Third Visa Eligibility
Extend your Australian adventure with a third working holiday visa. Understand the 179-day requirement, eligibility rules, and application process.
Who Can Apply?
A third working holiday visa is only available to 417 visa holders (not 462 holders). Very few countries/visas support a third extension.
✓ 417 Visa Holders: Can apply for third visa if requirements are met
✗ 462 Visa Holders: Not eligible for third visa
📍 Limited Availability: Check Department of Home Affairs for current eligibility
179-Day Requirement
Days of Specified Work Required
Approximately 6 calendar months of work in eligible regions on approved work types. More than double the second visa requirement.
✓ What Counts Toward 179 Days
- • Days from your first visa
- • Days from your second visa
- • Combined total of 179 days needed
- • Work must meet same qualifying standards
ℹ️ Important Notes
- • Only your first and second visa days count
- • Cannot exceed 3 years in Australia total
- • Each visa is 12 months from grant
- • Age limit may apply (check eligibility)
Qualifying Work Types
The same work types qualify for third visa as they do for second visa, with one important exception:
✅ Always Counts
- • Fruit & vegetable picking
- • Shearing & livestock
- • Dairy milking
- • Commercial fishing
- • Tree plantation/logging
- • Mining
⚠️ Third Visa ONLY
- • Tourism & Hospitality (DOES count for 3rd visa!)
- • Must be in remote/very remote areas
- • Accommodation, food service, tours
- • Postcode restrictions apply
Key Difference from 2nd Visa: Tourism and hospitality work counts toward the third visa 179-day requirement, but does NOT count toward the second visa 88-day requirement.
Other Eligibility Criteria
👤 Age
You must still meet age requirements at time of application. For 417 visa, usually under 31, but check current rules as they may have changed. Some countries have higher age limits.
📋 Visa Status
Your second visa must still be valid or expire within 28 days. You cannot apply after the 28-day grace period expires.
🏥 Health & Character
Must continue to meet health and character requirements. No new criminal convictions or health issues since your second visa.
📄 Documentation
Employer certification letters for all 179 days worked across your first and second visas.
Third Visa Availability by Country
⚠️ Limited Availability: Not all countries have access to third visas. The Department of Home Affairs regularly updates which countries can access third visa extensions.
Countries with third visa access (varies by year):
Check the latest eligibility at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au as this changes regularly.
Foundation: Understanding the Second Visa
Learn About Second Year Visas →
To be eligible for a third visa, you must first understand the second visa requirements. The third visa builds on the second visa with a higher 179-day requirement.
View second visa guide
How to Apply
Verify third visa availability
Check your country's current status on Department of Home Affairs website
Gather 179-day documentation
Collect employer certification letters for all work days from first and second visas
Submit application
While second visa is still valid (or within 28 days of expiry)
Pay visa fee
AUD $595 (current fee, subject to change)
FAQ
Can I do a third visa if I didn't do enough days on my first visa?
Yes. The total across first + second + third must equal 179 days by end of third visa. So you could have done minimal days on first, then concentrated on second and third.
Does hospitality work count on my second visa?
No, hospitality/tourism does NOT count toward the 88-day second visa requirement. It only counts toward the 179-day third visa requirement.
What if I'm over 30 when my second visa expires?
Age eligibility is checked at time of grant. If you turned 31, you may not qualify. However, some countries have age exemptions or higher limits. Check Department of Home Affairs for your specific country.
Can I stay in Australia after my third visa expires?
No. Three working holiday visas is the maximum. After your third visa expires, you must leave Australia unless you apply for another visa type (skill-based, sponsorship, etc.).