Updated 7 October 2026. If you are planning a second or third Working Holiday year in Australia, the biggest news of the season is the new ballot system announced by the government. Here is what has been announced, what has not been decided yet, and what you can do right now.
What was announced on 17 September 2026
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced that second and third year Working Holiday visas (subclasses 417 and 462) will move to a ballot. The reported numbers are 45,000 places for the second year (about 57,000 people qualified last year) and 5,000 places for the third year (about 31,000 qualified last year). UK passport holders are reported to be outside the ballot because of the Australia–UK free trade agreement.
What does not change: the 88 days
The specified work requirement stays: 88 days (three months) of eligible regional work for the second year, and six months for the third year. The difference is that completing it would let you enter the ballot rather than guarantee the visa.
What is still unknown
- The ballot is not in force yet: it needs a regulation that has not been made, so there is no start date.
- How and when you register, and how the draw works, has not been published.
- Until then, the rules you know still apply.
Always check the official information on the Home Affairs website before making decisions. For summaries of the announcement, see Time Out and Work Visa Lawyers.
What to do now
- Keep every proof of work: payslips, payment summaries, contracts and employer details. Proof is what counts for your 88 days, ballot or not.
- Check that your work is eligible: the type of work and the postcode both matter. See our page about eligible areas.
- Start early: the sooner you finish your days, the more options you will have when the details come out.
- Be careful with scams: nobody can sell you a place in a ballot or “guarantee” a visa.
Where to look for farm work from October to December
Seasons change every year with the weather, so always confirm with employers. As a general guide, work usually picks up in South Australia from October/November, in Victoria from November (cherries from November to January, berries from November), and in Queensland around Bundaberg from November. Mangoes are harvested around Darwin and Katherine in October and November. Check the Victorian government harvest page for current Victorian jobs.
The best way to find a farm is still to contact them directly. The WikiFarms Australia app puts around 4,000 farms, working hostels and agencies on a map, with the contacts you need to call or visit them. You can also read our guides on how to find farm work in Australia and our best tips to find a farm job.
Track your days: the 88 Days Calculator app is completely free. Download it on the App Store or on Google Play.
We will update this article as soon as the official details of the ballot are published.
