- Australia has confirmed that citizens of 23 countries have open application caps for its Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462, as of October 12, 2026
- Each eligible country has a limit on first-time visas, with allocations ranging from 100 to 3,400 places
- Applications for the current programme year opened on July 2, 2026, while some countries may have their applications paused or closed when demand reaches the set limits
Australia has listed 23 countries whose citizens can currently apply for its Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462, offering eligible applicants an opportunity to travel to the country and work during their stay.
Source: Getty Images
According to an update from Australia's Department of Home Affairs dated October 12, 2026, applications remain open for eligible citizens of the listed countries, although each has a specific limit on the number of first-time visas available.
The programme operates on an annual cycle, with applications opening on July 2 each year. However, applicants must meet the visa requirements, and an open application cap does not guarantee approval.
The annual country-specific limits apply to first Work and Holiday visas. According to the department's guidance, the caps do not apply to second or third Work and Holiday visas.
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23 countries with open Australia subclass 462 visa applications
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the following 23 countries currently have open application caps under the subclass 462 programme:
No. | Country | Places available |
1 | Argentina | 3,400 |
2 | Austria | 500 |
3 | Chile | 3,400 |
4 | Czechia | 500 |
5 | Ecuador | 100 |
6 | Greece | 500 |
7 | Hungary | 500 |
8 | Israel | 2,500 |
9 | Luxembourg | 100 |
10 | Malaysia | 1,100 |
11 | Papua New Guinea | 100 |
12 | Peru | 1,500 |
13 | Poland | 1,500 |
14 | Portugal | 500 |
15 | San Marino | 100 |
16 | Singapore | 2,500 |
17 | Slovak Republic | 1,000 |
18 | Slovenia | 200 |
19 | Spain | 3,400 |
20 | Switzerland | 200 |
21 | Thailand | 2,000 |
22 | Türkiye | 100 |
23 | Uruguay | 1,500 |
The allocations vary significantly between participating countries. Argentina, Chile and Spain each have 3,400 places, while Ecuador, Luxembourg, Papua New Guinea, San Marino and Türkiye each have 100.
These figures represent country-specific caps for first-time visas, not the number of visas guaranteed to be granted.
How Australia's subclass 462 visa cap system works
Australia uses an annual cap system to regulate the number of first Work and Holiday visas available to citizens of participating countries.
The Department of Home Affairs classifies each country's application status as open, paused or closed.
An open cap means applications can be submitted under the programme. A paused cap may reopen during the same programme year, while a closed cap will remain closed until the next programme year begins on July 2.
Applicants from countries with paused caps are advised to monitor the department's website for updates because their status may change.
The cap system also distinguishes between first, second and third Work and Holiday visas. The annual country limits apply to first visas rather than subsequent visas.
What applicants should know before applying
People interested in Australia's subclass 462 visa should first confirm that their nationality is eligible and check the latest application status for their country.
They must also meet the programme's other eligibility requirements. Having an open country cap does not automatically qualify someone for a visa or guarantee approval.
Because application statuses can change during the programme year, prospective applicants should consult the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website before making travel or financial commitments.
The October 12, 2026, update reflects the reported status on that date. Applicants should verify the latest information before submitting an application.
Australia opens Work-and-Holiday visa to 30 countries
TUKO.co.ke reported that Australia listed 30 countries whose citizens are eligible to apply for its First Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462.
The visa allows eligible young people aged 18 to 30 to travel to Australia and take up temporary jobs to help fund their holidays.
Citizens of China, India and Vietnam must first be selected through a ballot before submitting a full visa application.
Source: Legit.ng