What was announced

• A ballot (random draw) for second and third year visas, covering subclass 417 and 462.
• 45,000 places for second year visas and 5,000 for third year visas.
• Specified work stays. Your 88 days or 6 months would make you eligible to enter the ballot, rather than guarantee a visa.

What is still unknown

• The exact start date. ABC News reported on 24 October 2026 that it is expected to roll out over the next 12 months.
• How often draws happen and how you enter.
• How UK passport holders, who no longer need specified work, will be treated.

What should you do now?

• If you are eligible for a second or third visa under the current rules, there is no ballot yet. Check the Home Affairs website before you apply.
• Keep all payslips and records of your specified work.
• Follow our News section. We will update this post when the details are released.

Read the full second and third year requirements.

How it works today

Under the current rules, if you complete enough specified work while on your first working holiday visa, you can apply for a second visa. For most passports that means 88 days (3 months) of eligible work in regional Australia, such as farm work, mining, construction or tourism and hospitality in some areas. To get a third visa, you need 6 months of specified work during your second visa. These rules have not changed yet.

What a ballot could mean for you

A ballot is a random draw. If it starts, finishing your specified work would let you enter the ballot, but it would not guarantee a second or third year. That is a big change from today, where meeting the requirements is enough. It is too early to know exactly how it will work, so do not make decisions based on rumours.

What we suggest right now

• If you want a second or third year, keep doing your specified work and keep every payslip.
• Make sure your employer’s postcode is in an eligible area for the work you are doing.
• Get payslips that show your hours, dates and the employer ABN.
• Do not pay anyone who promises a guaranteed visa or ballot place.
• Check the Home Affairs website before you apply.

Keeping good records

Whatever the system ends up being, good records will make your application easier. Keep a simple diary of the days you work, where you worked and what you did. Save payslips as PDFs or photos. If you are paid by piece rate, keep the hours you worked as well as the amount you picked.

Watch out for scams

Big changes bring scams. Be wary of anyone selling ballot spots, paid farm days or signed forms for work you did not do. Providing false information can lead to your visa being refused or cancelled, and can affect future visas.

Looking for regional or farm work now? Browse jobs on TAW and get your CV ready with our free CV builder.

Sources: Home Affairs: Working Holiday Maker program.