Starting in 2024-25, the Australian Government will introduce a lottery system for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. This new system aims to make the selection process fairer, as the demand for these visas significantly exceeds the available spots.

Applicants will need to pay a $25 registration fee (indexed to the Consumer Price Index in future years) and enter a ballot during a specific period. Those selected in the ballot can then apply for the visa. This change will also help reduce application processing times. (Budget paper 1, p 9)

This ballot system only applies to first-time applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. Current processes remain unchanged for other countries and for those applying for a second or third Work and Holiday visa.

For more details on the registration periods and updates, applicants should regularly check the Department of Home Affairs website.

Talk to a migration agent if you are unsure about your visa application. Our registered migration agents can also be found in the Department of Home Affairs Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

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The information provided is for general use only and should NOT be taken as Migration Advice. For information about your circumstances, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Milestone Migration for immigration assistance.