How to apply for a 2nd or 3rd WHV to Australia (full guide)

Much like a first Working Holiday Visa, the second and third WHV are open work permits. You can work anywhere in Australia but for a maximum of 6 months with the same employer (there are exceptions to this rule). You can also study for up to four months.

With your second or third WHV, the six- and four-month rule is reset. This means that you can study for another four months or work again for the same employer for another six months.

One of the legal “tricks” to work for the same employer for more than six months is to work for six months at the end of a first WHV and then work another six months when the second or third WHV starts.

Keep in mind that you may lose your WHV if you work for the same employer for more than six months during your first, second or third WHV.

Exceptionally, you could work for an additional month if:

• you need a few more weeks to complete important work (this usually only applies to high-level employees)
• you’re completing important recovery work after a natural disaster (fire or floor, for instance)
• you applied for another visa to stay in the same position

If it applies to you, use the permission to work longer than 6 months form.

Other exceptions to the six-month rule are explained in WHV in Australia — How to Work More Than 6 Months for the Same Employer.