Second and Third Year Working Holiday Visa Ballot: What We Know
In short
On 17 September 2026 the government announced a ballot for second and third year Working Holiday visas, with 45,000 second year places and 5,000 third year places. As of 25 October 2026 there is no start date and no law in place. The current rules still apply.
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.
