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So you’re working on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in Australia and wondering if you can work longer than 6 months for the same employer, or how you might extend your stay. Below is a breakdown of how this works—the rules, the exceptions, and steps to take.

Key Rule: Condition 8547

• Your WHV comes with an important requirement called visa condition 8547. This is the rule that limits you to working no more than 6 months for a single employer.
• If your job is listed among the “exempted occupations,” you don’t need to apply for permission—you’re automatically allowed to stay longer with that employer. If not, you may still request an extension to continue working.

Who’s exempt from the 6-month rule?

You may be exempt from the 6-month limit if your work falls into certain categories, such as:

• Jobs across different locations – for example, if your work takes you to multiple sites or includes remote/off-site duties.

• Plant & animal cultivation – including farming, fishing, pearling, or tree felling.

• Natural disaster recovery work

• Critical sectors, which include:

• • Health
  • Aged care and disability services
  • Childcare
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Construction
  • Mining

Certain jobs are not eligible for exemption, such as general gardening, retail butchery, or caring for animals used only for tourism or recreation.

What to do if you’re not exempt?

If your work doesn’t fall into exempt categories but you still need to work longer than six months for the same employer, you can:

• Submit a request – before your 6 months are up, lodge a request with the Department of Home Affairs.

• Provide employer support – your employer should supply a letter explaining why your role is essential and why it cannot be filled by an Australian worker.
• Keep working while waiting – once you’ve submitted your request, you may continue working with your employer until a decision is made.

Tips for Applicants!

• Always check the current exemption list on the Department of Home Affairs website, as rules can change.
• Submit your request early — don’t wait until your 6 months are nearly over.
• Make sure your employer’s supporting letter is clear, specific, and detailed.
• If you’re unsure, consult the Department of Home Affairs or a registered migration professional.

📌 Information based on official guidelines from the Australian Department of Home Affairs: immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.