Whether you’re looking to pick fruits under the Aussie sun, assist in a vineyard, or help out in a hotel, Australia’s Temporary Work Visas offer real, short-term opportunities for foreign workers — with no long commitments.
In 2025, Australia is again opening its gates to temporary workers through several visa options. And yes, some allow you to stay and work legally for up to 6 months — no degree or long contracts required.
Its breakdown is as follows.
What Is 6-Month Temporary Work Visa?
The comfortable 6-month stay generally fits in the following categories of visas:
1. Short stay specialist Temporary work (short stay specialist) visa 400
- Time: At most 3 or 6 months
- In the case of skilled or specialised workers
- You must have a job offer
- Ideal for short-term, high-skill projects (like event work, engineering, repairs)
2. Working Holiday Visa ( Subclass 417 / 462 )
- Length: a maximum of 12 months, although you are entitled to work one employer a maximum of 6 months
- Depending on the country, between young adults (18-30 or 35yrs old)
- Farm work, hospitality, tourism etc.
- You don’t need a job before applying
3. Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) or PALM Scheme
- For agriculture, meat processing, fishing, and hospitality
- Duration: Up to 6–9 months
- Requires a job offer from an approved employer
- Usually arranged through government-endorsed programs
Minimum Requirements
1. Dealing in the business of fertility, fertility products and services. 2. Fertility products, services and aspects entailing consequences of fertility.
- Be of a qualified nation (depends on the visa)
- Have a valid passport
- satisfy the needs of the English language and health requirements
- Job offer
- Enough funds (usually AUD $5,000+)
Step wise next process record (2025)
Well, let us take the popularest route:
Step 1: Get a Job Offer (in case of need)
You’ll need a confirmed job for:
- Subclass 400 visa
- Seasonal Work or PALM Scheme
Use trusted portals:
Step 2: Your Documents
- valid Passport for 6+ months
- Employment contract (if required)
- CV/Resume
- Bank statement (AUD $5,000+)
- Police certificate
- Health insurance
- Visa application form
Step 3: Apply for the Visa Online
- Create an account at: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Fill the visa form for your category (400 / 417 / 462)
- Upload documents
- Pay the visa fee
Depending on the visa, visa fees come to between AUD $325 to 500.
Step 4: Pass through Biometrics / Interview (in case required)
To some of the applicants, it will be required to:
- Give biometrics (photo + fingerprints)
- Come to a telephonic or face-to-face interview
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Processing time:
- 400 Visa: 2 to 6 weeks
- Working Holiday Visa: 1 to 4 weeks
- PALM Scheme: Depends on recruitment process
Once approved, you’ll get a visa grant notice by email.
What Can You Work in 6-Month Visa?
- Picking Packing (Oranges, Grape, Blueberries)
- Hotels & Resorts
- Dairy Farm Helpers
- Kitchen Assistants & Waitstaff
- Temporary Skilled Trade Jobs (via Subclass 400)
Related: UK Visas You Can Get Without a Job Offer (2025 Update)
Extend the 6-Month Stay
yes.
For example:
- If you’re on a Working Holiday Visa, you can extend to 12 months — or even 2nd/3rd years if you do regional/farm work.
- Subclass 400 is not extendable — but you can reapply from outside Australia.
Do Employers Provide Housing?
Often yes — especially in:
- Farm jobs
- Seasonal or rural placements
- PALM program offers shared housing (sometimes free or low rent)
Average Earnings
- Picking Jobs: AUD 22 – 27 per hour
- Restaurant Jobs: AUD 23 – 30 per hour
- Skilled Short-Term Work: AUD $30 – $50/hour
You’re allowed to work full-time on most short-stay visas.
FAQs – Australia 6-Month Work Visa (2025)
Q1: Is it possible to have 6 month visa without job offer?
Yes – through Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) in case you belong to the list of countries. Otherwise, you’ll need a job.
Q2: Can I apply for permanent residency on a 6-month visa?
No. These are temporary visas. Nonetheless, others are convertible in future with the help of employer sponsorship or skilled migration.
Q3: Do I have to pass IELTS or English test?
Not for all short-term visas. Some might ask for functional English, especially Subclass 400.
Q4: Can students or tourists apply for a 6-month work visa from within Australia?
Usually no. You must apply from your home country (offshore), unless you’re switching from a Working Holiday Visa.
Q5: Is this visa renewable?
Subclass 400 is not extendable. Working Holiday Visas can be extended by meeting certain work conditions.
Final Thoughts
Australia remains the land of opportunity even to short term workers.
So you wish to make easy money, get yourself some experience, and take a glimpse of life at the Outback? A 6-month visa may just be your gateway.
There is just some courage required who brings some paperwork and desire to work in the Aussie sun.