Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462): photo and application guide
Young people (18-30, sometimes 35) from participating countries can work and holiday in Australia for up to 12 months, extendable to 3 years.
Quick answer
35 × 45 mm photo · set by the current Visa Pricing Table · biometrics at VAC
Photo specification is the shared Home Affairs 35 × 45 mm format. Biometric capture at the VAC for most nationalities. Fee set by the current Visa Pricing Table. Processing 50% within 18 days; 90% within 1 month. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | Subclass 417 Working Holiday / Subclass 462 Work and Holiday |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Young people (18-30, sometimes 35) from participating countries can work and holiday in Australia for up to 12 months, extendable to 3 years. |
| Application route | ImmiAccount online application |
| Fee | set by the current Visa Pricing Table — indexed every 1 July. Visa Pricing Table ↗ |
| Processing time | 50% within 18 days; 90% within 1 month |
| Biometric appointment | Yes for some nationalities — at a VAC |
| Official portal | Home Affairs — Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) ↗ |
Photo specification
The Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo standard. The same photo file works for the ImmiAccount upload and the printed copy at the VAC.
| Size | 35 × 45 mm |
|---|---|
| Head height | 32 to 36 mm chin to crown |
| Background | plain neutral or light grey that contrasts with the face, even illumination |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed (no smile preferred) |
| Glasses | Discouraged; remove for the shot |
| Digital file | JPEG, 70 KB to 3.5 MB; 1200 × 1600 px preferred |
| Age of photo | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Editing | Not allowed: do not remove background, moles, wrinkles, scars or red eyes Why → |
What to watch out for with the Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462)
Subclass 417 is for UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Canada and other partner countries. Subclass 462 is for the US, China, Brazil and similar partner countries. Both share the same photo specification. The visa can be extended by 1-2 years through specified work in regional Australia.
Frequently asked questions about the Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462)
What size photo do I need for a Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462)?
35 × 45 mm portrait. The Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) uses the shared Home Affairs biometric photo: head 32 to 36 mm chin to crown, plain light background, neutral expression.
How much does the Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) cost?
set by the current Visa Pricing Table.
How long does the Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) take to process?
50% within 18 days; 90% within 1 month.
Is biometric capture mandatory for the Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462)?
Yes for some nationalities — at a VAC. The biometric capture happens at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre.
Can I use the same photo for an Australian passport later?
Yes if you become an Australian citizen and apply for an Australian passport. The DFAT passport specification (35 × 45 mm) matches the Home Affairs visa specification. The photo is interchangeable across these documents.
Other Australian visa categories
Prepare your Working Holiday (subclass 417 / 462) photo
Upload a genuine, unedited portrait — Anfas.Pro crops it to 35 × 45 mm and sets the file size. Your face and background stay untouched, as Home Affairs requires.