Australia has introduced a new ballot-based pre-application process for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, targeting high-demand countries such as India. This system ensures a fair and transparent selection process, as visa demand exceeds the available spots. Eligible Indian passport holders can now register for a chance to be randomly selected to apply for their first work and holiday visa.

For young Indians, this visa provides a unique chance to live in Australia for an extended period, combining work, study, and travel. Here are the key details for Indian applicants:

Visa Ballot System

Starting October 1, 2024, Indian passport holders can register for the visa ballot. This random selection process helps manage the high demand for the Work and Holiday visa. India officially joined the Working Holiday Maker visa program on September 16, 2024, becoming the 50th country under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).

Key Visa Features

Successful applicants will be able to:

  • Stay in Australia for up to 12 months
  • Work in short-term jobs across various sectors
  • Study for up to 4 months
  • Travel freely in and out of Australia during the visa period

A total of 1,000 visas will be available each year for Indian citizens aged 18 to 30.

Pre-Application Process

From October 1, 2024, Indian applicants can register for the ballot through ImmiAccount, paying a fee of AUD 25. The ballot will remain open until April 30, 2025, with the selection being entirely random. Applicants can only register once per ballot cycle.

Visa Conditions

  • Health insurance is highly recommended to cover medical expenses during the stay.
  • Visa holders must pay taxes on any income earned, and employers are required to contribute to a superannuation fund, which can be accessed after leaving Australia.

Registration and Notification

Upon registering, applicants will receive a confirmation email. If selected, they will be notified with instructions on how to proceed with the visa application. Unsuccessful applicants will not be notified, and the registration fee is nonrefundable.

This ballot-based process provides young Indian travelers a clear path to experience Australia’s vibrant culture, offering opportunities to work, study, and explore for up to a year.

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