Working Holiday Visa Ballot for Years 2 and 3: What We Know
The Australian Government has announced plans to change how second and third Working Holiday visas (subclass 417 and 462) are granted. The plan has been back in the news this week, so here is a short, neutral summary of what has been officially said and what is still unknown.
What was announced
On 17 September 2026, the Minister for Home Affairs announced that the government will change the Working Holiday Maker program "to introduce a ballot system for years two and three", with "a regional work requirement in support of regional Australia". The same release says processing times for Working Holiday Maker applications will be stabilised at three months. (Minister for Home Affairs media release, 17 Sep 2026)
The numbers reported
According to ABC News (17 Sep 2026), the Minister said in his National Press Club speech that:
Second-year visas would be capped at 45,000 places. About 57,000 people stayed for a second year last year.
Third-year visas would be limited to 5,000 places. About 31,000 people stayed for a third year last year.
Applicants would still need to complete 88 days of specified regional work to enter the second-year ballot, and six months for the third-year ballot.
UK passport holders have separate arrangements under the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement.
These figures come from media reporting of the Minister's speech. The official media release does not list the numbers.
What has not changed yet
No start date has been announced.
As at 26 October 2026, the Home Affairs Working Holiday Maker latest news page does not publish ballot rules for second or third year visas.
Until official changes are made, the current rules for second and third Working Holiday visas continue to apply.
Different views
The government says it wants "some control and certainty" over the numbers (ABC News). Earlier this year, when Working Holiday visa processing slowed, some politicians argued that changes to the program were "not where the problems are" and that farmers rely on backpackers (SBS News, Aug 2026). We present these views for information only and do not take a side.
What this could mean for you
If you plan to apply for a second or third year, keep good records of your specified work (payslips, employer details and dates).
Check official updates from the Department of Home Affairs before you make plans.
If you want to study while on a Working Holiday visa, visa condition 8548 generally limits study or training to 4 months. Check the conditions on the Home Affairs visa page.
Are you on a Working Holiday visa (417/462)? See our options for Working Holiday Makers.
Need visa advice?
We International Education & Visa is an education agency, not a migration agent. This article is general information only and is not migration advice. If you need advice about your own situation, we can refer you to a registered migration agent: weintervisa.com/migration-support.
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