Australia Opens Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa Applications

Australia's Department of Home Affairs has announced that citizens from 23 countries, including San Marino, can now apply for the subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa. This visa allows eligible young adults to travel to Australia and undertake short-term employment during their stay.

Application Details

Applications for the subclass 462 visa are currently open, following an official update released on October 12, 2026. The program operates on an annual cap system, meaning each participating country has a limit on the number of first-time visas granted each year. For example, while Argentina, Chile, and Spain have 3,400 places available, San Marino is limited to just 100 places annually.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the subclass 462 visa must be aged between 18 and 30 and hold an eligible passport. Unlike the subclass 417 Working Holiday visa, the subclass 462 has stricter requirements, including a minimum of two years of tertiary education and proof of functional English language proficiency. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate financial stability, typically showing around A$5,000 in funds.

Application Process and Ballot System

Due to high demand, Australia has implemented a pre-application ballot system for citizens of China, India, and Vietnam. These applicants must register for a ballot and be randomly selected to apply. For the 2026-2027 program year, registrations occurred in June 2026, with selections continuing until April 2027.

Extending Your Stay

The subclass 462 visa allows for extensions through a second or third visa, contingent on completing specified work during the initial visa period. Eligible work must generally be undertaken in northern Australia or designated regional areas, focusing on industries such as agriculture and hospitality.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply promptly, as places for popular countries fill quickly. The Work and Holiday program is a key element of Australia's strategy to attract young international talent and support its regional economies.