Australia is revising the rules for travelers who want to extend their stay through agricultural work. Previously, completing a set number of days on a farm was enough to qualify for a second year. Now, a points-based selection system is being introduced. This changes the game for thousands of backpackers planning a second year in Australia.
What Exactly Is Changing
Starting in 2026, foreign travelers applying for a visa extension after farm work will face a new system. Instead of automatic extension upon meeting the work requirements, applications will go through a points-based selection. This means that even if all conditions are met, a traveler may not receive an extension if their score is too low.
The new system affects citizens of countries participating in the Working Holiday Visa program. These are primarily young people from the UK, Canada, Germany, France, and other countries with relevant agreements with Australia.
How Long You Can Stay and What Is Required
A standard working holiday visa allows a stay in Australia for up to 12 months. To extend for a second year, certain requirements must be met, and these are now changing. Instead of simply confirming farm work days, applicants will need to score enough points under the new system.
Exact scoring criteria and application processing times have not been fully disclosed. However, it is already clear that the process will become less predictable: even after months of hard farm work, a traveler may not receive an extension.
The Payment Side of the Trip
For those planning a trip to Australia, it is important to consider the financial aspects. The visa fee is paid when submitting an application on the official Australian immigration portal. A foreign bank card is required for payment — virtual cards can be a convenient solution here, as they allow international payments without being tied to a local bank.
When booking accommodation in Australia, hotels and hostels often request pre-authorization — a hold on the card as a guarantee. Make sure you have sufficient funds, or the booking may be canceled. Refunds after checkout can take several weeks depending on the bank.
For connectivity and internet in Australia, an eSIM is convenient — it can be activated before the trip and paid online. Taxis and services like Uber also require a linked card, so having a working international card is essential.
What This Means for Travelers
The new system adds uncertainty for those who counted on extending their visa through farm work. If you were planning this route, it is worth studying the points criteria in advance and considering alternative options for extending your stay in Australia.
Farmers and regional communities will also lose out: expecting backpackers to work for months in tough conditions for an uncertain chance at a visa may deter some travelers, creating a labor shortage in rural areas.
“Expecting backpackers to work in tough conditions for months, only to be entered into an uncertain visa ballot, is a gamble for farmers and regional communities,” the source notes.
Keep an eye on updates on the official Australian immigration portal to get exact criteria and application deadlines under the new rules.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or immigration advice. Check current requirements on official resources.
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