Australia is set to introduce a new ballot system for its Work and Holiday visa, aimed at citizens from India, China, and Vietnam, starting in the 2024-25 program year. This initiative is designed to attract individuals from these countries by allowing them to work and vacation in Australia.
The Work and Holiday visa enables travelers aged 18 to 30 to spend an extended holiday in Australia, work to support their trip, study for up to four months, and travel multiple times in and out of the country, VisaGuide.World reports.
New Registration System for China, Vietnam & India Starting This Year
The new ballot system, also known as a ‘ballot,’ will manage Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa applications from these three countries. Due to high demand and limited visa spots, this pre-application system will randomly select applicants. Only first-time applicants from China, Vietnam, and India will be subject to this ballot process. The registration fee for the ballot is AUD 25 ($16) and will open later in 2024.
The application process remains unchanged for those who previously held a Work and Holiday visa from these countries. They can continue to apply online for a second or third Work and Holiday visa through ImmiAccount. The ballot system will not affect these existing visa holders.
Australia’s Work & Holiday Visa Updates for Indian & Chinese Applicants
Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), up to 1,000 Indian citizens can apply for a Work and Holiday visa yearly. This visa allows Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to spend one year in Australia, engaging in short-term work and study.
The new ballot system for China will address a previous delay in 2023-24, with a new registration process scheduled for 2024-25. Applications submitted in 2023 will not be carried over to the new program year.
In addition to the initial Work and Holiday visa, there is a second Work and Holiday visa available, which allows individuals who currently hold or have previously held the visa to extend their stay in Australia for another year.
The current application process will remain the same for citizens of other participating countries. Applicants from India, Vietnam, and China can apply for a first, second, or even third Work and Holiday visa, with Indian applicants able to register for the program in the latter half of 2024. Arrangements for applicants from other participating countries will continue as per the existing process.