Good News: Australia Offers 1,000 Work and Holiday Visas for Indians

Australia is set to offer 1,000 Work and Holiday visas to Indian citizens starting October 1, 2024. This announcement comes as part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which has been in force since December 2022.

Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, after completing a three-day visit to Australia, shared the news on social media, stating, "I was pleased to learn that the Work and Holiday visa, a significant commitment under the AI-ECTA, will be available from October 1, 2024. This visa will enhance mobility and strengthen the bonds between the people of both nations."

What is the Work and Holiday Visa?

The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) enables Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 to live in Australia for up to 12 months, allowing them to work, study, and travel. As per the Australian Department of Home Affairs, visa holders can study for up to four months and travel in and out of the country multiple times during their stay. The cost of the visa is AUD 650 (around Rs 36,748).

Eligibility Requirements

Indian applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Create an ImmiAccount.
• Be under 30 years of age.
• Hold a valid passport and national identity card (PAN card for Indian citizens).
• Have a valid email address.
• Pay a registration fee of AUD 25 (Rs 1,500).

Registrations for the first Work and Holiday visa ballots for Indian nationals will begin on October 1, 2024.

Ballot System Explained

The Work and Holiday visa will be distributed through a ballot system. Immigration Australia has stated, "Each year, we will hold an annual ballot for each participating country. Registration and selection periods may vary between countries." This system ensures a fair allocation of visas, with the selection process being both random and automated.

How to Register for the Ballot

Eligible Indian passport holders can register by completing a 'Visa pre-application registration' form in their ImmiAccount. Follow these steps:

1. Log in to your ImmiAccount.
2. Select 'Registration - Work and Holiday Visa (462).'
3. Fill out the registration form and select your passport country.
4. Pay the AUD 25 registration fee and submit your form.

Once registered, you will receive an email confirmation, and your ImmiAccount will reflect the registration status as 'received.'

After Registration

Once registered, you can:

• View or update your registration form if needed.
• Check your registration status (e.g., 'received' or 'selected').
• Correct any errors or update details like passport information.

If You Are Selected

If selected, you will receive an email notification inviting you to apply for the visa via ImmiAccount. You will have a specified timeframe to submit your application, but being selected does not guarantee visa approval—you must still meet all eligibility criteria.

Selected participants can use a direct link in their email notification to apply or access the Work and Holiday visa application in their ImmiAccount. If the direct link is used, some sections of the form may be pre-filled.

If You Are Not Selected

If your registration isn’t selected, you won’t be eligible to apply for the visa that year. Registrations remain valid until April 30, 2025, or until you turn 31, whichever occurs first. After that, your registration will expire in ImmiAccount. If still eligible, you may register for the next year’s ballot.

Application Period

If selected, you will have 28 calendar days to submit your Work and Holiday visa application.