Australia WHV for Indonesian Citizens
2026 Ballot Guide

Last Updated: 1 September 2026 · RACC Migration

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Australia and Indonesia have agreed to move first Work and Holiday visa applications for Indonesian passport holders to a ballot system.

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As at 1 September 2026, Indonesia is listed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs as “CHECK BALLOT STATUS”. The Indonesia ballot has not opened yet.

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The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that registrations for the Indonesia Working Holiday Maker ballot are expected to open later in 2026. However, the registration date, registration fee, selection period and detailed Indonesia-specific process have not yet been announced.

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Indonesia has an annual cap of 5,000 first Work and Holiday visas under the subclass 462 program.

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This page explains the latest Indonesia-specific ballot update, eligibility requirements, SDUWHV status and documents Indonesian applicants may need to prepare.

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For general information about visa costs, visa conditions, specified work and second or third visas, read our Work and Holiday Visa subclass 462 guide.

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Latest Indonesia WHV Ballot Update 2026

The Indonesia Working Holiday Maker program will move to a ballot system. This change has been agreed between the Australian and Indonesian governments.

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According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs:

• first Work and Holiday visa applications from Indonesian passport holders will be managed through a ballot;

• Indonesia’s annual visa grant cap is 5,000;

• ballot registrations are expected to open later in 2026; and

• Indonesian passport holders who already hold an SDUWHV issued in a previous program year must still participate in the ballot. Holding an SDUWHV does not reserve a visa place, give priority or exempt the holder from the ballot.

• further information will be published after the arrangements are finalised.

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The Australian Government has not yet published an exact opening date for the Indonesia WHV ballot.

Applicants should monitor the official Working Holiday Maker latest news and country cap status pages.

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Is the Indonesia WHV Ballot Open?

No opening date has been announced for the Indonesia WHV ballot.

Home Affairs states that registrations are expected to open later in 2026. This does not confirm a particular month or day.

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Applicants should not rely on an unofficial opening date unless it is subsequently confirmed by the Australian Department of Home Affairs or the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.

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Indonesia’s 5,000 Visa Annual Quota

Indonesia has an annual grant cap of 5,000 first Work and Holiday subclass 462 visas.

The cap limits how many first visas may be granted to Indonesian passport holders during a program year. It does not mean that the first 5,000 people who register for a ballot will automatically receive visas.

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The Australian Government has not announced any reduction to Indonesia’s 5,000-place cap as part of the move to a ballot.

Second and third Work and Holiday visas are not included in country caps. Further information about subsequent visas is available in our subclass 462 visa guide.

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Why Is Indonesia Moving to a Ballot System?

The Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration proposed using a ballot system during discussions with Australia’s Department of Home Affairs.

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In its official announcement, Indonesian Immigration described the proposed ballot as a way to improve fairness, transparency and efficiency when managing the high number of Indonesian applicants.

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Australia’s Department of Home Affairs subsequently confirmed that the two governments had agreed to move the Indonesia Working Holiday Maker program to a ballot system.

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Official sources:

• Australian Department of Home Affairs—WHM latest news

• Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration announcement

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How Will the Indonesia WHV Ballot Work?

The detailed Indonesia WHV ballot process has not yet been published.

Home Affairs uses a visa pre-application process involving random selection for some other subclass 462 countries. However, applicants should not assume that every existing ballot date, fee or procedure will automatically apply to Indonesia.

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Indonesia-specific arrangements will need to be checked after Home Affairs publishes the final instructions.

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Who Will Be Able to Register?

Home Affairs states that anyone who meets the eligibility requirements for the Indonesia Working Holiday Maker program will be welcome to express interest.

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The complete registration rules and evidence required at the ballot stage have not yet been announced.

Applicants should wait for the official Indonesia ballot instructions before registering or paying any ballot-related fee.

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Will the Ballot Be First Come, First Served?

A ballot is different from a first-come, first-served application process. Home Affairs describes its subclass 462 pre-application process as involving the random selection of registered participants.

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However, the final registration and selection arrangements for Indonesian passport holders are still being finalised.

Submitting an expression of interest does not itself constitute a visa application.

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What Happens If You Are Selected?

If you are selected in the Indonesia WHV ballot, Home Affairs will give you instructions on how and when to apply for a first Work and Holiday visa subclass 462.

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You will then need to:

1. Read the selection notice and check the application deadline.

2. Prepare the required identity, education, English, financial and government support documents.

3. Lodge your visa application using the method specified by Home Affairs.

4. Pay the applicable visa application charge.

5. Complete any health examination or character checks requested by Home Affairs.

6. Wait for the written visa decision before booking your travel.

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Do not lodge a visa application before you are selected or outside the period specified in your notice.

Being selected gives you the opportunity to apply. It does not guarantee that the visa will be granted, because you must still meet all subclass 462 requirements.

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Does Ballot Selection Guarantee a Visa?

No. Selection in a subclass 462 ballot does not guarantee that a visa will be granted.

A selected person must still make a valid visa application and satisfy the applicable requirements, including age, passport, education, English, financial, government support, health and character requirements.

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WHV Requirements for Indonesian Citizens

An Indonesian citizen applying for a first Work and Holiday visa must meet the subclass 462 requirements that apply to Indonesian passport holders.

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The principal requirements include:

• holding a valid Indonesian passport;

• being 18 to 30 years old, inclusive, when applying;

• holding a tertiary qualification or having successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study;

• providing evidence of Functional English;

• obtaining government support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration under the current requirements;

• having enough money for the initial stay and departure from Australia;

• applying from outside Australia;

• being outside Australia when the visa is decided;

• not having previously entered Australia on a subclass 417 or subclass 462 visa;

• not being accompanied by dependent children; and

• meeting Australia’s health and character requirements.

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Applicants should check the current first Work and Holiday visa requirements before applying.

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Age Requirement for Indonesian Applicants

Indonesian applicants must be at least 18 and no more than 30 years old when they apply.

The age limit is inclusive. This means an eligible person can apply while they are still 30, subject to meeting all other requirements and being permitted to lodge a valid application.

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The age setting for Indonesia is specified in the Australian Government’s Migration (Arrangements for Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) Visa) Instrument 2026.

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Education Requirements for Indonesian Applicants

An Indonesian applicant must have either:

• tertiary qualifications; or

• successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study.

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These are the country-specific Australian visa requirements listed for Indonesia in the 2026 legislative instrument.

Applicants should provide clear evidence showing the qualification obtained or the period of university study successfully completed.

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Functional English Requirements

Indonesian first Work and Holiday visa applicants must provide evidence of Functional English.

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Home Affairs allows Functional English to be demonstrated through an approved English test or certain qualifying education. The accepted evidence depends on the applicant’s circumstances and, for test results, when the test was taken.

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For tests taken on or after 7 August 2025, Home Affairs lists approved tests including IELTS Academic, IELTS General Training, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, CELPIP General, LANGUAGECERT Academic, MET and OET.

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Applicants must satisfy the score and validity rules published on the official Functional English page.

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Home Affairs does not accept English tests delivered entirely online or through an at-home, remote-proctored format for Australian visa purposes.

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Funds Required for Indonesian Applicants

Applicants must have enough money to support themselves during their initial stay and to leave Australia at the end of their stay.

Home Affairs states that this is usually about AUD5,000 for the initial stay, plus the cost of a ticket to leave Australia if the applicant has not already purchased one.

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Evidence can include appropriate financial records demonstrating that the funds are genuinely available.

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Applying From Outside Australia

A first Work and Holiday subclass 462 applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when Home Affairs decides the application.

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Applicants should not make travel arrangements based only on ballot registration or visa lodgement. Home Affairs advises applicants not to arrange travel before receiving written confirmation that the visa has been granted.

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Health and Character Requirements

Applicants must meet Australia’s health and character requirements.

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Home Affairs may request health examinations or character documents, depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Applicants should complete requested checks within the time specified by Home Affairs.

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Is SDUWHV Still Required Under the Ballot System?

Under the requirements currently published by Home Affairs, Indonesian applicants must provide a letter of government support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.

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Indonesia is not currently listed among the countries exempt from providing government support evidence.

However, the governments have not yet published the complete administrative arrangements showing how the Indonesian ballot and SDUWHV process will interact. Home Affairs has clarified that people who hold an SDUWHV issued in a previous program year may register for the ballot if otherwise eligible, but the SDUWHV does not give priority, reserve a place or remove the need to participate in the ballot.

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Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that SDUWHV has been abolished or that the old SDUWHV intake process will continue unchanged.

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What Has Been Officially Confirmed?

The following points have been officially confirmed:

• Indonesia will move to a ballot system;

• Home Affairs currently lists Indonesia as “CHECK BALLOT STATUS”;

• the ballot is expected to open later in 2026;

• Indonesia’s annual first-visa grant cap is 5,000;

• Home Affairs currently requires government support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration; and

• holding an SDUWHV issued in a previous program year does not reserve a visa place, give priority or exempt the holder from participating in the ballot.

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What Has Not Yet Been Confirmed?

As of 1 September 2026, the official government pages reviewed for this guide have not announced:

• the Indonesia ballot opening date;

• the ballot registration period;

• an Indonesia ballot registration fee;

• the selection schedule;

• the number of ballot registrations permitted per person;

• the period given to selected applicants to lodge a visa application; or

• whether the SDUWHV procedure will change after the ballot begins.

These details should not be presented as confirmed until they are published by Home Affairs or Indonesian Immigration.

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Should You Apply Through the SDUWHV Portal Now?

Applicants should follow the latest instructions published by the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.

The existing Indonesian Immigration FAQ states that SDUWHV applications are submitted through the official SDUWHV portal on dates determined by Indonesian Immigration. However, that guidance predates the final implementation of the new Indonesia ballot system.

Before submitting documents, check:

• Australian Home Affairs WHM latest news

• Australian Home Affairs country cap status

• Indonesian Immigration SDUWHV portal

• official Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration announcements

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Documents Indonesian Applicants Should Prepare

The final ballot-stage document requirements have not yet been announced. Nevertheless, prospective applicants can prepare documents connected with the existing first subclass 462 and SDUWHV requirements.

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These may include:

• a valid Indonesian passport;

• identity documents;

• evidence of tertiary qualifications or at least two successfully completed years of undergraduate university study;

• acceptable Functional English evidence;

• evidence of sufficient funds;

• English translations of non-English documents for the Australian visa application;

• government support evidence, if still required under the final arrangements;

• health documents if requested; and

• character documents if requested.

Preparing a document does not guarantee ballot selection or visa approval.

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Indonesian Passport and Identity Documents

Applicants should ensure that the information recorded in their passport and supporting identity documents is accurate and consistent.

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The existing Indonesian Immigration SDUWHV guidance lists a passport, E-KTP or qualifying domicile evidence among its supporting documents.

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Passport validity and SDUWHV document requirements should be checked again when Indonesian Immigration announces the next process.

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Education Documents

Graduates should prepare evidence of their completed tertiary qualification.

Active university students relying on completed study should prepare documents that demonstrate they have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study.

The documents must establish the relevant Australian visa requirement, not merely current enrolment.

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English Test Evidence

Applicants relying on an English test should ensure that:

• the test is approved by Home Affairs;

• the required Functional English score is achieved;

• the result remains valid for the visa application; and

• the test was not taken through a prohibited at-home format.

Because English test rules changed on 7 August 2025, applicants should check the applicable table for the date on which their test was taken.

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Bank Statements and Proof of Funds

Home Affairs usually expects evidence of approximately AUD5,000 for the applicant’s initial stay, plus funds for departure from Australia if an onward ticket has not already been purchased.

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Indonesian Immigration has previously published additional SDUWHV requirements where funds are held by a parent or guardian. These have included evidence of the family relationship, the account holder’s identity and a signed statement from the account holder.

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Applicants should check the current SDUWHV instructions before relying on another person’s funds.

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English Translations

Home Affairs requires non-English documents submitted with the visa application to be translated into English.

Applicants should follow Home Affairs requirements concerning translator details and submit both the original document and its English translation where required.

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How to Apply for an Australia WHV From Indonesia

The final Indonesia ballot application sequence has not yet been published. The following is a preparation framework based only on currently confirmed requirements.

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Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Check your age, Indonesian passport, education, Functional English, financial position and first-visa history against the current Home Affairs requirements.

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Step 2: Prepare Supporting Documents

Prepare your passport, education evidence, English evidence and financial documents.

Do not obtain time-sensitive documents unnecessarily early if their validity could expire before you are permitted to apply.

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Step 3: Wait for the Official Ballot Announcement

Monitor official Australian and Indonesian government sources for the registration date and Indonesia-specific instructions.

Do not use an unofficial registration link or pay a third party that claims to control ballot selection.

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Step 4: Register According to the Official Instructions

When registrations open, follow the process published by Home Affairs.

The final registration method, fee and registration period for Indonesia have not yet been announced.

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Step 5: Wait for the Official Selection Result

Registering for the ballot will not guarantee selection.

Only rely on a selection notice delivered through the communication channel specified by Home Affairs.

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Step 6: Complete the Required Government Support Process

If the final arrangements continue to require SDUWHV, obtain the relevant support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration according to its current instructions.

A letter of government support does not itself guarantee the grant of an Australian visa.

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Step 7: Lodge the Visa Application

If selected and authorised to proceed, lodge the first Work and Holiday subclass 462 application according to the Home Affairs instructions.

The applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is decided.

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Step 8: Respond to Further Requests

Home Affairs may request health examinations, police certificates or other information.

Provide complete and accurate information within the requested timeframe.

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Step 9: Wait for a Written Visa Decision

Do not book flights or make non-refundable travel arrangements until Home Affairs confirms in writing that the visa has been granted.

 

Second Work and Holiday visa

Period: 12 Months

This visa lets people 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) - who currently hold, or who have held, a Working Holiday visa, have a second working holiday in Australia.

• ​​​​You must have a passport from an eligible country or jurisdiction

• You can do any kind of work while you are here

• You must have completed 3 months of specified work while holding your first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa

• You can apply for a third Working Holiday visa if you meet certain eligibility criteria

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Third Work and Holiday visa

This visa lets people 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) - who currently hold, or who have held, a second Working Holiday visa, have a third working holiday in Australia.

• ​​​You must have a passport from an eligible country/jurisdiction

• You can do any kind of work while you are here

• You must have completed 6 months of specified work while holding your second Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa

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Work and Holiday Visa Extension

If your Working Holiday Visa is expiring, you may or may not be able to extend to another Working Holiday Visa depending on your eligibility

You may have 3 options to choose from if you want to extend your stay in Australia.

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1. Apply for a second/third Working holiday Visa depending on your eligibility

2. Apply for a Student Visa

3. Apply for a Tourist Visa

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You may have a lot of study options including English Courses and 6 months to 1-year diploma courses.

You may have a lot of options to choose from including $5500 Diploma courses for 1 year to Masters level courses.

Few popular study options among many working holiday visa holders have been: 

• English Courses

• 1 Year Diploma of Leadership and Management Courses

• Other Trade and Hospitality courses (Painting, Construction, Carpentry, Cookery etc.)

• Bachelor/Master courses

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Some of the trade courses and other courses are in high demand in Australia and may make you eligible to apply for Permanent Residency in the future. Find out study options all across Australia:

https://www.racc.net.au/popular-study-options-australia

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Indonesia WHV Ballot Status

Has the Indonesia WHV Ballot Been Confirmed?

Yes. The Australian Department of Home Affairs states that the Australian and Indonesian governments have agreed to move the Indonesia Working Holiday Maker program to a ballot system.

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Is the Indonesia WHV Ballot Open?

No. As at 1 September 2026, Indonesia is listed by Home Affairs as “CHECK BALLOT STATUS”, but no exact opening date has been announced. Home Affairs states that the ballot is anticipated to open later in 2026, with further details to be published after the arrangements are finalised.

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How Many WHV Places Are Available for Indonesia?

Indonesia has an annual cap of 5,000 first Work and Holiday subclass 462 visa grants. The move to a ballot has not changed this annual cap.

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Has the Ballot Registration Period Been Announced?

No. The Australian Government has not yet published the opening date, closing date or registration period for Indonesian applicants.

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Has an Indonesia WHV Ballot Fee Been Announced?

No Indonesia-specific ballot registration fee has been announced. Applicants should not assume that fees applying to other subclass 462 ballot countries will automatically apply to Indonesia.

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Has the Selection Period Been Announced?

No. Home Affairs has not yet published the selection schedule or invitation period for the Indonesia ballot.

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How Will Selected Applicants Be Invited?

The detailed invitation process for Indonesian applicants has not yet been published. Selected applicants will need to follow the instructions and time limits provided by Home Affairs when the official process is announced.

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Is the SDUWHV Still Required?

Home Affairs currently lists a letter of government support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration as a requirement for Indonesian applicants.

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The Australian and Indonesian governments have not yet published complete instructions explaining how the SDUWHV requirement will operate after the ballot begins. Applicants should not assume that SDUWHV has been removed unless an official government source confirms the change.

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Applicants should monitor the official Working Holiday Maker latest news and country cap status pages for updates.

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Common Problems Indonesian Applicants Should Avoid

Relying on an Unofficial Opening Date

Home Affairs has said only that the ballot is expected to open later in 2026. Until an exact date is published, claims about a particular opening day or month remain unconfirmed.

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Treating Ballot Registration as a Visa Application

A ballot registration or expression of interest is not the same as lodging a subclass 462 visa application.

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Assuming Selection Guarantees Approval

Selection allows a person to proceed under the applicable pre-application process. The applicant must still meet all visa criteria.

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Assuming SDUWHV Has Been Abolished

Home Affairs continues to list government support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration as a requirement. Any future change should be verified through an official announcement.

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Using Expired English Evidence

Applicants relying on a language test must meet Home Affairs score, test-date and validity requirements.

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Providing Incomplete Education Evidence

The Australian requirement is a tertiary qualification or successful completion of at least two years of undergraduate university study. Documents should clearly establish the requirement being relied upon.

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Indonesia WHV Frequently Asked Questions

When will the Indonesia WHV ballot open?

The exact date has not been announced. Home Affairs states that registrations are expected to open later in 2026 and that further details will be published after arrangements are finalised.

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How many WHV places are available for Indonesia?

Indonesia has an annual cap of 5,000 first Work and Holiday subclass 462 visa grants.

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Is the Indonesia WHV ballot first come, first served?

The subclass 462 pre-application process is described by Home Affairs as involving random selection. However, the complete registration and selection rules for Indonesia have not yet been published.

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Does ballot registration guarantee selection?

No. Registration does not guarantee that a participant will be selected.

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Does selection guarantee a visa?

No. A selected applicant must still make a valid visa application and meet all applicable subclass 462 requirements.

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Is SDUWHV still required?

Home Affairs currently lists a letter of government support from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration as a requirement for Indonesian applicants. The governments have not yet explained whether the SDUWHV procedure will change when the ballot begins. Home Affairs has also clarified that an SDUWHV issued in a previous program year does not reserve a visa place, give priority or exempt the holder from participating in the ballot.​

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Can I apply if I am 30 years old?

Yes, the subclass 462 age requirement for Indonesian applicants is 18 to 30 inclusive. The applicant must still be 30 and satisfy the other criteria when making a valid application.

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What education is required for Indonesian applicants?

An Indonesian applicant must have tertiary qualifications or have successfully completed at least two years of undergraduate university study.

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How much money do I need?

Home Affairs states that applicants usually need about AUD5,000 for their initial stay, plus enough money to leave Australia if they do not already have an onward ticket.

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Can I use my parent’s bank account?

Indonesian Immigration has previously allowed parent or guardian funds for the SDUWHV process where additional evidence is provided. Applicants must check the current instructions when the next SDUWHV or ballot-related process is announced.

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Can I register for the ballot more than once?

The number of permitted registrations for Indonesian participants has not yet been announced. Applicants should wait for the Indonesia-specific rules.

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Do I need IELTS?

Applicants must provide evidence of Functional English, but IELTS is not the only form of evidence accepted by Home Affairs. Depending on the applicant’s circumstances, Functional English may be demonstrated through an approved test or qualifying English-medium education.

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Separate SDUWHV document requirements should be checked with Indonesian Immigration when the new process is announced.

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Can an agent guarantee ballot selection?

No person or migration agent can guarantee random ballot selection or the grant of a visa.

A registered migration agent may assist with eligibility and visa preparation, but the selection and visa decision remain with the Australian Government.

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Where should I check official updates?

Check the Australian Department of Home Affairs Working Holiday Maker pages and announcements from the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.

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Get Help With Your Indonesia WHV Application

The Indonesia WHV process is changing from the previous SDUWHV-led intake system to an Australian ballot arrangement.

RACC Australia can help you understand the published eligibility requirements, review your documents and prepare for the visa application stage if you are selected. Ballot selection and visa approval cannot be guaranteed.

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Book a consultation with RACC Australia

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Information on this page is general information only and does not constitute personal migration or legal advice. Government requirements and ballot arrangements may change. Always check the latest instructions issued by the Australian Department of Home Affairs and the Indonesian Directorate General of Immigration.