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  • Visa Cap for Work and Holiday Visa (SC 462)

Visa Cap for Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) | 2023-2024

Update (October 2026)

This page shows the caps for the 2023 to 2024 program year. Caps are set again every program year from 1 July. For 2026 to 2027, first Work and Holiday visas for China, India and Vietnam go through a pre-application ballot, while other capped countries apply directly until their cap is reached. See “What this means in 2026” below.

Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Cap for 2023-2024

What is a Cap and how does it apply to you?

Each year the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) establishes a new limit or ‘cap’ as to how many applicants can apply for certain classes of visas. This period spans between 1 July and 30 June of each year (a program year).

If you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa for the first time, you will need to apply and be approved within that program year cap depending on your passport country.

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Encouraging Fact: there is no cap on second or third Work and Holiday visas

In 2022/2023 there was a 30% increase to visa caps however, the caps have returned to their former numbers for 2023/2024 as shown in the table below:

OPEN – Applicati​​ons are open.  For Information on how to apply online see Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.

SUSPENDED – Ap​plications have been suspended as the cap is close to being filled or for operational reasons.​ You can keep checking this page to see if applications open again.

CLOSED – Applications are closed until the new program year commences on 1 July.​

Status of Country Caps

As these numbers will change during each program year, it is important to talk to your agent about how this affects you. You can also review these numbers as they change on the Department of Home Affairs website Status of Country Caps.

What this means in 2026

The cap system described above still applies. Each program year runs from 1 July to 30 June, and a country’s first Work and Holiday visa places are limited by the cap agreed with that country. When a cap is reached, Home Affairs pauses or closes applications for that country until the next program year. Home Affairs calls this approach “cap and cease”.

The biggest change since this article was written is the pre-application ballot. Applicants from China, India and Vietnam can no longer simply apply when the program opens: they must first register in a ballot and be selected before they can lodge.

Situation What applies in 2026 to 2027
First 462 visa, China, India or Vietnam passport Register in the pre-application ballot first. Registrations for 2026 to 2027 closed on 25 June 2026. Only people selected in the ballot can lodge a visa application.
First 462 visa, other capped countries Apply online once your country is open. General applications for 2026 to 2027 opened on 2 July 2026, and each country closes when its cap is reached.
Second or third 462 visa Not capped. You still need to meet the age limit and complete the required specified work.
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) No annual cap, so you can apply at any time of the year.
Government visa charge $840 for a first 462 visa and $1,000 for a second or third visa from 1 July 2026
Next steps if you want a Work and Holiday visa
  1. Check your country. Confirm that your passport country has a Work and Holiday arrangement with Australia and whether it uses a ballot.
  2. Check the cap status. The Department of Home Affairs publishes the status of country caps (open, paused or closed). Status changes can take a short time to appear.
  3. Prepare your documents early. Most countries require evidence of functional English, education (usually at least two years of tertiary study for some countries), funds of about AUD5,000, and a letter of support from your government where required.
  4. Lodge as soon as you are able. Caps for popular countries can fill within days of opening.
  5. Plan your specified work. If you want a second or third visa, keep payslips and records of eligible specified work in regional or northern Australia.

If your country’s cap is full, other options may suit you, such as a Visitor visa (subclass 600) for a short stay, a Student visa (note the 2 October 2026 changes), or an employer sponsored visa. Book a consultation for advice on your options.

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