Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462): 2025-26 Annual Cap & Eligibility Update

The Australian Government has announced new annual caps for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) for the 2025–2026 program year, running from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. This visa allows young adults from eligible countries to work and holiday in Australia for up to 12 months.

Current Work and Holiday Visa Allocations for 2025-26

Partner country	Application Status	Annual grant cap
Argentina	Open	3,400
Austria	Open	500
Brazil	Paused	500
Chile	Open	3,400
China	Check Ballot Status​	5,000
Czech Republic	Open	500
Ecuador	Open	100
Greece	Open	500
Hungary	Open	500
​​India	Check Ballot Status​	1,000
Indonesia	Open	5,000
Israel	Open	2,500
Luxembourg	Open	100
Malaysia	Paused	1,100
Mongolia	Paused	100
Papua New Guinea	Open	100
Peru	Open	1,500
Poland	Open	1,500
Portugal	Paused	500
San Marino	Open	100
Singapore	Open	2,500
Slovak Republic	Open	1,000
Slovenia	Open	200
Spain	Paused	3,400
Switzerland	Paused	200
Thailand	Open	2,000
Türkiye	Open​	100
Uruguay	Open	200
Vietnam	Check Ballot Status​	1,500

Ballot System for China, India, and Vietnam

Starting 1 October 2024, passport holders from China, India, and Vietnam must participate in a pre-application ballot process. This change allows for a random selection to apply for the first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. This replaces the previous application cap system for these countries. This change aims to facilitate equal access among applicants.

Key Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), you must fulfill the following criteria:

1. Be aged 18 to 30 years (inclusive) at the time of application.

2. Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.

3. Have completed at least two years of post-secondary education.

4. Meet health and character requirements.

5. Demonstrate sufficient funds (typically AUD 5,000) for your stay.

6. Not be accompanied by dependents.

   
   

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