What is changing for the Australia Working Holiday visa in 2026?

Australia is introducing a ballot for second and third year Working Holiday Maker visas. Second-year places are capped at 45,000 and third-year places are limited to about 5,000, allocated by random selection. The existing regional work requirement remains, fees for second and third visas sit at AUD $1,000, and processing times are being stabilised at three months. British passport holders are not affected due to the UK free trade agreement.

Do I still need 88 days of specified work for a second year visa in 2026?

Yes. The 88 days (three months) of specified regional work requirement remains in place. Completing it is what makes you eligible to enter the ballot for a second year visa, and six months of specified work remains the requirement for the third year.

How do I count my 88 days correctly?

Count only full days of eligible specified work performed in an eligible regional postcode, for a legitimate employer with a valid ABN, and keep payslips as evidence. Piece-rate and part-time work must convert to a full day equivalent. The free 88 day calculator and AI payslip scanner verify postcode eligibility and count your days automatically.

How much does a second or third Working Holiday visa cost in 2026?

Second and third Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are priced at AUD $1,000 by the Department of Home Affairs, in addition to any ballot registration fee that applies.

Which postcodes count as regional work for the 88 days?

Eligible postcodes depend on the industry. Plant and animal cultivation counts in designated regional areas, while construction, mining, fishing, forestry, tourism and hospitality have their own postcode lists, including northern Australia and remote or very remote areas. Always verify the exact postcode of the workplace before starting.

Farm Work in Australia for Your Second-Year Visa

Specified work is the requirement for extending a Working Holiday visa to a second or third year. It is not only farm work, and the rules differ between subclass 417 and 462. This checklist links to our detailed guides.

1. Know what counts as specified work

Specified work includes plant and animal cultivation, tree farming and felling, fishing, mining, construction, and tourism and hospitality in Northern or Remote Australia. The list differs between subclass 417 and 462 — confirm your subclass on the 417 specified work page or the 462 specified work page. See how to count 88 days.

2. Work in a regional area

Regional definitions differ by subclass. For 417, regional Australia includes all of South Australia and excludes the major cities. For 462 the areas differ — confirm the 462 areas separately. Check any postcode with the Postcode Finder and read the postcode guide.

3. Understand your work pattern

Full-time, part-time and casual work can all count if your actual days and shifts add up to the full-time equivalent over the qualifying period. Read full-time vs casual.

4. Count 88 calendar days

You need at least 88 calendar days of employment in specified work — including weekends — not 88 separate shifts. Paid holidays count; unpaid gaps do not.

5. Plan your season

Use the Harvest Calendar and the seasonal guide to find work at the right time.

6. Understand your pay

Hourly and piece rates both apply; check current rates on Fair Work. See farm work pay.

7. Track everything

Scan each payslip with the 88 Days Calculator and track income and expenses with the Financial Tracker.

UK passport holders lodging a 417 on or after 1 July 2024 do not need specified work for a second or third year. Estimates only — confirm on the Home Affairs website.