AustraliaVisas and rules
Australia plans a ballot for second- and third-year Working Holiday visas
- Officially announced
- Sep 17, 2026
- Effective from
- Not confirmed
- Last checked
- Oct 22, 2026
Checked against official sources
Key points
- Country
- Australia
- Topic
- Visas and rules
- Who
- People on a Working Holiday visa in Australia who are thinking about a second or third year (Japanese citizens use subclass 417), and people planning a Working Holiday in Australia.
- Effective date
- Not confirmed
On 17 September 2026, Australia's Minister for Home Affairs announced a plan to introduce a ballot system for second- and third-year Working Holiday visas, while keeping the regional work requirement. The start date and how the ballot will work have not been published yet.
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (external site)
What changed
The minister's release says the government will "introduce a ballot system for years two and three" and keep the regional work requirement.
The government also aims to stabilise Working Holiday visa processing at about 3 months, and the Department of Home Affairs' Working Holiday news page (updated 23 September 2026) says most applications are expected to be processed in about 3 months on average.
Not yet published: the start date, the number of places, how to apply and transitional arrangements.
Who it applies to
- People on a Working Holiday visa in Australia who are thinking about a second or third year (Japanese citizens use subclass 417), and people planning a Working Holiday in Australia.
When it applies
Announced on 17 September 2026 (ministerial media release). Start date: not yet announced.
Exceptions
This is a policy announcement; the detailed rules have not been published. Figures for second- and third-year places reported in the media could not be confirmed on official Home Affairs pages.
Show details
Home Affairs advises that the visa is granted while you are in the same place (in or outside Australia) where you applied, and recommends not booking flights until the visa is granted.
What to check or do
- Always check the official page for the latest information and your individual situation.
- 1.
- If you are considering a second or third year, keep records of your regional work (such as payslips).
- 2.
- Watch the Home Affairs Working Holiday news page for the ballot start date and how to apply.
- 3.
- Do not book flights or sign work or school contracts before your visa is granted.
Official sources
Related countries, cities, schools and guides
immi.homeaffairs.gov.au (external site)
