The Department of Home Affairs has published a series of updates to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program, effective across 2026, covering visa arrangements, age eligibility, program caps and processing timeframes.
As agreed by the Australian and Indonesian Governments, the Indonesia Working Holiday Maker program will transition to a ballot system, with the ballot expected to open later this year. Anyone meeting WHM eligibility requirements will be able to express interest, with further details to be published once arrangements are finalised.
Processing timeframes
The Department is currently receiving a high volume of Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa applications, and processing times are consequently longer than usual. Applicants are advised not to book travel to Australia until they have received written confirmation that their visa has been granted and can monitor their application status via ImmiAccount.
Increased age eligibility for Cyprus, Finland, Germany and Republic of Korea
Passport holders from Cyprus, Finland, Germany and the Republic of Korea became eligible to apply for a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa up to the age of 35 (inclusive), from 1st July 2026.
Cap increase for Uruguay
From 1 July 2026, up to 1,500 first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas are available each program year to eligible Uruguayan passport holders, finalising a previously agreed amendment to the bilateral arrangement between Australia and Uruguay.
Luxembourg applicants no longer require a Letter of Support
From 3 June 2026, Luxembourg passport holders are no longer required to provide a Letter of Support with their Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa application.
2026–27 ballot registrations closed for China, India and Vietnam
Registrations for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballot for China, India and Vietnam applicants closed on 25th June 2026.
Czech Republic Work and Holiday Program extended
The Pilot Work and Holiday Visa Arrangement between Australia and the Czech Republic has been extended, with Czech applicants able to apply for a Work and Holiday visa online through ImmiAccount.
Philippines Work and Holiday arrangement progressing
Following the Memorandum of Understanding signed by Australia and the Philippines on 8 September 2023, both governments are finalising the administrative arrangements required to launch a new Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa program. Once operational, the arrangement will allow up to 200 young Filipino and Australian passport holders to undertake a 12-month working holiday in each other’s country annually, including short-term work and study. A start date and further details including guidance on obtaining a Letter of Concurrence for Filipino applicants will be published once arrangements are finalised.
Australia and UK Free Trade Agreement
Following the entry into force of the Australia–UK Free Trade Agreement on 31st May 2023, updated arrangements are in place under the Working Holiday Maker program and Youth Mobility Scheme for UK passport holders.
Visa condition 8547 – six-month work limitation
Working Holiday Makers are reminded that mandatory visa condition 8547 limits work with any single employer to a maximum of six months, unless a blanket exemption applies or written permission has been obtained to work longer.
Click here: Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program
