As of August 16, 2026, Immigration Minister Tony Burke confirmed that Working Holiday Maker visa applications (both subclass 417 and 462) continue to be processed, but slower than usual. No new processing timeframe has been announced.
s/c 462 Country Cap Status (Updated August 19, 2026)
Some countries are subject to an annual cap in total numbers (s/c 462 visas).
Where to Check Your Country
- Visit the Country Caps Status Page
- Find your country on the list
- Check the status within 48 hours of applying (updates can lag)
Current Snapshot:
- Open: San Marino, Türkiye
- Ballot System: China, India, Vietnam (Indonesia transitioning later in 2026)
- Paused: Majority of other countries
Common Questions
Q: I tried to lodge and got an error. Does this mean my application failed?
A: If you see an error at lodgement, it typically means your country’s cap is paused or closed. This isn’t a refusal—it just means the system is blocking submissions. Wait for the program to reopen.
Q: How long do paused caps stay paused?
A: There is no set duration. The Department may reopen them later in the program year, or they may remain closed until July 2 next year.
Q: Can I submit my documents early and wait?
A: No. You must have an active cap status at the moment you click “submit.” There is no queue or holding system.
Q: My friend applied last week, and theirs went through. Why won’t mine?
A: Caps are country-specific. Just because another nationality’s quota is open doesn’t guarantee yours is.
Important Notes
- Updates to the country caps page can take up to 48 hours to appear.
- Processing times vary based on application complexity and Department workload.
- This information applies to Working Holiday visas only—Partner, Parent, and other visa subclasses follow different timelines.
Need Help with a Different Visa?
If you’re enquiring about Partner Visas (Subclass 820/801, 309/100) or Parent Visas, this WHV notice does not apply to you. Please visit our Partner Visa Assistance Page, our Parent Visa page or book a consultation directly.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official information, always refer to the Department of Home Affairs.