Are the 88 days still worth it with the ballot?

Since the 17 September 2026 announcement, doing your 88 days no longer guarantees a second year: it only gets you into the ballot. Should you still do them? What they pay, which jobs count, the right timing and your plan B.

Published 21 October 2026 · Sources: Australian Department of Home Affairs, Fair Work Ombudsman.

Key points

≈ 4 in 5

Chance of a second year if as many people apply as last year

$32.18/h

Minimum pay for a casual farm worker (Level 1) since 1 July 2026

≈ $15,400

Gross earnings over 88 days of full-time work at the minimum rate (estimate)

Not in force yet

The ballot has no start date and no published rules

What changed

On 17 September 2026, the government announced that second and third visas will be allocated by ballot: 45,000 places for a second year and 5,000 for a third. The 88 days of specified work are still required, but they only get you into the draw. The odds, country by country, are in our ballot article.

As of 21 October 2026, the measure isn't in force yet: no start date, no published rules. Until then, the current rules apply: 88 days of specified work on your first visa make you eligible for a second.

What 88 days actually pay

The 88 days are real, paid work. Since 1 July 2026, a casual farm worker (the most common contract) earns at least $32.18 an hour at Level 1, including the 25% casual loading.

Over 88 days of full-time work, about 12 and a half weeks of 38 hours, that's around $15,400 gross at the minimum rate. At the working holiday tax rate (15% up to $45,000), you keep about $13,100, before accommodation, which the farm or hostel often charges for.

On piece rates, you must still earn at least the minimum hourly rate for every hour worked. If your picking falls short, the employer has to top it up.
Avoid farms that pay below the minimum, overcharge for accommodation or don't give payslips: you lose money, and those days may not count.
Even if you're not drawn, 88 well-paid days still pay off. What you really lose is time away from cities and the road.

The jobs that count, not just farms

Specified work isn't only fruit picking. The official list covers several industries, each with its own eligible areas:

Plant and animal cultivation in regional Australia: picking, packing, working with animals, including meat processing.
Fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling.
Construction and mining, in the areas set by the official list. Often better paid than picking, but harder to land without experience.
Tourism and hospitality (hotels, restaurants, bars, tourist activities) in northern Australia and remote areas: an option if farm work isn't for you.
Volunteer work doesn't count: only paid work is accepted.
Before taking a job, check the workplace postcode against the Department's official list.

When to do your 88 days

As early as possible on your first visa: you need them done to apply for a second, and we don't know yet when the ballot will start.
The 88 days are calendar days: if you work full-time, weekends count. Part-time work slows the count down.
Follow the seasons: harvests change by region and month. A farm with no work means weeks lost.
Keep everything: payslips, bank statements, employer details and postcode. The Department can ask for them.

What if you're not drawn?

Your first visa stays valid until its end date: you keep working and travelling.
We don't know yet whether you'll be able to try again in the next draw: the rules haven't been published.
Depending on your nationality and age, another country may offer you a working holiday, such as New Zealand or Canada.
The money you earned is yours. When you leave Australia, you can also claim back your superannuation, the retirement contributions your employer paid for you.

So, should you do them?

You really want a second year: yes. Do them early, on a farm that pays at least the minimum.
You're aiming for a third year: do it if the chance comes up, but don't build your plans on it. There are very few places.
You're on the fence: pick a well-paid job. Even without a visa at the end, you leave with money.
You're British: this doesn't affect you. UK citizens are exempt from specified work and from the ballot.

Frequently asked questions

I've already started my 88 days. Should I keep going?

Yes. The current rules still apply, and specified work will still be required to enter the ballot. We don't know yet how applications lodged around the start date will be handled.

Has the ballot started?

No, not as of 21 October 2026. The government still has to publish the rules and the start date.

Does WWOOFing or work to stay count?

No. Only paid work counts as specified work. Work to stay is still a good way to travel cheaply, but not to complete your 88 days.

Does piece-rate work count?

Yes, as long as it meets the legal minimum and you have payslips.