, 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.
Natural disaster declared areas
Recovery work carried out from 31 December 2021 in the following areas of Australia, that have been declared affected by other natural disasters, such as flood, cyclones or other severe weather events, is considered eligible for specified work for the purpose of a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa. This applies to applications lodged on or after 5 April 2025 and undecided applications on this date.
📖 Plan your Working Holiday in Australia — Free eBook
Plan your trip to Australia with this free 60-page ebook written by former backpackers who have travelled the length and breadth of the country.
Inside, you’ll discover everything you need to plan your journey — from applying for your visa to booking your flights and understanding the administrative steps once you arrive.
With detailed insights and practical advice, you’ll navigate each step with ease. Get ready to embark on your Australian adventure fully equipped and informed!
Eligible Postcodes for Remote and very Remote Australia
Jobs in the tourism and hospitality sector carried out in remote and very remote areas of Australia since June 2021 are considered eligible specified work for a second or third Working Holiday Visa.
Eligible Jobs in Remote Areas
These roles must directly serve tourists and include:
- Tour guides & operators
- Outdoor adventure & activity instructors
- Tourist transport services (e.g., drivers)
- Gallery & museum managers, curators, or guides
- Hospitality workers (hotels, accommodation, restaurants, cafés, bars, casinos)
- Event organizers
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.
Best Ways to Find Regional Work in Australia
Contact Farmers Directly
- Call farms or visit in person to increase your chances.
- Download our Backpackers Guide for contact details of 1500+ farms.
- Check Harvest Trail, a government platform listing jobs in plant and animal cultivation.
Find Jobs Online
- Browse job boards and classified ad websites like Gumtree, Seek.
- Be cautious of job scams, always verify employers before applying.
Network & Word of Mouth
- Ask other backpackers or hostel staff, many hostels are working hostels that connect travelers with farm jobs.
- Networking is key, as many jobs are filled through referrals.
⏳ Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute!
Finding regional work can be unpredictable due to weather, illness, or job shortages. Plan ahead to ensure you complete the required work period for your visa extension.
Understanding Eligible Regional Areas for Visa Renewal
When renewing your Working Holiday Visa, it’s essential to know that job eligibility is tied to specific regions. This means that to qualify for a visa extension, you must complete approved work in designated areas that support key industries.
Why Are Regional Work Requirements in Place?
The Australian government has designed these rules to encourage Working Holiday Visa holders to contribute to rural and regional economies. By working in these areas, backpackers help support industries essential to local communities, such as agriculture, tourism, and construction.
What Work is Eligible in Different Regions?
📍 Some regions offer more flexibility, allowing a range of agricultural, horticultural, and farm-related jobs.
📍 Other areas focus on specific sectors, such as tourism, hospitality, or disaster recovery work.
Working 6+ months with the same employer
Since 2024, you can work for the same employer for more than 6 months without permission if your work: is in different locations for the same company (no single location over 6 months); involves plant/animal cultivation anywhere in Australia; is in certain industries (aged & disability care, fishing, tree felling, construction & mining in northern Australia only); is disaster-recovery work; or is in critical sectors (agriculture, food processing, health, aged/disability care, childcare) anywhere, or tourism & hospitality anywhere.
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.
FAQ
🏠 How can I stay permanently in Australia? Several permanent residency options exist: the Skilled Migration Visa for in-demand occupations, an employer-sponsored visa, or a partner visa if you’re in a relationship with an Australian citizen or PR. See our guide: How to migrate to Australia.
💸 If I combine two part-time jobs, does it count as full-time?
Yes, hours from two eligible part-time jobs can be added together to reach the full-time equivalent, as long as both jobs are eligible and meet your visa’s regional/sector requirements.
🧳 Do I have to leave the country between my two WHV years?
No. If you’re still in Australia when your first year expires, you can apply for your second year from within the country and move onto a Bridging Visa while it’s processed.
💰 How much does the 2nd or 3rd WHV cost in 2026?
Since 1 July 2026, the 2nd and 3rd WHV each cost AUD 1,000 (~£520). The 1st WHV costs AUD 840. Non-refundable if refused.
🇬🇧 Am I exempt from specified work with a UK passport?
Yes. Since 1 July 2024, UK passport holders are exempt from the 88-day / 6-month specified work requirement for a 2nd or 3rd WHV, under the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
⏱️ How long do 2nd/3rd WHV applications take to process?
Usually 1–4 weeks for a 2nd WHV, and 1–3 months for a 3rd. Apply before your current WHV expires to stay covered by a Bridging Visa.
Article updated on 16/10/2026












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
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
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 helñ
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,
I did reception work for a hostel in Hobart, Tasmania and I was told it doesn’t 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 I’m 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.
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 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
Hello , Airlie beach is available for the 3nd visa ?
Hi Bonin, 4802 is not listed in the postcodes 🙁
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
Hi there
I’m 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 🙂
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
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,
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 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 there,
I was wondering, I’m supposed to get a job in Buderim, 4556 age care center. I’m under 417 visa, is that count for second year ?
Hi Nolwenn, the work carried out must be critical to Australia’s 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
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 🙁
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 work as a tour guide on the whitsunday’s count as 88day visa extension work?
Hey, shoudl work but please check postcode of your location. Cheers
Hi
Does the post code 2357 counts for the 88days visa for volunteer work under the disaster relief program?
Hi Maria – 2357 is listed under Natural disaster declared areas. 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
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