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Top Tips for Your 88 Days in Australia
Planning your 88 days to extend your Working Holiday Visa? You’re in the right place.
The regional work requirement is one of the most talked-about — and most misunderstood — parts of the Australian Working Holiday Visa experience. Done right, your 88 days can be more than a visa formality. They can be the foundation of a real career pathway in Australia.
Here’s how to make them count.
What Are the 88 Days in Australia?
The 88 days refer to the regional work requirement that allows Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) holders to apply for a second-year visa extension. Completing 6 months of eligible regional work can also unlock a third-year visa.
The work must be completed in an approved regional area and within an eligible industry — both criteria must be met at the same time. Always verify the specific postcode and industry classification on the Department of Home Affairs website before starting a role.
1 — Choose Your Regional Area Wisely
Here’s what most people don’t realise: you don’t have to work on a farm.
Farm work is the most commonly associated with the 88 days, but it’s far from the only option. Several other industries also count toward the requirement, including:
- Construction and trades
- Hospitality and tourism
- Mining and resources
- Fishing and aquaculture
- Forestry
The key is checking both the industry category and the postcode before you commit to anything. A hospitality role in an eligible regional postcode counts just as much as picking fruit, and may suit your skills and experience far better.
2 — Get a Job You Actually Enjoy (and That Builds Your Future)
If you already have experience in trades, hospitality, or kitchen work, there’s no reason to spend your 88 days doing something unrelated.
Doing regional work in your own field means you’re not just ticking a visa box — you’re building Australian work experience and references in your actual profession. That matters enormously if you’re planning to stay long-term.
Regional employers in trades and hospitality are often short-staffed and actively looking for skilled workers. A strong performance in a regional role can open doors to employer sponsorship, skilled migration, or RPL pathways down the line.
If you’re a qualified tradie, your 88 days could be the start of a recognised trade career in Australia — not just a visa requirement.
3 — Keep Your Evidence Organised and Secure
This is where many WHV holders make costly mistakes. Missing or insufficient documentation is one of the most common reasons visa extension applications are refused.
You must keep:
- Payslips — for every pay period worked
- Employment contracts — signed and dated
- Superannuation records — confirming employer contributions
- Bank statements — as supporting proof of payment
Save digital copies in multiple places — cloud storage, email, external drive.
And critically: avoid cash-in-hand work. It might seem convenient in the moment, but it will not count toward your 88 days. You must be legally employed, paid through the official payroll system, and able to produce documentation to prove it.
4 — Plan Around the Seasons (and Go Against the Flow)
If you’re targeting seasonal farm work specifically, timing is everything. Harvest seasons vary significantly by region and crop — turning up to a picking region outside its harvest window means no work and wasted time. Always check the National Harvest Trail calendar before committing to a location.
A smarter strategy: go against the backpacker flow. Most WHV holders follow the sun — heading north in winter and south in summer. This creates intense job competition at the most popular times and places.
Moving counter-seasonally or targeting less popular but equally eligible regions gives you a significantly better chance of finding work quickly.
One more practical tip: having a car is a major advantage in regional Australia. Public transport is limited, and many farm or construction sites are not accessible without your own vehicle.
Think Ahead: Your 88 Days as a Stepping Stone
If you’re considering a longer stay in Australia, use this period strategically. Your 88 days are a genuine opportunity to:
- Improve your English in a real work environment
- Build Australian references that carry weight with future employers
- Explore employer sponsorship options in your industry
- Start your skills recognition journey if you’re a qualified tradie
Many of Oversix’s clients began their Australian journey on a Working Holiday Visa. With the right planning, the 88 days can be the first step toward a skilled visa, a trade licence, and a long-term career earning $90,000–$140,000+ per year.
Targeting FIFO work? Read our guide: Top Tips for Your FIFO Job Application
Not sure what visa pathway makes sense after your WHV? Book your Free Eligibility Check with Oversix and get a clear picture of your options.
Frequently Asked Questions –88 Days Work
What are the 88 days in Australia?
The 88 days refer to the regional work requirement for Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) holders to apply for a second-year visa extension. Completing 6 months of eligible regional work can also support a third-year visa application.
Do I have to work on a farm to complete my 88 days?
No. Farm work is common but not mandatory. Construction, hospitality, mining, tourism, and other approved regional industries can also qualify — provided the role and location both meet the eligibility criteria.
How do I know if a job counts toward my 88 days?
Both the industry and the postcode must be eligible. Always verify on the Department of Home Affairs website before starting a role.
Do cash-in-hand jobs count toward the 88 days?
No. Cash-in-hand work is not eligible. You must be legally employed with official payslips, contracts, and superannuation records to use the work as evidence for your visa extension.
What documents do I need to prove my 88 days?
Payslips, employment contracts, superannuation records, and bank statements. Keep digital copies stored securely in multiple locations. Missing evidence is one of the most common reasons extension applications are refused.
Is it better to do my 88 days in a field I'm experienced in?
Where possible, yes. Working in your own trade or industry means you’re building relevant Australian experience and references — not just completing a visa requirement. This is especially valuable if you’re planning to stay long-term or pursue skilled migration.
When is the best time to do regional work in Australia?
It depends on the industry. For seasonal farm work, check the National Harvest Trail before choosing a location. For trades, construction, and hospitality, demand is more consistent year-round in most regional areas.
Can my 88 days support a future skilled visa application?
Not directly — but the experience, references, and professional networks you build during regional work can strengthen future sponsorship or skilled migration pathways, particularly if you’re working in a trade or technical role.
Can I split my 88 days across different employers or regions?
Yes. You don’t need to complete your 88 days with a single employer or in one location. Many WHV holders work across several regional jobs or areas to reach the requirement — as long as each role and postcode individually meets the eligibility criteria. Just make sure you keep documentation for every position.
What happens if I don't complete my 88 days before my visa expires?
If you don’t meet the regional work requirement in time, you won’t be eligible for a second-year visa extension and will need to leave Australia when your current visa expires. There is no grace period. This is why planning your 88 days early — rather than leaving it to the last few months — makes a significant difference.