Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
What the 417 asks for
You must be a citizen of and hold a valid passport from one of the listed countries or jurisdictions, be within the age limit for your passport country when you apply, and have enough money, which Home Affairs sets at AUD5,000 for your initial stay plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia (Home Affairs).
| Visa | English requirement |
|---|---|
| Working Holiday (subclass 417) | None listed |
| Work and Holiday (subclass 462) | Functional English for most countries |
Stay and next steps
The 417 is temporary: you must enter within 12 months of grant and can stay up to 12 months. If your passport is on the 462 list instead, see IELTS for the 462 visa.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the Home Affairs 417 page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
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Passport and age
You must be a citizen of, and hold a valid passport from, one of the countries or jurisdictions Home Affairs lists for the 417. The age limit is set for each passport country, and you must be within it when you apply.
You may also need health exams, and you must provide character documents with the application.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the 462 need English but the 417 does not?+
The two visas have different eligibility lists on Home Affairs. The 417 list has no English criterion.
What is the 417 age limit?+
It depends on your passport country; Home Affairs lists the limit for each country.
When must I enter Australia?+
Within 12 months of the grant date. Home Affairs says it will not extend or defer this.
Do I need IELTS later for a skilled visa?+
Skilled visas such as the 189, 190 and 491 do have English requirements. See our skilled visa guide.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the 462 Work and Holiday visa
- IELTS for the 189, 190 and 491
- IEC Canada and English
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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