The 88-Day Farm Work Requirement for an Australian Working Holiday Visa: Everything You Need to Know!
Australia’s Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a fantastic way for young travelers to experience the country while working to support their travels. This is the visa that I used to begin my Australian journey 9 years ago and I still recommend it to anyone who can get one! However, if you want to extend your stay beyond the first year, you’ll need to complete 88 days of specified work in regional Australia. While farm work is the most common option, there are other industries that qualify as well. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the 88-day requirement, how to find a job, and alternative options beyond farm work.
What is the 88-Day Requirement?
The 88-day requirement is part of the eligibility criteria for extending a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) in Australia. To be eligible for a second-year visa, you must complete at least 88 days of specified work in a regional area. If you wish to stay for a third year, you’ll need to complete an additional six months of specified work during your second year.
The Australian Government has strict regulations on what counts as eligible work and where it can be completed. The most common industries include agriculture, fishing, forestry, construction, and mining, but there are also opportunities in hospitality and tourism in certain locations.
To stay up to date with new visa changes or for official guidelines and updates, always check the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.
Why is the 88-Day Requirement Necessary?
The requirement exists to help fill labor shortages in rural and regional Australia, particularly in industries that struggle to find workers. Many farms and remote businesses rely on backpackers to keep operations running smoothly, especially during peak seasons like harvest time.
For visa holders, it’s a great opportunity to earn money while exploring a different side of Australia. It can also be a valuable cultural experience, allowing you to meet other travelers and learn new skills.
I want to say that it’ definitely not an easy life and not for everyone. I only did it briefly but didn’t complete the 88 days required and moved to a student visa because that life wasn’t for me. However, if you enjoy it or find a good place to live and a good employer, it’s the best way to earn and save a lot of money while also exploring the Australian countryside!
Best Ways to Find Farm Work in Australia
Since demand fluctuates depending on the season and location, finding farm work can sometimes be challenging. Here are the best ways to secure a job:
1. Use Government Resources
The Australian Government provides official resources to help backpackers find legitimate farm jobs. These include:
- The Harvest Trail website – A government-run platform listing seasonal work opportunities across Australia.
- The Jobactive website – A job search tool that includes regional employment opportunities.
2. Check Facebook Groups and Online Job Boards
Many farm owners and employers post job listings on social media groups and online forums, such as:
- Backpacker Job Board
- Gumtree
- Facebook groups like Backpacker Jobs Australia or 88 Days Farm Work Australia
3. Call Farms Directly
Some farms don’t advertise jobs online, so it’s worth calling them directly or visiting in person. If you’re already in a regional area, ask locals or check notice boards in hostels and community centers.
4. Work Through a Hostel
Many working hostels partner with local farms to provide labor. Staying in a working hostel can be an easy way to find a job and meet other travelers completing their 88 days.
5. Use Recruitment Agencies
Several agencies specialize in connecting backpackers with farm jobs, including:
Best Places to Complete Your 88 Days
The best regions for farm work vary depending on the season. Here are some popular spots:
- Queensland: Banana farms in Tully, Bundaberg, and Innisfail; mango picking in Bowen; vegetable harvesting in Gatton.
- New South Wales: Grape picking in the Hunter Valley; citrus fruit harvesting in Griffith.
- Victoria: Apple picking in Shepparton; berry picking in the Yarra Valley.
- South Australia: Vineyard work in the Barossa Valley; almond farms near Renmark.
- Western Australia: Fruit picking in Margaret River; vegetable farms in Carnarvon.
- Tasmania: Berry and apple picking near Hobart and Launceston.
Can You Do Non-Farm Jobs to Extend Your Visa?
Yes! While farm work is the most well-known option, you can also complete your 88 days in other industries. The key is that the work must be in a regional area and on the approved occupation list for your visa subclass.
Other Eligible Jobs:
- Tourism and Hospitality (only in designated regional areas)
- Mining
- Construction
- Fishing and Pearling
- Tree farming and felling
The government defines regional areas by postal codes. You can find the complete list of eligible areas on the Australian immigration website. Below you can find the list for the postcodes for Remote and Very Remote areas but always check the Australian immigration website for up to date information.
| State/Territory | Postcodes |
|---|---|
| New South Wales | 2356, 2386, 2387, 2396, 2405, 2406, 2672, 2675, 2825, 2826, 2829, 2832 to 2836, 2838 to 2840, 2873, 2878, 2879, 2898, 2899 |
| Northern Territory | All postcodes in Northern Territory are eligible |
| Queensland | 4025, 4183, 4417 to 4420, 4422, 4423, 4426 to 4428, 4454, 4461, 4462, 4465, 4467, 4468, 4470, , 4474, 4475, 4477 to 4482, 4486 to 4494, 4496, 4497, 4680, 4694, 4695, 4697, 4699 to 4707, 4709 to 4714, 4717, 4720 to 4728, 4730 to 4733, 4735 to 4746, 4750, 4751, 4753, 4754, 4756, 4757, 4798 to 4812, 4814 to 4825, 4828 to 4830, 4849, 4850, 4852, 4854 to 4856, 4858 to 4861, 4865, 4868 to 4888, 4890 to 4892, 4895 |
| Victoria | 3424, 3506, 3509, 3512, 3889 to 3892 |
| South Australia | 5220 to 5223, 5302 to 5304, 5440, 5576, 5577, 5582, 5583, 5602 to 5607, 5611, 5630 to 5633, 5640 to 5642, 5650 to 5655, 5660, 5661, 5670, 5671, 5680, 5690, 5713, 5715, 5717, 5719, 5720, 5722 to 5725, 5730 to 5734 |
| Tasmania | 7139, 7255 to 7257, 7466 to 7470 |
| Western Australia | 6161, 6335 to 6338, 6341, 6343, 6346, 6348, 6350 to 6353, 6355 to 6359, 6361, 6363, 6365, 6367 to 6369, 6373, 6375, 6385, 6386, 6418 to 6429, 6431, 6434, 6436 to 6438, 6440, 6443, 6445 to 6448, 6450, 6452, 6466 to 6468, 6470, 6472, 6473, 6475 to 6477, 6479, 6480, 6484, 6487 to 6490, 6515, 6517 to 6519, 6536, 6605, 6606, 6608, 6609, 6612 to 6614, 6616, 6620, 6623, 6625, 6627, 6628, 6630 to 6632, 6635, 6638 to 6640, 6731, 6733, 6798, 6799 |
How Are the 88 Days Counted?
Understanding how the 88 days are counted is crucial to ensure your work qualifies:
- Full-time Work: If you work five days a week, each day counts toward the 88-day total.
- Casual or Part-time Work: If you work fewer than five days a week, your total days may take longer to accumulate.
- Piecework Pay: Some farms pay by the amount you harvest rather than an hourly rate. If this is the case, make sure you’re being fairly compensated and that the employer meets the minimum wage requirements.
Keep all records, including contracts, payslips, and tax documents, as you may need to provide them with your visa extension application.
Avoiding Scams and Exploitation
Unfortunately, some employers take advantage of backpackers. Here’s how to protect yourself:
- Never pay upfront for a job: Legitimate employers don’t charge fees.
- Check reviews: Google the employer or hostel before committing.
- Understand your rights: Learn about Australia’s workplace rights and minimum wage at Fair Work.
Is the 88-Day Farm Work Worth It?
As I said at the beginning, I didn’t complete them because that life wasn’t for me and I had just arrived to Australia so I wanted to enjoy it first. Although completing the 88 days can be a tough, it is also a rewarding experience. It allows you to extend your stay in Australia, meet new people, and even save money while working in regional areas. Many backpackers look back on it as one of the most memorable parts of their Australian adventure.
If you’re planning to stay longer, it’s best to start looking for work early so you have plenty of time to complete the requirement before your first visa expires.
Final Thoughts
The 88-day farm work requirement is an essential step for backpackers who want to extend their Australian Working Holiday Visa. While farm work is the most common way to qualify, other industries can also count if they are in designated regional areas. Planning ahead, researching potential jobs, and ensuring your work meets visa requirements will make the process much smoother.
