Australia’s Subclass 462 Visa: The Hottest Ticket for Indian Youth

Australia's Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa has seen an overwhelming response from Indian youth, with more than 98,000 applicants vying for just 1,000 spots in 2024. This new pathway, opened under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), allows young Indian nationals to experience Australia through short-term work and travel. The staggering demand underscores both the program's appeal and the growing aspiration among Indian youth for global exposure.

Let's dive into the significance of this development, and what it reveals about Australia’s immigration direction and international mobility trends.

Significance of the Work and Holiday Visa Surge

1. India Joins an Exclusive Club

India officially became the 50th country in Australia’s Work and Holiday visa program in October 2024, a landmark step enabled by the AI-ECTA. This signals a deepening of bilateral ties and positions India as a key partner in Australia's skilled mobility strategy.

The Department of Home Affairs reported a total of 139,633 valid registrations from India, China, and Vietnam. Among these, India accounted for a whopping 98,019 entries, highlighting the pent-up demand among young Indians for work and travel abroad.

Learn more about the Work and Holiday Visa and your eligibility.

2. Ballot System Reflects High Demand and Fairness

The Subclass 462 visa doesn’t operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, Australia uses a randomized ballot system for high-demand countries like India. This ensures a transparent and equitable selection process while managing overwhelming interest.

Participants pay a small AUD 25 fee (about INR 1,500) to register via ImmiAccount. If selected, they are invited to submit a full visa application within 28 days. The actual visa application fee is AUD 650.

You can verify the official process on Australia’s Department of Home Affairs website.

3. Visa Offers Youth Empowerment Through Global Mobility

This visa allows successful applicants to:

• Live in Australia for up to 12 months

• Work in short-term roles (e.g., cafés, farms, tourism)

• Study for up to 4 months

• Travel in and out of Australia freely

  
  

It’s a unique chance for young Indians to develop work skills, immerse in new cultures, and build global networks—while earning enough to fund their stay.

4. Surge in Overall Interest in Working Holiday Visas

The spike in Indian applications mirrors a broader trend: interest in Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program is surging. In 2024 alone, visa grants rose to 175,071 (up from 122,387 in 2023), and total WHM holders reached 206,187 by year-end.

This trend is expected to continue, especially with more countries entering reciprocal agreements and Australia streamlining its visa systems.

5. Australia Strengthens Its Youth Mobility Strategy

By offering only 1,000 slots and receiving nearly 100x more applications, Australia has strategically positioned this visa as a highly competitive, yet valuable opportunity. It reflects a deliberate approach to attracting youthful, culturally adaptive workers who can contribute to seasonal labour markets, tourism, and hospitality sectors.

Explore your options and discover if this pathway suits you on A2Zimmi’s Working Holiday Visa page.

Australia’s Work and Holiday visa for Indians has instantly become one of the most sought-after migration opportunities, reflecting strong demand, youthful ambition, and strategic international cooperation.

Whether you're planning for 2025 or beyond, preparing early and understanding the process is key. With a ballot system and limited spots, securing expert advice can significantly improve your chances.

Book a personalized consultation with A2Zimmi today to explore how you can maximise your chances in Australia’s evolving migration programs.