Australia has announced that it will soon introduce a new visa ballot process for its popular Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa program. This new system will apply to citizens of China, Vietnam, and India, where demand for the program far exceeds the number of available places each year.
What Is the Visa Ballot Process?
The new pre-application process, also known as a "ballot," will randomly select applicants from the participating countries. It offers a fair, simple, and transparent way to manage the high demand for the visa. A small fee of AUD 25 will be charged for registration in the ballot process.
For the 2024-25 program year, this ballot system will be introduced for first-time applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. The purpose of this new approach is to ensure that the selection of applicants is random and unbiased.
Who Is Eligible?
The ballot process only applies to individuals from China, Vietnam, and India who are applying for their first Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Those who have already been granted their first visa from these countries can continue applying for a second or third Work and Holiday visa through Australia's online visa portal, ImmiAccount.
What Is the Work and Holiday Visa?
The Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) allows people aged 18 to 30 to have an extended holiday in Australia while working to help fund their stay. This visa is ideal for young travellers who want to explore Australia while earning money through short-term work. With this visa, travellers can also study in Australia for up to four months and travel in and out of the country as often as they like during their stay.
There is also a second Work and Holiday visa, which allows individuals who currently hold or have previously held the visa to extend their stay in Australia for another year.
When Will the Ballot Open?
Registrations for the first Work and Holiday visa ballots for China, Vietnam, and India are expected to open later in 2024. Once selected through the ballot, individuals can apply for the visa online.
India’s Access to the Work and Holiday Visa
Australia has also agreed to extend access to the Work and Holiday visa for Indian citizens under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). Under this agreement, up to 1,000 Indian citizens will be allowed to apply for the visa each year. Eligible Indian citizens aged between 18 and 30 can apply to visit Australia for up to one year, where they can work and study short-term while enjoying an extended holiday.
Important Notes for Applicants
While the new ballot process is expected to streamline applications, it is important to note that it only applies to first-time applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. Individuals from these countries who have already received a Work and Holiday visa can still apply for a second or third visa through the usual channels.
For citizens of other countries that participate in the Work and Holiday visa program, the current application process will remain unchanged.
Australia's move to introduce this new visa ballot process aims to manage the growing interest in its Work and Holiday program and ensure equal opportunities for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. The new system is expected to bring greater clarity and fairness to the process, making it easier for young travellers to experience the unique opportunities Australia offers.
Source: https://content.techgig.com/career-advice/australia-to-launch-work-visa-ballot-for-indian-techies-details-inside/articleshow/113371905.cms
