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 Pay in Australia: Hourly Rates vs Piece Rates

Farm work in Australia is paid under workplace laws, but how you are paid — hourly or piece rate — and which award covers you depends on the work and employer. This guide explains the structure; always check current legal rates on the Fair Work website, as rates change each year.

Which award applies

Many horticulture workers are covered by the Horticulture Award or the Wine Award, but your award depends on the work and your employer — labour hire and other arrangements can differ. Confirm your award on the Fair Work Horticulture page.

Hourly rates

Under an award you are paid an hourly rate for each hour worked, plus loadings for overtime, weekends or casual hours where they apply. The exact rate depends on your award, classification level, age and whether you are full-time, part-time or casual — do not rely on a single quoted number.

Piece rates

Some farms pay a piece rate — a set amount per bucket, bin or tray. Under the Horticulture Award, pieceworkers must still be paid at least a minimum wage guarantee for the hours worked each day, and the piece rate must allow a competent pieceworker to earn at least 15% more than the hourly rate. Track your hours carefully to check you are being paid correctly.

Gross vs net

Your gross pay is what you earn before deductions. Your net (take-home) pay is what lands in your bank after tax and any deductions. Your individual tax depends on your circumstances — confirm with the ATO or a registered tax agent.

A hypothetical arithmetic example

Suppose a payslip shows a gross of $900 for a fortnight. After hypothetical deductions of $150 (illustrative only — not a tax calculation), the net pay would be $750. This is an arithmetic example only, not a legal pay or tax quote — actual rates and deductions vary and must be checked on Fair Work and the ATO.

Costs to expect

Farm work often involves regional relocation, transport, and sometimes accommodation or gear costs. Track income and expenses with the Financial Tracker so you know your real net position.

This guide explains pay structure only. Current legal rates are on the Fair Work website. Tax details are on the ATO.