Australian Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462 Ballot Process

For China, India, and Vietnam

The Australian government has introduced a pre-application (ballot) system for high-demand Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas from China, India, and Vietnam. This random selection process aims to ensure fairness and efficiency given the limited number of visas available each year.

Key Points to remember:

• Registration Fee: There's a AUD25 registration fee.
• Annual Ballots: Ballots will be held annually for each participating country.
• Varying Registration Periods: Registration and selection periods may differ between countries.
• Country-Specific Arrangements: The number of visas allocated to each country is determined through bilateral negotiations.

Starting October 1, 2024

The first ballot for program year 2024-2025 opens on October 1, 2024, for China, Vietnam, and India.

Note: This pre-application process does not change the existing bilateral agreements between Australia and the participating countries.

Ballot eligibility

To register for your country's ballot you need to:

• Create an ImmiAccount (if not already done)
• Be between the ages of 18 and 30 (inclusive) when you register
• Hold a valid passport issued by an eligible ballot participating country
• Hold a valid national identity card issued by an eligible ballot participating country (PAN card for Indian passport holders)
• Have a valid email address
• Verify your email address (if not already done)
• Agree to the registration form’s declarations
• Pay the registration fee (AUD25).

You can register for the Work and Holiday visa ballot from anywhere, whether you're inside or outside Australia. However, if you're selected, you must apply for your first visa from outside the country.

How to register

Eligible Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese passport holders can complete a ‘Visa pre-application registration’ form under ‘New application’ in ImmiAccount to register for a ballot:

1. Click on Registration -Work and Holiday Visa (462). The registration form will appear.
2. Select your eligible passport country to register.
3. Complete the form and pay the registration fee (AUD25) to submit your registration.

Draft registrations

ImmiAccount Registration Process:

• Save as Draft: You can save your registration form as a draft at any time while entering your details.
• Access Draft: Your saved draft will appear as 'draft' in your ImmiAccount.
• Complete Registration: Before the registration period ends, ensure you pay the fee and submit the final form.
• Status Update: Once you submit and payment is received, your status will change from 'draft' to 'received'.
• Incomplete Registration: Failure to submit the final form will exclude you from the ballot selection.

Ballot Registration Period:

• Limited Time: The registration period for each program year is fixed and cannot be extended before or after.
• One Registration per Ballot: You can only register once during the open registration period for your country's ballot.
• Closed Ballots: Once a ballot closes, no further registrations are accepted.
• Published Registration Periods: The specific registration period for each country's ballot will be announced on the department's website.
• Period Extensions: Any extensions to the registration period will be publicly announced with the new closing date.

Post-Registration Steps:

• Verify Email: If necessary, verify your email address.
• Review and Pay: Review your registration form for errors and pay the fee to submit it.
• Ballot Entry: Your registration will be automatically added to the ballot for your passport country.
• Acknowledgement: You'll receive a confirmation email from us.
• Status Update: Your registration status will change to 'received' in ImmiAccount.

Upon submitting your registration, you can complete the below actions in ImmiAccount:

• View and edit your registration form.
• Update some of the details you provided on your registration form (if you made a mistake or if you renew your passport). You can only do this while the form has the status of ‘received’ (not ‘selected’ or “expired’).
• Check the status of your registration (for example, ‘received’, or ‘selected’ if you are selected once selection commences).

If Your Registration is Selected:

• Random Selection: The selection process is fully automated and random, without any specific criteria.
• Notification: If selected, you'll receive a 'Notification of Selection' email immediately.
• Application Invitation: The email will invite you to apply for a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa online within a specified timeframe.
• No Guaranteed Visa: Selection doesn't guarantee visa eligibility or approval.
• Eligibility Requirements: You must meet all eligibility criteria to apply and receive a visa.
• Application Process: Use the link in the 'Notification of Selection' letter to access the visa application form in ImmiAccount. Some sections may be pre-filled.
• Status Update: Your registration status will change to 'selected' in ImmiAccount.

If Your Registration is Not Selected:

• No Eligibility: If not selected, you cannot apply for a Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa this program year.
• No Notification: There will be no notification if you're not selected.
• No Inquiries: Please avoid contacting the department about non-selection.
• No Special Requests: We cannot accommodate requests for selection.

Registration Expiration:

• Expiration Date: Registrations will remain valid until April 30, 2025.
• Removal Reasons: Your registration may be removed from the ballot if:

• The selection period for the ballot ends.
• You are selected to apply (if selected).
• You withdraw your registration from the ballot.
• You turn 31 years of age.

• Status Update: Your registration status will show as 'expired' in ImmiAccount.

 

• Future Ballots: If you miss the registration period but still meet eligibility criteria, you may be able to register in a future ballot.

Ballot Selection Period:

• Selection Timeline: The selection period for choosing registrations for Work and Holiday visas may begin before the registration period closes but must end after it.
• Country-Specific Periods: Each country's ballot has a specific selection period, published on the department's website.
• Multiple Selections: We may conduct one or more selections during a selection period.
• Period Extensions: Selection periods may be extended, and any extensions will be announced on the department's website.
• Post-Selection Expiration: All registrations for a ballot expire after the selection period ends.

Ballot Status:

The status of each country's ballot may change based on factors like:

• When registrations opened
• The number of registrations received
• The number of selections made
• Any extensions to registration or selection periods

Ballot Status Descriptions:

• Pending: The ballot is awaiting commencement or opening.
• Active: The ballot is open for registrations.
• Closed: The registration period is closed, and the selection process is pending.
• Expired: Selections have been finalized for this ballot, and no further selections will be made.

Registration Period Table:

The table below outlines the open and close dates for the Work and Holiday ballot registration period for each participating country in program year 2024-2025, along with their current ballot status.

Ballot Registration Periods and Ballot Status table

Ballot selection period

The table below shows the dates when we can randomly select registrations for the Work and Holiday ballot for each participating country during program year 2024-2025.

Application Period:

• Timeframe: If selected, you must apply for a Work and Holiday visa within 28 calendar days of receiving the 'Notification of Selection' letter.
• Notification Date: The notification is considered sent on the same day the email is dispatched.
• Deadline: The application deadline will be listed on the 'Notification of Selection' letter and your ImmiAccount landing page.
• Online Application: Submit your application through ImmiAccount by the deadline.
• Early Application: It's recommended to gather your documents and apply as soon as possible after selection.
• Required Documents: Refer to the "First Work and Holiday Visa" page for the necessary documents and evidence.

How Visas Avenue Can Help?

Visas Avenue can streamline your application process for the Australian Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. Our experienced team will guide you through the complex process, ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria and submit a strong application. We offer comprehensive assistance, including:

• Eligibility Assessment: Determining your suitability for the visa based on your qualifications and experience.
• Documentation Support: Assisting in gathering and preparing the necessary documents, such as passports, health certificates, and financial statements.
• Application Submission: Ensuring your application is accurately completed and submitted on time.
• Post-Submission Support: Providing updates on your application status and addressing any queries.
• Visa Guidance: Offering expert advice on visa requirements, potential challenges, and the post-visa process in Australia.

By choosing Visas Avenue, you can increase your chances of a successful application and enjoy a smooth transition to your Australian adventure. You may call VA Australia migration expert on Toll-Free No. 78-18-000-777 or you can drop us an e-mail at info@visasavenue.com.