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India to access Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
Within two years of the AI-ECTA entering into force, Australia will allow eligible Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 to apply for a Work and Holiday visa to visit Australia for one year. They can undertake short-term work and study while holidaying.
In the context of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), Australia has agreed to extend access to the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. This will go up to 1,000 Indian citizens each year.
Within two years of the AI-ECTA entering into force, Australia will allow eligible Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 to apply for a Work and Holiday visa to visit Australia for one year. They can undertake short-term work and study while holidaying. We will provide more information on how to apply closer to the implementation date.
History of Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program
The Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program, established in 1975, fosters cultural exchange and understanding between Australia and partner countries. It allows young adults (aged 18-30) to experience a year of adventure Down Under. Participants can engage in short-term work to supplement their travel funds, pursue studies for up to four months, and freely explore the diverse wonders Australia offers. This reciprocal program has grown significantly over the years, currently encompassing over 40 partner countries through two visa subclasses: Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462).
Shifting Tides: The Need for a New System
Previously, the application process for the Work and Holiday visa program operated on a first-come, first-served basis. However, with the new update applications from China, Vietnam and India have welcomed , exceeding the allocated quota for these countries. This overwhelming demand has created challenges for managing the application process and ensuring fairness for all applicants.
Introducing the Ballot System: A Level Playing Field
To address these issues, the Australian government is introducing a pre-application system, also known as a ballot, for applicants from China, Vietnam and India seeking a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa in the 2024-25 program year. This system aims to streamline the application process and offer a more equitable chance for all interested individuals.
The Mechanics of the Ballot:
- Registration Period: During a designated timeframe, applicants from China, Vietnam and India who wish to participate in the Work and Holiday program will have the opportunity to register for the ballot. A registration fee of AUD 25 will be applicable.
- Selection Process: The Department of Home Affairs will conduct a random selection process (ballot) from the pool of registered applicants. This ensures that everyone has a fair chance of being chosen, regardless of when they register their interest. This process also safeguards against exceeding the allocated quota for each country, preventing a backlog of applications.
- Invitation to Apply: Only those individuals fortunate enough to be selected through the ballot process will receive an invitation to formally submit their Work and Holiday visa application.
Conclusion
Both the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa and the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early professionals Scheme (MATES) have very limited quotas, making them highly competitive. These visas are intended for young immigrants aged 18-30 (under 31). Applicants must submit a pre-application expressing their interest in the EOI (Expression of Interest) pool system.
To address these challenges, the Australian government is introducing a pre-application system, or ballot, for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India seeking a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa for the 2024-25 program year. This system might also apply to MATES, with the same registration fee of 25 AUD.
Although the exact dates for opening the slots are yet to be confirmed, we at Success Immigration will offer free pre-application services for both categories to our eligible existing PR clients who sign up before the deadlines. Clients will only need to pay the registration fee.
At Success Immigration, we strive to provide our clients with the best opportunities, including applying for multiple occupations and submitting multiple EOIs for both spouses separately. Our dedicated team understands that one happy client equals ten potential new clients!!
If you’re interested in exploring these TRVs along with your PR application, please send your profile to priya@thesuccessimmigration.com.