How to Complete Your 88 Days in 2026 – Eligible Jobs List

 

 

For many Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417 and 462) holders in Australia, the phrase “88 days” is a constant topic of conversation. Completing this period of specified work is your ticket to a second, and potentially a third, year in this incredible country. This guide will demystify the 88-day requirement, providing a clear list of eligible jobs, industries, and regions for 2026, ensuring every day of your hard work counts toward your visa extension.

What Are the 88 Days and Why Do They Matter?

 

To be eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday visa, you must complete 88 days of specified work in a designated regional area of Australia. If you wish to apply for a third-year visa, you must complete an additional 6 months (179 days) of specified work during your second year.

This requirement was introduced by the Australian Government to address labor shortages in regional areas, encouraging backpackers to venture beyond the major cities and contribute to rural economies. All specified work must be paid in accordance with Australian workplace laws 2.

Eligible Industries for Specified Work

 

The Australian Department of Home Affairs has approved several industries for specified work. It’s crucial to ensure your job falls into one of these categories:

• Plant and animal cultivation: This is the most common category and includes most farm work, such as fruit picking, packing, pruning, and general farm labor.
• Fishing and pearling: Involves working on a fishing boat or in the pearling industry.
• Tree farming and felling: Working in a plantation or forest.
• Mining: Includes a range of mining and exploration work.
• Construction: Covers residential and commercial construction in regional areas.
• Tourism and hospitality: Only in Northern or remote and very remote Australia 2.
• Bushfire and natural disaster recovery work: Specific postcodes and dates apply.

 

 

 

Eligible Regional Areas and Postcodes

Specified work must be undertaken in an eligible regional postcode. Major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are generally excluded. The Department of Home Affairs provides a detailed list of eligible postcodes, which you must check before starting any job 2.

Key Regional Areas:

State/Territory	Popular Regional Areas for Specified Work
Queensland	Cairns, Bundaberg, Sunshine Coast Hinterland, Toowoomba
New South Wales	Coffs Harbour, Byron Bay Hinterland, Riverina, Orange
Victoria	Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Shepparton, Mildura
Tasmania	Huon Valley, Devonport, Launceston (most of the state is eligible)
South Australia	Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Riverland
Western Australia	Margaret River, Kununurra, Broome (most of the state is eligible)
Northern Territory	Katherine, Darwin Region (most of the territory is eligible)

How to Count Your 88 Days

 

Calculating your 88 days can be confusing. The government defines it as the equivalent of three months of full-time work. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Full-time work: If you work full-time (around 35-40 hours per week), your weekends can be counted. A 5-day work week can count as 7 days towards your total.
• Part-time or casual work: If you work less than full-time hours, you can only count the full days you actually worked. You cannot count weekends.
• Multiple jobs: You can combine work from different employers to reach your 88-day total.

It is highly recommended to use a calendar to track your workdays and keep detailed records.

Documentation: Your Proof of Work

 

Proper documentation is non-negotiable. You will need to provide evidence of your specified work when you apply for your visa extension. Keep the following documents safe:

• Payslips: These are your most important pieces of evidence. Ensure they show your employer’s ABN (Australian Business Number), your name, your pay rate, and the hours worked.
• Employer Declaration Form (Form 1263): This form, completed by your employer, is strong supporting evidence.
• Bank Statements: Showing the deposits from your employer.
• Employment Contracts: A written agreement outlining your job and pay.

 

 

Finding Eligible 88-Day Jobs

 

Finding a legitimate 88-day job requires some research. Here are some reliable resources:

• Workforce Australia: The Australian Government’s official job board 3.
• Backpacker Job Board: A popular site with a dedicated section for second-year visa jobs 1.
• SEEK and Indeed: Major Australian job sites with extensive listings.
• Facebook Groups: Search for groups like “88 Days Australia” or “Backpacker Jobs Australia.”

Warning: Be cautious of cash-in-hand jobs or employers who refuse to provide payslips. These jobs will not count towards your 88 days and are illegal.

Conclusion

Completing your 88 days of specified work is a challenging but rewarding experience that opens the door to another year in Australia. By carefully selecting your industry, verifying your employer and postcode, and keeping meticulous records, you can ensure a successful visa application. Always refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and regulations 2.