The Australian Government will introduce a pre-application (ballot) procedure for the Work and Holiday
(subclass 462) visa in the 2024-25 program year. This process is specifically for candidates from China,
Vietnam, and India, with a registration fee of AUD 25.
This pre-application system provides an equal and transparent procedure for choosing applicants from
partner countries where demand exceeds the available places in a program year.
Launch of New Arrangements
Registrations for the first WHM for China, Vietnam, and India will open later in 2024. Further details,
such as registration periods for each country, will be announced closer to the time.
How the Ballot Works
The ballot is an electronic selection process. Those chosen will be invited to apply for their first Work
and Holiday (subclass 462) visa online.
Why a Ballot is Necessary
The ballot provides equal and transparent standards for selecting applicants when the number of
registrations from a country exceeds the number of available spots in a given year.
Ballot for Selected Countries Only
While some countries in the Work and Holiday program have high demand, others do not fill their
allotted places. The ballot will only be executed for countries with high demand: China, Vietnam, and
India, starting in 2024-25.
Second and Third Visa Applications
The ballot system only applies to first-time applicants from China, Vietnam, and India. Those who have
already received their first Work and Holiday visa can continue to apply for second and third visas via
ImmiAccount. Current arrangements for applicants from other countries will also continue.
No Ballot for Working Holiday (subclass 417) Visa
There is no cap on first Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas. Introducing a ballot to handle the Working
Holiday application lodgement process is unnecessary.
Ballot Registration Fee
The AUD 25 registration fee is in line with other visa programs, including the Pacific Engagement
(subclass 192) visa, which uses a ballot-based system. The AUD25 is a small addition to the AUD 650 Visa
Application Charge for applying for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
How the Ballot Will Be Conducted
Registrants will submit their details via ImmiAccount, and the system will randomly select valid
registrations electronically. Successful registrants will be notified and given a period to submit their visa
application online.
Work and Holiday Visa for China
Due to delays in legislation and updating the system, the ballot procedure for Chinese applicants could
not be started in time for the current program year. As a result, applications from China have been
paused but will reopen in 2024.
Disclaimer: The above information is not tailored to personal circumstances.
For information relevant to personal circumstances, please book an
appointment with Oracle Immigration Consultant’s expert migration agents in
Australia.
For any inquiries, please contact us at +61 430812158. We are premier Immigration agency and consultancy in Melbourne (Bundoora and Geelong).
