To streamline visa applications, the Australian Government has announced the introduction of a ballot system for Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visas for countries with high demand. Beginning in the 2024-25 program year, applicants from China, Vietnam and India will be required to participate in this new pre-application process.
What is a ballot system?
Australia’s ballot system is a random selection process that allows governments to manage large numbers of applications for limited visa spots. By randomly selecting applicants, it ensures a fair and transparent process.
How the Ballot System Works
Australia visa sticker
The ballot, an electronic random selection process, ensures fairness by randomly selecting applicants from countries where demand exceeds available visa places.
The ballot will randomly select applicants and invite them to apply online for their first work and holiday visa. To register for the ballot, applicants must pay a non-refundable fee of AUD 25.
Registration: Applicants from eligible countries must register for the ballot, paying a fee of AUD 25.
Random Selection: A computer will randomly select a specified number of applicants from a pool of registered individuals.
Invitation to Apply: Those selected will be invited to formally apply for work and holiday visas online.
Who is affected?
This new pre-application system will only affect first-time work and holiday visa applicants from China, Vietnam and India.
Applicants who have already received their first work and holiday visa can continue to apply for a second or third visa online through the ImmiAccount system. This change does not affect other countries participating in the work and holiday visa program.
Impact on visa applicants
Fairness: The ballot system eliminates the need for applicants to compete against time to submit their application, ensuring a level playing field.
Transparency: The process is open and transparent, with clear guidelines and selection criteria.
Timeline for registration
Registration for the 2024 ballot will open later this year to applicants from China, Vietnam and India. The Work and Holiday visa allows people aged 18 to 30 to travel to Australia for an extended holiday and work to support their visit. They can study for up to four months and travel in and out of Australia during their stay.
Also read: Australia ends subclass 408 visa for international students and workers
Key points for applicants
Eligibility: The new ballot system is only for first-time work and holiday visa applicants from China, Vietnam and India. Applicants from these countries must not hold prior work and holiday visas.
Current visa holders: Individuals who have already been granted a first work and holiday visa can continue to apply for a second or third visa through the existing online system, known as ImmiAccount, without participating in the ballot.
Registration period: The registration window for Work and Holiday visa ballots is expected to open after 2024. Applicants must register within this period to be considered for selection.
Multiple visa options are available
Australia offers three work and holiday visas for international travelers aged 18-30:
First work and holiday visas
The first work and holiday visa is designed for people aged 18-30 who are applying for the first time. This allows them to travel to Australia for an extended holiday, during which they can work short-term jobs to finance their trip. Applicants can study for up to four months and travel freely in Australia during their stay.
Second work and holiday visas
A second work and holiday visa is for those who have already completed their first visa and wish to extend their stay in Australia. To be eligible, applicants must have completed specific work, such as in agriculture or tourism, in the regional area. This visa allows an additional year to continue working and exploring in Australia.
Tertiary work and holiday visas
Third work and holiday visas are available to individuals who already hold both first and second visas. This visa allows them to stay in Australia for one more year, provided they meet the work requirements from their second visa period. This gives the opportunity to continue working, studying and traveling in Australia for a third consecutive year.
Impact on Indian citizens
As part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), up to 1,000 Indian nationals per year will be eligible to apply for work and holiday visas. Indian citizens can work short-term and explore for up to one year in Australia.
Changes for Chinese applicants
The delay to the 2023-24 program year postponed the pre-application process for Chinese nationals to 2024-25. Any registrations made during the year 2023 will not carry over to the new program and applicants will need to register again for the upcoming ballot.
Conclusion
This new ballot system aims to create a more transparent and fair process for work and holiday visa applicants from high-demand countries. Those planning to apply from China, Vietnam and India should keep an eye on upcoming registration dates to secure a place for Australian Adventure.
