417 vs 462: specified work differences
Same days, same postcode tables — but different industries count in different places. Here’s what changes between the two visas.
By Borja Pérez · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: Mining counts as specified work only on a 417. Fishing and tree work count anywhere regional on a 417 but only in Northern Australia on a 462, and farm and construction work also count in Northern Australia on a 462. The day counts and postcode tables are the same for both visas.
- Days: 88 for a second visa and 179 for a third, counted as calendar days on both visas.
- Mining: counts in regional Australia on a 417; does not count on a 462.
- The UK exemption from specified work applies to the 417 only.
- Source: Home Affairs, specified work (417).
Side by side
| Industry | Subclass 417 | Subclass 462 |
|---|---|---|
| Plant and animal cultivation | Regional Australia | Northern or regional Australia |
| Construction | Regional Australia | Northern or regional Australia |
| Fishing and pearling | Regional Australia | Northern Australia only |
| Tree farming and felling | Regional Australia | Northern Australia only |
| Mining | Regional Australia | Does not count |
| Tourism and hospitality | Northern, Remote or Very Remote (+4406, 4416, 4498, 7215) | Same as 417 |
| Bushfire / disaster recovery | Declared areas, paid or volunteer | Same as 417 |
| Critical COVID-19 healthcare work | Anywhere in Australia | Same as 417 |
Sources: specified work (417) and specified subclass 462 work, checked 7 October 2026. The six postcode tables are identical on both pages.
What is the same
- The days: 88 for a second visa, 179 for a third, counted as calendar days.
- The postcode tables: the same six tables appear on both pages.
- Pay: work must be paid under Australian law and awards, except volunteer recovery work.
- Evidence: broadly the same list; the 462 pages group payslips and bank statements as “evidence of payment”.
What is different
- Mining only counts on a 417.
- Fishing and tree work count anywhere regional on a 417, but only in Northern Australia on a 462.
- Farm and construction work count in Northern Australia too on a 462.
- The UK exemption from specified work only applies to the 417 — see the UK exemption.
Check a specific job in the postcode checker: choose your visa and it shows which industries count at that postcode.
Frequently asked questions
Does mining count as specified work on a 462 visa?
No. Mining counts in regional Australia on a 417, but it is not specified work on a 462.
Can I do farm work anywhere regional on a 462?
Yes. On a 462, plant and animal cultivation and construction count in Northern Australia and in regional Australia.
Is the number of days different for 417 and 462 visas?
No. Both need 88 days for a second visa and 179 days for a third, counted the same way.
This guide is general information, not migration, tax or legal advice. Only the Department of Home Affairs decides whether your work counts towards a visa. Rules change; always check the official pages before you apply. See our methodology and disclaimer.