Does construction work count for subclass 462 if a labour-hire agency sends you to different sites?

Construction can count towards a second or third Australian Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) when the duties and actual worksite meet Home Affairs requirements. The Department lists construction in Northern Australia and other specified regional areas. If a labour-hire agency sends you to several sites, check each assignment separately. The address on your payslip may identify who paid you, while your timesheet or site records show where you worked.

Check what you do and where you do it

Home Affairs covers residential and non-residential building work, heavy and civil engineering, site preparation and land development, and structural, installation and completion services. A job title such as “site assistant” can cover different duties. Ask the agency or supervisor what you will actually do and which project and site you will be assigned to. Under current flexible arrangements, some support work for a specified industry in an eligible postcode may also be accepted. Check the actual duties against the published guidance.

Use the subclass 462 specified-work postcode lists for construction. Postcode lists for other visa programs serve different purposes. Compare the actual site address with the 462 list, especially if an advert only gives the employer’s office address or describes the project as regional.

Split one pay period across sites

Suppose your agency pays fortnightly. You spend the first week on installation work at a site you have checked, then move to another site for the second week. Make a row for each assignment with the address, postcode, duties, dates and shifts. Link the same payslip to both rows and attach the relevant timesheet, assignment notice or site sign-in for each. If you cannot confirm the second address, leave that period pending until you have enough evidence.

Keep records at the start and end of an assignment

Before accepting an assignment, ask the agency for the worksite, duties, expected roster and who can confirm those details later. During the assignment, keep records of changes to the roster or worksite. Before leaving, ask for a statement listing the dates, duties and addresses for each location. If a different company runs the site, keep its sign-in or supervisor records alongside the agency’s payroll evidence.

For a review with Premiervisa Group, prepare the site-by-site timeline and supporting records. Once you have checked which periods may count, see the second 462 work requirement guide or the third 462 work timeline.

Policy checked on 6 November 2026. See Home Affairs specified subclass 462 work and its explanation of designated regional area lists.