Australia has officially included India in its Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa program, offering young Indian citizens the chance to work and holiday in the country for up to one year.
The program, part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), reflects growing bilateral ties and allows 1,000 Indians, aged 18 to 30, to experience life in Australia while working and studying short-term.
This marks a significant step in enhancing people-to-people connections between the two nations. India is the 50th country to join Australia’s popular Working Holiday Maker program.
Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite, described the visa initiative as an opportunity for young Indians to “immerse themselves in Australia’s culture, economy, and lifestyle while gaining valuable work experience.”
When and how to apply
The application window opened on October 1, 2024, and will close on October 31, 2024. Indian citizens who wish to apply must participate in a pre-application ballot process, with random selections made by a computerised system between October 14, 2024, and April 30, 2025.
Successful applicants will be notified by email and can then proceed to apply for the Work and Holiday visa, which costs approximately $650.
Registrations for the ballot have already seen overwhelming interest, with over 40,000 applicants competing for just 1,000 spots.
What the visa entails
The Work and Holiday visa allows Indian citizens to stay in Australia for 12 months, during which they can work across a variety of sectors and take short courses to further their education. Thistlethwaite added, “The great thing about the Working Holiday visa is that there are no restrictions on the jobs you can do. While many participants are expected to work in hospitality and agriculture, they will also have the option to pursue short courses or improve their English skills.”
This flexibility is seen as a significant advantage, especially for those who wish to explore different work environments while enjoying Australia’s renowned landscapes. Visa holders can also apply for a second Work and Holiday visa if they meet certain conditions during their stay, extending their time in Australia for another year.
Work and Holiday Visa process and application details
- To apply, eligible Indian citizens must first register through the visa pre-application ballot system, which opened on October 1, 2024.
- The random selection process will determine the 1,000 successful applicants who can proceed with the full visa application.
- The initial registration fee is set at $25, while the visa fee is approximately $650. Health and character checks are part of the eligibility screening for applicants.
- Successful applicants will enjoy the chance to work and travel across Australia while gaining hands-on experience in industries such as hospitality, tourism, retail, and agriculture.
- For those interested in education, the visa permits participants to undertake short-term courses, offering a balance of work and study during their stay. There are no job restrictions under the Working Holiday visa.
For Australia, the benefits are equally significant. The influx of young, enthusiastic workers will help fill gaps in industries such as hospitality, agriculture, and retail. Moreover, this new group of visa holders will contribute to Australia's vibrant tourism industry, with their cultural experiences potentially inspiring future travel from their networks back home.