If you are in Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa or a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, you might be wondering if you can work for the same employer for more than 6 months. The Australian government has a 6-month work limitation (Condition 8547), but there are exemptions that allow you to extend your time with the same employer. In this guide, we’ll break down when you can work longer and how to apply for an extension.
The Challenge
Many backpackers and working holidaymakers find it difficult to secure stable employment because of the 6-month work limitation. You may find a great job and want to stay longer, but the visa conditions can make it tricky. Understanding when exemptions apply and how to extend your work period is essential to making the most of your time in Australia.
When Can You Work Longer Than 6 Months?
You can work for the same employer for more than 6 months in the following situations:
- Permission from Home Affairs – You can apply for an extension if your work is seasonal, if you’re working in a disaster-affected area, or if your employer has a strong business need for you to stay.
- Different Locations – If your employer has multiple locations, you can work beyond 6 months as long as your role is genuinely different and in a different place. For example, working at a café in Sydney and then transferring to the same company’s branch in Melbourne may be allowed.
- Exempt Sectors – Some industries allow you to work for the same employer without approval for more than 6 months:
- Agriculture, tourism, and hospitality in northern Australia
- Aged care, disability care, and health care anywhere in Australia
- Fishing, tree farming, and construction in disaster-affected areas
- Critical Sectors (Anywhere in Australia) – If you work in these sectors, you can stay with the same employer without needing approval:
- Aged care
- Disability care
- Health care
- Agriculture
- Food processing
- Childcare
- Tourism and hospitality (nationwide, not just in northern Australia)
How to Apply for an Extension
If you don’t qualify for an automatic exemption, you’ll need to apply for permission:
- Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs website before your 6-month period ends.
- Provide supporting documents, such as a letter from your employer explaining why you are needed for a longer period.
- Wait for approval before continuing employment past 6 months unless your sector is automatically exempt.
Key Takeaways
- Some industries allow you to work longer than 6 months without approval (such as critical sectors and northern Australia exemptions).
- If your employer has multiple locations, you may be able to work in different places for the same company.
- If you don’t qualify for an automatic exemption, you must apply for an extension before reaching the 6-month limit.
Conclusion
The 6-month work limitation can be challenging, but knowing the exemptions and how to apply for an extension can help you stay longer in a great job. Whether you work in a critical sector or plan to apply for an extension, understanding the rules will allow you to make the most of your working holiday in Australia.