Australia’s government has slowed the processing of working holiday visas, which allow temporary work and travel, starting in July 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Applications from 24 countries subject to annual visa caps have been paused for the current financial year that began July 1, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Processing times for applicants from countries without caps have also lengthened since that date [1, 2, 3].
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the slowdown on August 16 and said the new migration policy is under cabinet consideration, but he did not specify when an announcement would come. "They are still being processed, but they are being processed more slowly than they were previously," Burke said [1]. He also stated, "The new policy is currently going through a cabinet process" [2].
Working holiday visas are especially popular with young citizens of European countries and Japan [1, 2, 3, 4]. The visa slowdown has caused anxiety among young Japanese applicants planning to visit Australia under the program [4].
The Australian government aims to reduce the number of permanent immigrants after migration numbers recently exceeded projections [1, 3]. The pause on applications and slower processing of working holiday visas reflect efforts to tighten migration controls.
The change took effect July 1, 2026, when applications from the 24 capped countries were paused. Minister Burke’s confirmation came August 16, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
