Could a visa draw decide your extra year in Australia? A simple guide for Vietnamese travellers

News · 2026-09-23 · 3 min read

Many young people go to Australia on a working holiday to work, travel and save money. Some stay longer by doing regional work. Now the rules for staying longer are changing. This guide explains the changes in simple words.

What is a ballot?

A ballot is like a draw. You do the work, you apply, and then your name goes into the draw. Not everyone gets a place. Before, people who finished the regional work could count on an extra year. Now they cannot be sure.

The main numbers

Second-year places will be capped at 45,000 from next year.
Third-year places will be capped at just 5,000.
That is a fall of over 21% for the second year and more than 80% for the third year, compared with 2025.
Regional work needed: 88 days for a second year and 179 days for a third year.

One estimate says the chance of winning a third-year place is one in six. Getting your first working holiday visa should stay fairly simple. Staying on is the part that becomes uncertain.

What this means for your plan

Before, the path was clear. Work in a regional area, get your days, stay longer. Now the same work only gives you a chance in the draw. So you need to think before you decide.

If you are still choosing a country, compare Australia with other working holiday places, such as Canada or the UK. If you are in your first year, ask if regional work is worth your time when an extra year is not certain. If you are in your second year, decide if you want to try the ballot or look at another visa.

What nobody knows yet

Several industry groups are against the change. They have asked many questions that still have no answer:

When does the ballot start? Reports say November, which is soon.
How will places be shared? It may be by visa type, by country or in one big pool. This changes your chances.
What happens to people who already started their regional work? Nothing is confirmed yet.

If you are already working toward your days, try to get clear answers first. This is the most important step.

Steps you can take

Check which countries can apply for a working holiday visa. Use the official visa listing and check carefully for Vietnamese passport holders.
Do not assume that regional work gives you another year. It gives you a place in the draw.
Ask for advice that fits your own case before you commit to 88 or 179 days.
Make a backup plan. It could be another visa, another country or a shorter stay.

Keep your documents ready

Whatever you choose, good documents help. Keep certified English translations of your Vietnamese certificates and records. If a police certificate is requested, it is usually the Judicial Record Certificate No. 2 (Phiếu lý lịch tư pháp số 2). If your visa or employer asks for an English test, it is often IELTS or PTE.

Stay safe

Deal only with licensed organisations and real employers. Never pay an unlicensed broker. Be careful with anyone who asks for money upfront to secure a farm job or a visa.

This policy is still being worked out. Please look for current advice for your own situation, and do not rely only on this article.

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