Is there a ballot for the second and third year visa now?
Short answer
Not yet. On 17 September 2026 the Government announced ballots for second-year (45,000 places) and third-year (5,000 places) Working Holiday visas, with the 88 and 179 days still needed to enter. As of 21 October 2026 we found no law, instrument or start date, so the current rules still apply. Keep doing and documenting your specified work.
Since the announcement on 17 September 2026, Facebook groups have been full of “they’ve cancelled the 88 days” and “it’s a lottery now”. Neither is true yet. Here’s what’s confirmed and what isn’t.
What was announced
On 17 September 2026, the Minister for Home Affairs announced that second and third-year Working Holiday visas would move to a ballot:
| Places announced | For comparison (reported) | |
|---|---|---|
| Second year | 45,000 | about 57,000 people qualified last year |
| Third year | 5,000 | about 31,000 last year |
Specified work would still be required: the 88 days (or 179) would get you into the ballot, not guarantee a visa.
What’s not settled
As of 21 October 2026:
- No law or legislative instrument setting up the ballot has been published that we could find.
- No start date. The Government said the wider changes would roll out over the next 12 months, and some need changes to the law.
- No ballot mechanics: how to register, when draws happen, what happens to applications already lodged.
- UK passport holders: whether the ballot applies to them hasn’t been answered.
The Home Affairs specified work pages still describe the current rules: 88 days for a second visa, 179 for a third.
What this means for you right now
- The current rules apply. If you meet them, you can apply under them today.
- Keep doing your specified work and keep every payslip. Under the announced model, completed days are still the ticket into the ballot.
- Document everything carefully. If places become limited, a clean, complete set of evidence matters more, not less.
- Be wary of paid “ballot registration” offers. Until Home Affairs publishes how it works, there’s nothing to register for.
We’ll update this page
This page is dated. When Home Affairs or the Federal Register of Legislation publishes something, we’ll update it and change the date at the top.
In the meantime, count your days from your payslips in the 88-day calculator.
Questions people also ask
Do I still need to do my 88 days?
Yes. Under the current rules the 88 days (or 179 for a third visa) are still required. Under the announced ballot, they would still be needed just to enter the ballot.
When does the ballot start?
No start date has been published. The Government said the wider migration changes would roll out over the next 12 months, and some need changes to the law.
How many places are in the ballot?
As announced: 45,000 second-year places and 5,000 third-year places.
Does the ballot affect UK passport holders?
That hasn't been answered yet. Under the current rules, UK passport holders applying on or after 1 July 2024 don't need specified work.
Sources
General information, not immigration advice. Aussie Days is independent and not affiliated with the Australian Government. Always check the official Home Affairs pages before you rely on anything here.
Keep reading
How do the 179 days for a third year visa work?
For a third Working Holiday visa you need 6 months (179 days) of specified work, done on your second visa, from 1 July 2019. Rules, bridging visas and examples.
EvidenceWhat evidence do you need for your 88 days?
What proof Home Affairs lists for your 88 or 179 days: payslips, bank statements, payment summaries, employer references. What to keep and how to organise it.
Visa rulesDo UK passport holders need to do 88 days?
UK passport holders don't need specified work for a second or third Working Holiday visa if they apply on or after 1 July 2024 with their UK passport.