Indians will soon have access to the Australian Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
Australia is set to offer 1000 Work and Holiday visas per year to Indian citizens aged 18-30, as part of the recently signed Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
The Working Holiday Visa Australia for Indians will allow Indian citizens to visit Australia for up to one year. During this time, visa holders can engage in short-term work for up to six months per employer and study for up to four months. Those meeting specific requirements during their first year (such as completing certain types of work) may be eligible for second and third year “Work & Holiday visas.”
Applications are not yet open, but the Australian government indicates that Indians will be able to apply for these visas within two years of the agreement’s implementation. The agreement took effect on April 2, 2022, so the new visa arrangements should be available soon.
Following is an extract of the Understanding Between Australia and India on “Work and Holiday” Visas:
- Youth Mobility and Cultural Exchange: Both governments aim to promote youth mobility and strengthen cultural ties between young Australians and Indians, broadening their professional and cultural experiences.
- Visa Implementation: Australia will implement the Work and Holiday arrangement for Indian citizens within two years of the agreement’s entry into force. If India establishes a similar program with any country, Australian citizens will have the opportunity to participate.
- Visa Allocation: Australia will annually offer up to 1000 multiple-entry “Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas” for Indian citizens meeting the eligibility requirements, which include:
- Holding a valid Indian passport
- Being outside Australia during application and grant
- Submitting an online visa application and paying the Visa Application Charge (VAC)
- Primarily intending to holiday in Australia for up to 12 months
- Being 18-30 years old at the time of application
- Not being accompanied by dependent children
- Holding an onward travel ticket or funds to purchase one
- Having sufficient funds for personal support and departure
- Meeting health and character requirements
- Not having previously participated in Australia’s “Work and Holiday” or “Working Holiday” programs
- Having completed at least two years of post-secondary study
- Demonstrating functional English proficiency
- Visa Holder Permissions: Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa holders can:
- Enter Australia within 12 months of visa grant
- Stay in Australia for up to 12 months from first entry
- Leave and re-enter Australia multiple times during the 12-month period
- Undertake paid or unpaid employment for the entire stay, generally up to six months per employer
- Study or train for up to four months (17 weeks)
- Complete specified work to become eligible for second and third Work and Holiday visas
- Amendments: Any changes to this understanding will be communicated in writing through diplomatic channels, specifying the effective date of such amendments.
- Review Meetings: Participants will meet if necessary to review the operation of this understanding and consider reciprocal arrangements.
Introduction of the Ballot System for Applicants from China, India, and Vietnam
Starting in the 2024-25 program year, the Australian government will implement a new pre-application system (the Ballot System) to ensure a smoother application process due to high demand. The ballot system is only for first-time Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa applicants from China, Vietnam, and India.
How the Ballot System Works:
- Registration Period: Applicants from China, Vietnam, and India can register for the ballot during a designated timeframe, with a registration fee of AUD 25.
- Selection Process: A random selection (ballot) will be conducted by the Department of Home Affairs, giving everyone a fair chance of being chosen and preventing application backlog.
- Invitation to Apply: Only selected individuals will be invited to submit their Work and Holiday visa application.
Benefits of the Ballot System:
- Fairness: The system offers equal chances for all participants, removing the first-come, first-served approach.
- Improved Efficiency: Managing application volumes upfront can improve processing times, allowing for quicker visa decisions.
- Transparency: Clear selection and notification procedures provide transparency and reduce applicant anxiety.
Current Status:
Registration dates have not been confirmed. Applicants should monitor the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website for updates.
We will provide further details on how to apply closer to the implementation date.
