Amid a flurry of December immigration tweaks, the Department of Home Affairs reminded would-be Work and Holiday makers that 16 December 2025 is the final day to lodge pre-applications under the current Subclass 462 settings. The notice, flagged in an immigration round-up published on 1 December, applies to several capped nationalities whose annual quotas are nearly exhausted.
After 16 December, applicants from countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and China will need to await the 2026 program year – or potentially face new eligibility criteria as the government reviews health-insurance and regional-work requirements. Travel agents report a 40 per cent spike in enquiries since last week’s reminder, while backpacker-hostel operators are bracing for a January lull if quotas lapse before seasonal farm-work demand peaks.
![Deadline looms for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) applicants as pre-lodgement window closes 16 December]()
For employers in agriculture, hospitality and tourism who rely on the Subclass 462 cohort, the timing is awkward: many will be scrambling to secure labour for the Christmas harvest and summer holiday rush. Mobility advisers suggest businesses cross-check status via VEVO before issuing contracts and consider short-term alternatives such as the Seasonal Worker Programme or the impending Pacific Engagement Visa ballot.
Although Work and Holiday visas are not primary corporate-relocation vehicles, delays can hit regional supply chains that feed into national projects – from airport catering to remote-site hospitality. Companies with subcontractors in those sectors should monitor staffing levels and build flexibility into service-delivery agreements.
The government is expected to publish the 2026 country caps and any amended eligibility rules in February, leaving a six-week window where no new Subclass 462 applications can be lodged for the affected countries. Employers and applicants alike are urged to submit complete, decision-ready files before the 16 December cut-off to avoid a long seasonal hiatus.
After 16 December, applicants from countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and China will need to await the 2026 program year – or potentially face new eligibility criteria as the government reviews health-insurance and regional-work requirements. Travel agents report a 40 per cent spike in enquiries since last week’s reminder, while backpacker-hostel operators are bracing for a January lull if quotas lapse before seasonal farm-work demand peaks.
For employers in agriculture, hospitality and tourism who rely on the Subclass 462 cohort, the timing is awkward: many will be scrambling to secure labour for the Christmas harvest and summer holiday rush. Mobility advisers suggest businesses cross-check status via VEVO before issuing contracts and consider short-term alternatives such as the Seasonal Worker Programme or the impending Pacific Engagement Visa ballot.
Although Work and Holiday visas are not primary corporate-relocation vehicles, delays can hit regional supply chains that feed into national projects – from airport catering to remote-site hospitality. Companies with subcontractors in those sectors should monitor staffing levels and build flexibility into service-delivery agreements.
The government is expected to publish the 2026 country caps and any amended eligibility rules in February, leaving a six-week window where no new Subclass 462 applications can be lodged for the affected countries. Employers and applicants alike are urged to submit complete, decision-ready files before the 16 December cut-off to avoid a long seasonal hiatus.
