Everything you need to know, answered.
Working holidays, specified farm work, and life with The 88th Day, all explained. Still can’t find what you’re after? The team is only a message away.
What is the 417 working holiday visa?
The 417 visa allows people aged 18 to 30 (inclusive), or 18 to 35 for some passports including Canada, France, Ireland and the UK, to have their first extended holiday in Australia for up to a year, where they can live, work and travel at their leisure. Check out the Home Affairs website for the full list and all the eligibility criteria.
Why do I need to do any farm work?
The farm work is only required if you wish to stay in Australia beyond the initial 1 year working holiday visa. If you would like to spend a second year living and working in Australia, then you need to complete 3 months of specified work in regional Australia within your initial working holiday visa. Similarly, if you are loving Australia so much you wish to do a third year, you can now do so if you complete 6 months specified work within that 2nd year! The exception is UK passport holders: if you apply for your second or third 417 visa on or after 1 July 2024 using a UK passport, you don't need to do any specified work.
What counts as specified work?
The Australian Government has quite a few regulations as to what counts as specified work and where it can be done. The ins and outs are quite complex, so check each role against the Home Affairs specified-work rules before you start. Take a look on the website to find out more.
What if I don't like the job?
We're talking about regional work in rural Australia, it's rarely someone's dream job! Take a look at the specified work to see what you will be dealing with, as there's a good chance you'll need to get your hands dirty. If a role isn't working out, our app lists plenty of other eligible employers to try.
How long does it take to find work with The 88th Day?
It depends on the season and the region. Using our app (iOS and Android) you can browse eligible employers and contact them directly, so you can start looking straight away. If you're struggling, send us a message and we'll help where we can.
Why South Australia?
The Northern Region of Adelaide contains one of the highest concentrations of food and wine producers in all of Australia. From giant potato/onion producers to high-end wineries this region offers jobs in every aspect of specified work.
Many of the jobs in this area provide regular work schedules and hourly pay, giving you a great shot at completing your farm work quickly and saving plenty of money while you're at it.
Adelaide is a major city with a population of over 1 million people, the idea that you could complete your regional work somewhere like this seems unrealistic. But because under the Government's specified work initiative the entirety of South Australia is listed as regional, you can live and work just minutes outside of the city centre. This makes the experience far more interesting and you get to enjoy this fantastic city rather than living in a small farming town 8 hours outside of Brisbane.
We love Adelaide and living just outside the city. Plenty of backpackers who did their days here have stayed long after completing their 88 days.
Where will I be staying whilst completing my farm work?
Our own share houses near Adelaide are coming soon, alongside partner hostels and rooms with local hosts. Keep an eye on our Stay page for updates.
Until then, working hostels, private rentals and campgrounds are all options, and our guide to finding accommodation covers the pros and cons of each.
Can't find your answer?
Send us a note and we'll help you sort it, whether it's about visas, work, or your stay.