The working holiday visa age limit, checked against the actual rules
Last checked: 15 August 2026
For the 417 Working Holiday visa you must apply between 18 and 30 inclusive — unless your passport is from one of ten countries that get until 35 inclusive: Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea are the newest additions, effective 1 July 2026.
For the 462 Work and Holiday visa the limit is 18 to 30 for every country, no exceptions.
What actually changed on 1 July 2026
Two things. Four more countries moved to 35 (Migration Arrangements for Subclass 417 Instrument 2026, F2026L00878). And the age test moved from a grant criterion to a validity requirement (F2026L00876): an application lodged over the age limit is now invalid at lodgement — no fee is taken and there is no review — where before it would be accepted, paid for, then refused.
Many posts written in July describe this as “age is now assessed at lodgement rather than at decision”. That's not quite right: the age limit always had to be met at the time of application. What changed is what happens to an over-age application.
Turning 31 (or 36) soon
Apply before the birthday. Home Affairs states it plainly: “We can still grant you the visa if you apply for it at 30 (or 35) but turn 31 (or 36) years old before we make a decision.” The date that matters is the date you lodge, not the date of the grant.
The age limit, answered
Can I get a working holiday visa at 32?
Only on a 417 with a passport from Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea or the UK — those ten countries can apply up to 35 inclusive. Every other 417 country, and every 462 country, caps at 30 inclusive. (checked 15 August 2026)
What happens if I turn 31 after applying?
Nothing bad. The age limit is tested when you lodge, so if you applied at 30 (or 35 for the ten extended countries) you can still be granted the visa after your birthday. (checked 15 August 2026)
Did the working holiday age limit change in 2026?
Yes, twice over. From 1 July 2026, Cyprus, Finland, Germany and South Korea moved from 30 to 35 for the 417. The same day, an over-age application became invalid at lodgement — no fee charged, no review — instead of being lodged and then refused. (checked 15 August 2026)
Is the 462 age limit also 35?
No. The 462 Work and Holiday visa is 18 to 30 inclusive for every participating country. The 35 limit only exists on the 417, and only for the ten listed countries. (checked 15 August 2026)
Inside the age limit and planning a second year? The second working holiday visa guide covers the 88 days end to end. Visa conditions past the age limit are covered in the visa conditions guide. What get88 actually does is on the homepage.