The 88-day rule requires Working Holiday visa holders (subclass 417) to complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia to be eligible for a second Working Holiday visa.

This work must be in designated regional areas and specific industries like agriculture, tourism, hospitality, or construction.

Specified work includes employment in the following industries in regional Australia:

• Agriculture: Fruit picking, farm work, livestock farming
• Fishing and pearling
• Tree farming and felling
• Mining
• Construction
• Tourism and hospitality (in some regional areas)

The 88 days are calculated as calendar days, not working days. Key points:

• Full-time work (38+ hours per week) = 1 day per calendar day
• Part-time work can be combined to equal full-time
• Weekends and public holidays count if you worked
• Keep detailed records of all work performed

Popular job search methods include:

• Online platforms: Seek, Gumtree, Backpacker Job Board
• Facebook groups: Local backpacker and fruit picking groups
• Hostels: Many regional hostels have job boards
• Direct approach: Contact farms, mines, and tourism businesses directly
• Harvest Trail: Government website with seasonal work information

Farm work is physically demanding but rewarding. Typical conditions:

• Hours: Early starts (5-6 AM), long days in season
• Pay: Usually piece rate or hourly ($20-30+ per hour)
• Seasons: Work availability varies by location and crop
• Accommodation: Often provided on-farm or nearby hostels

Essential documents for regional work:

• Tax File Number (TFN): Required for all employment
• Bank account: Australian bank account for payments
• Superannuation fund: For retirement savings
• Work records: Payslips, employment contracts, timesheets
• White Card: For construction work

Regional Australia includes everywhere except major cities and their metropolitan areas:

• Excluded: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane metropolitan areas
• Included: All other areas, including Perth, Adelaide, Darwin
• Popular regions: Queensland (Cairns, Bundaberg), Victoria (Mildura), South Australia (Barossa Valley)

Use our interactive map to find work-eligible areas!

Yes! You can combine work from different regional locations to reach 88 days. Many backpackers:

• Follow seasonal fruit picking circuits
• Work in different states throughout the year
• Combine farm work with tourism/hospitality jobs
• Switch between different types of specified work

Steps to apply for your second visa:

• Complete 88 days: Finish all required specified work
• Gather evidence: Collect payslips, employment records, bank statements
• Online application: Apply through ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website
• Pay fees: Current application fee applies
• Wait for processing: Usually takes several weeks

Required evidence for your 88-day work includes:

• Employment records: Contracts, reference letters
• Payment evidence: Payslips, bank statements, tax returns
• Time records: Timesheets, rosters, work calendars
• Tax documents: Payment summaries, PAYG statements

Essential items for regional work:

• Work clothes: Durable pants, long sleeves, work boots
• Protection: Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
• Tools: Work gloves, basic tools (if required)
• Documents: Copies of all important paperwork
• First aid: Basic medical supplies

Recommended savings before regional work:

• $2,000-3,000 AUD for accommodation, food, and expenses
• Emergency fund for unexpected costs or job gaps
• Transport costs to reach work locations
• Work equipment and initial setup costs