Australia Work and Holiday Visa Subclass 462 2026 – Complete Guide

The Australian Government has opened the registration period for Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa program for eligible applicants from China, India, and Vietnam. To manage high demand, a pre-application ballot system is in place. This ensures a fair and transparent selection process.

The registration window is open. The first random ballot selection will take place, and selections will continue on a rolling basis, or until all visa places are allocated.

Visa Ballot System:

The visa ballot is a random selection process that determines which applicants may proceed to submit a full visa application. It was introduced on 1 October 2024 for certain countries with high application volumes.

Only applicants who are selected in the ballot will be invited to apply for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) through Australia’s ImmiAccount system.

Read Also: Australia VISA Online Application Process

Registration for the Ballot:

You can register if you meet all of the following eligibility criteria:

• You are aged 18 to 30 years inclusive at the time of registration.
• You hold a valid passport from:
  • China
  • India
  • Vietnam
• You possess a valid national identity document, as follows:
  • China: National Identity Card
  • India: PAN Card (Aadhaar is not accepted)
  • Vietnam: Valid 12-digit national ID (9-digit IDs are not accepted)
• You have a verified email address.
• You pay the non-refundable AUD 25 registration fee.
• You create or log into your ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Note: You can register from inside or outside Australia, but if selected, you must apply for the visa from outside Australia.

Registration Process:

To enter the ballot, follow these steps:

• Visit the official Work and Holiday Visa Ballot Page.
• Log into your ImmiAccount or create one if you don’t have it.
• Select:
  • New Application →
  • Visa pre-application registration →
  • Registration – Work and Holiday Visa (462).
• Choose your country (China, India, or Vietnam).
• Complete the registration form and submit payment.
• You must submit the completed registration.

Once your submission and payment are received, your application status will show as ‘Received’, confirming your entry into the ballot.

What Happens After You Register?

• If selected, you will receive an official ‘Notification of Selection’ by email.
• You will then have 28 calendar days to submit a full visa application through your ImmiAccount.
• If you are not selected, you will not receive a notification, and the AUD 25 fee is not refunded.
• If you turn 31 before applying, you are no longer eligible, even if you are selected in the ballot.

Required Documents:

If your registration is selected, you will need to prepare the following for your visa application:

• A valid passport, including any previous passport if it was recently renewed.
• A copy of your national identity card (the same document used during registration).
• Any other required supporting documents specified in the ImmiAccount system.

Important: All personal details in your visa application must match the information you submitted in your registration. Any mismatch can lead to delays or rejection.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to Work and Travel in Australia
  Allows young people to live, work, and explore Australia for up to 12 months, combining holiday with income-earning possibilities.
• Cultural Exchange and International Experience
  Encourages cultural exchange and fosters connections between Australia and your home country, enhancing your global outlook and professional profile.
• Flexibility to Work for Multiple Employers
  You can work for different employers during your stay, giving you flexibility and variety in your job opportunities.
• Extend Your Stay with a Second Visa
  Completing specified work (e.g., in regional Australia) during your first visa may qualify you for a second Work and Holiday visa, extending your time in Australia.
• Pathway to Further Australian Visas
  Experience gained in Australia on this visa can support applications for skilled migration or other longer-term visas.
• Travel Freely Within Australia and the Region
  Enjoy the freedom to travel across Australia without restrictions, experiencing its diverse cities, beaches, and natural wonders.
• Gain Valuable Work Experience
  Working in Australia enhances your resume with international work experience and improves your language and professional skills.
• Support Services Available
  Access to Australian government resources and support for visa holders, including information on rights and employment conditions.
• Simple Online Application Process
  The visa application and ballot registration are completed through the official ImmiAccount portal, streamlining submissions.
• Equal Opportunity via Ballot System
  The randomized ballot ensures fairness in high-demand countries, giving every eligible applicant an equal chance.

Things to Keep in Mind:

• Only one registration per person is allowed.
• Draft or incomplete registrations will not be considered.
• The AUD 25 registration fee is non-refundable, even if you are not selected.
• If selected, submit your visa application as early as possible within the 28-day window.
• Be cautious with your personal details—accuracy matters.

Official Source:

This information is based on the Australian Government’s official Department of Home Affairs website:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au

Frequently Asked Questions: