How Many in Australia Are on Work Visas?

As of April–May 2025, Australia hosts approximately 2.84 million temporary visa holders, including students, working holidaymakers, graduates, and skilled workers.

Breaking that down:

• Students (Subclass 500): ~721,000 as of April 2025 

• Working Holiday Makers (Subclass 417/462): ~221,000 as of April 2025

• Post-Study Graduate Visas (Subclass 485): ~222,000 as of April 2025

• Other temporary skilled visas (e.g., TSS 482): Included in the ~2.84 million total—estimates range from ~130,000 to 200,000+ skilled visa holders.

So, how many are on work-specific visas?

While no single public source isolates work visas, combining educated estimates:

• Temporary skilled (TSS/482 and related): ~130,000–140,000 (July 2023) 

• Working Holiday Maker visas: ~220,000+ (April 2025 data)

Total work visa holders (skilled + working holiday): approximately 350,000–360,000 individuals at any given time.

Summary Table:

Visa Type                                                                             Holder Count (Approx.)

Student Visas                                                                       720,000

Working Holiday Visas                                                          220,000

Post-Graduate Visas (485)                                                   220,000

Skilled Temporary Work Visas (482)                                    130,000–140,000

Estimated Total Temporary Holders                                      2.84 million overall

Estimated Work Visa Holders                                               350,000–360,000

Final Insight:

Approximately 350,000–360,000 people in Australia are on valid work visas, including both skilled temporary work permits and working holiday visas. This figure is part of a much larger cohort of about 2.84 million temporary residents, including students and visitors, showing the scale of Australia's temporary migration system.