Australia is set to introduce a new pre-application process, known as a "ballot," for the high-demand Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam. This system is designed to ensure a fair, straightforward, and transparent way of selecting applicants in cases where demand surpasses the available spots.
The ballot, an electronic random selection process, will invite those selected to apply for the Work and Holiday visa online. A registration fee of AUD 25 will apply for this process. This system will be implemented in the 2024-25 program year and will only apply to first-time applicants from these countries.
Current visa holders or those who have previously been granted a Work and Holiday visa from China, Vietnam, or India will still be able to apply for a second or third visa through ImmiAccount. The process for applicants from other participating countries remains unchanged.
Registrations for the first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballots for these nations are expected to open later in 2024. The visa allows individuals aged 18 to 30 to extend their holiday in Australia, take on short-term jobs to support their stay, study for up to four months, and travel in and out of the country multiple times.