Second Year Visa Job - 88 Days
Understand the 88-day farm work requirement for your second working holiday visa, qualifying work types, and how to ensure your employer properly certifies your days.
The Requirement
Days of Specified Work Required
Approximately 3 calendar months of work in eligible regions on approved work types.
Who is Eligible?
417 Visa Holders
Can apply for a second Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) if they have completed 88 days of specified work during their first visa.
462 Visa Holders
Limited countries eligible for 462 second visas. Check Department of Home Affairs for your specific eligibility.
Age & Passport Requirements
- • Usually under 31 years old at time of application
- • Valid passport from an eligible country
- • No health or character issues
Qualifying Work Types
✅ Always Qualifies
- • Fruit & vegetable picking/harvesting
- • Pruning vines and trees
- • Planting and crop maintenance
- • Shearing and livestock work
- • Dairy milking
- • Commercial fishing/aquaculture
- • Tree plantation work
- • Logging and felling
- • Mining (in eligible regions)
⚠️ Regional Requirement
- • Building/construction (must be regional/remote)
- • Tourism & hospitality (does NOT count)
- • Work must be in designated postcode areas
- • Urban/metropolitan work does NOT qualify
Important: Work type eligibility depends on your visa subclass and nationality. Some work types may not count if you're on a 462 visa. Always verify with your employer before accepting the job.
Eligible Regional Areas
Work must be performed in specified postcodes. Most farm work naturally falls in these areas, but some work types (like construction) are restricted to specific regional/remote zones.
How Days Are Counted
What Counts
- ✅ Full working days (typically 8+ hours)
- ✅ Paid work in qualifying jobs
- ✅ Work certified by your employer
What Does NOT Count
- ❌ Part-time or casual work under 8 hours/day
- ❌ Unpaid work or volunteer work
- ❌ Work not in eligible regions
- ❌ Work outside specified work types
- ❌ Weekends only (unless regular work day)
Getting Your Days Certified
Work with Your Employer
Ensure your employer knows they need to certify your days worked. Keep records of hours and dates.
Request Certification Letter
Ask your employer for a letter confirming days worked, work type, location, and dates of employment.
Use in Your Visa Application
Provide documentation when applying for your second visa. Keep records until approval is granted.
FAQ
Can I count casual work toward the 88 days?
Only if it's full-day work (typically 8+ hours per day). Casual part-time hours don't count - each day must be a full working day.
What if my employer goes out of business?
Get written certification before they close. If impossible, you may provide tax records, pay stubs, or co-worker statements as evidence. Contact the Department of Home Affairs for guidance.
Can I count days worked in different locations?
Yes, as long as all locations are in eligible regional areas and the work is in qualifying categories. Days add up across multiple employers and regions.
What's the time limit to apply for the second visa?
Your first visa must still be valid or be within 28 days after expiry. You must have completed 88 days of work before the visa expires.