Australia has officially opened the Working Holiday visa (subclass 462) ballot registration for the 2025–2026 program year, welcoming young travellers from India, China, and Vietnam to apply. This visa program offers a unique opportunity for eligible individuals to live, travel, and work in Australia for up to 12 months.
What is the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)?
The Working Holiday visa (subclass 462) is designed to promote cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and partner countries. It allows young people aged 18 to 30 years to holiday in Australia while taking up short-term employment to fund their trip.
Unlike other partner countries with open quotas, applicants from India, China, and Vietnam must participate in a ballot (random selection) system due to high demand and limited availability.
Ballot Registration Details
Key Dates:
- Registration Opens: 24 June 2025
- Registration Closes: 15 July 2025
- Ballot Selection Period: From 16 July 2025 until 30 April 2026 or until the annual cap is reached
Who Can Apply?
The Working Holiday visa (subclass 462) ballot is open to citizens of:
- India
- China
- Vietnam
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application
- Hold a valid passport from one of the three eligible countries
- Not previously held a subclass 462 or subclass 417 visa
- Meet health, character, and educational requirements
- Have a sufficient English language ability
- Possess enough funds to support themselves upon arrival in Australia
- Provide a letter of support from their government (required for some countries)
Registration Fee:
There is a non-refundable fee of AUD 25 to register for the ballot. This payment must be made online during the registration process through your ImmiAccount.
How to Register for the Ballot
To register for the 2025–2026 Working Holiday visa ballot, follow these steps:
- Create or log into your ImmiAccount on the Australian immigration website.
- Select “New application” and choose “Visa pre-application – Work and Holiday (subclass 462)”.
- Fill in the required personal and passport details.
- Upload any necessary documentation (like a valid passport copy).
- Pay the AUD 25 registration fee.
- Submit your registration before the deadline of 15 July 2025.
Note: Registration does not guarantee a visa. Only those selected in the ballot will be invited to apply for the visa.
What Happens After Registration?
Once the registration period ends, the Australian Department of Home Affairs will conduct a random selection of successful applicants. If selected, you will receive an invitation via email to apply for the Working Holiday visa.
You will then have 28 days to lodge your full application, including the visa application fee (AUD 635), documents such as police clearance, health checks, proof of funds, and a government support letter (if applicable). If you are not selected in the ballot, you will not be able to apply for the subclass 462 visa during this program year, but you may try again in the next round.
What You Can Do with the Visa
The subclass 462 visa allows you to:
- Stay in Australia for up to 12 months
- Work to supplement your travel funds
- Work for up to 6 months with any one employer
- Study for up to 4 months
- Travel in and out of Australia freely during your visa validity period
Additionally, you may be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa if you complete specified work in regional Australia during your stay.
Why This Matters for Youth in India, China, and Vietnam
This is a golden opportunity for young people from these three countries to explore a new culture, gain international work experience, and broaden their global outlook. With thousands of applications every year, this ballot system ensures a fair and transparent way to manage demand. If you’re interested in exploring Australia, improving your career prospects, or simply taking a year to travel while earning, the Working Holiday visa is the perfect option.
The opening of the 2025–2026 Working Holiday visa ballot marks an exciting time for young people in India, China, and Vietnam. The chance to work, study, and travel in Australia comes with cultural enrichment, international exposure, and personal growth. If you’re eligible, don’t miss this opportunity. Register before 15 July 2025 and take the first step toward an unforgettable Australian adventure!
