Working Holiday Maker Program: Key Updates from 1 July 2026

From 1 July 2026, several important updates have taken effect under Australia's Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program.

Whether you are planning to apply for a Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa or a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa, these changes may affect your eligibility or application process.

🟠 Increased Age Limit for Some Subclass 417 Applicants:

Passport holders from the following countries can now apply for a Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa if they are 18 to 35 years of age (inclusive)

• Cyprus

• Finland

• Germany

• Republic of Korea (South Korea)

Eligible applicants can lodge their application up until 11:59 pm (AEST) on the day before their 36th birthday.

🟠 Applications for First Subclass 462 Visas Open from 2 July 2026:

Applications for countries subject to annual caps under the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) program opened on 2 July 2026.

🟠 Increased Cap for Uruguay:

The annual cap for first Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas for eligible passport holders from Uruguay has increased to 1,500 places per program year.

🟠 Luxembourg Applicants No Longer Require a Letter of Support:

From 3 June 2026, passport holders from Luxembourg are no longer required to provide a Letter of Support when applying for a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa.

🟠 Philippines Work and Holiday Arrangement:

Australia and the Philippines continue to progress the implementation of the new Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) arrangement.

Once administrative arrangements are finalised, up to 200 young Australian and Filipino passport holders each year will be able to participate in the program. The Department of Home Affairs will announce the commencement date once available.

🟠 Processing Delays:

The Department of Home Affairs has advised that it is currently experiencing a high volume of Working Holiday visa applications, which may result in longer processing times.

Applicants should avoid making travel arrangements until they receive written confirmation that their visa has been granted.

Need Advice?

If you are planning to apply for a Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa, it is important to confirm your eligibility before lodging your application. Book a consultation with one of experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.