The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is a golden opportunity for young Indians to live, work, and explore Australia for up to 12 months, with a possible second-year extension. With the 2025–2026 updates, this guide covers everything from the ballot system to visa application steps, ensuring you have all the information needed to apply successfully.
Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa program is designed to promote cultural exchange and provide young adults with the chance to experience life in Australia while supplementing their travel funds through short-term employment. For Indian applicants, this visa is particularly attractive due to the limited slots available, making early preparation crucial.
Ballot System for Indians (2025–2026)
The Australian government allocates only 1,000 slots for Indian applicants each year, distributed via a random ballot system. This ensures fairness in selection due to high demand.
Key Dates for 2025–2026:
Ballot Registration Opens: 24 June 2025
Ballot Registration Closes: 15 July 2025
Results Announcement: 16 July 2025
Ballot Entry Process:
Register Online: Visit the official Australian ballot portal (link active during the registration window).
Pay the Fee: A non-refundable fee of AUD 25 is required.
Provide Details: Submit your full name (as per passport), passport number, email, and phone number.
Confirmation: You’ll receive an email confirming successful registration.
What Happens Next?
If Selected: You’ll receive an invitation email with a 14-day window to submit your visa application.
If Not Selected: You’ll receive a regret email but can try again in the next ballot cycle.
Pro Tip: Since only 1,000 applicants are chosen, ensure you register as early as possible within the ballot window to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must:
Be an Indian citizen (passport holder)
Age 18-30 (inclusive on application date)
Have ≥2 years of university education
Meet English requirements (IELTS 4.5/PTE 30/TOEFL iBT 32)
Show AUD $5,000 (~₹2.75L) in savings + return flight funds
No prior Subclass 462/417 visas
How the Ballot System Works
Step 1: Register (24 June – 15 July 2025)
Create a free ImmiAccount here
Pay AUD 25 (non-refundable) registration fee
Submit basic details (no documents required yet)
Step 2: Random Selection
First draw: 16 July 2025
Subsequent draws: Monthly until April 2026
If selected, you’ll get an email invitation
Step 3: Visa Application
Submit full application within 28 days of selection
Pay AUD 635 visa fee
Provide documents:
Passport scan
Degree certificates
English test results
Bank statements
Processing Time: 4-12 weeks
Tips to Boost Your Chances
Register early (spots fill fast!)
Prepare documents in advance
Double-check details (errors = automatic rejection)
Consider regional work (boosts extension chances)
Follow official channels for updates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the 3-week window (24 June – 15 July ONLY)
Submitting multiple entries (leads to disqualification)
Waiting until selection to prepare documents
🌏 Why This Visa Rocks
✔ Work any job (max 6 months per employer)
✔ Travel Australia freely
✔ Extend to 2nd/3rd year with regional work
✔ Pathway to skilled visas
Ready to apply? With only 1,000 spots, this visa is competitive – but life-changing for winners!
(Disclaimer: Always verify details on Home Affairs – policies may change.)
