Australia has officially opened registrations for the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa Ballot for the Program Year 2025–2026 — but here’s the twist: this opportunity is not open to everyone around the world. Only applicants from China, India, and Vietnam are eligible to register under this ballot system.
🎟️ What Is the Subclass 462 Ballot?
The ballot system is a pre-application process introduced to manage high demand and ensure a fair and transparent selection for Work and Holiday visas. Successful ballot entrants receive an invitation to lodge a full visa application under Subclass 462 — which allows young adults to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months.
✅ Who Can Apply?
The ballot is exclusively open to passport holders from the following countries:
- 🇨🇳 China
- 🇮🇳 India
- 🇻🇳 Vietnam
If you’re from one of these countries, you can now register your interest online.
❗ Citizens from other Subclass 462 eligible countries (such as the U.S., Indonesia, Thailand, etc.) can apply through the standard application route and are not part of this ballot system.
📅 Application Timeline for the 2025–26 Ballot
- Ballot Registration Period: June 24, 2025 – July 15, 2025 (AEST)
- Ballot Fee: AUD $25 (non-refundable)
- First Round of Invitations: July 16, 2025
- Subsequent Draws: Continue until April 30, 2026, if needed
- Where to Register: Applications must be submitted via the official Department of Home Affairs website.
📌 Key Conditions
- You must apply from outside Australia if selected in the ballot.
- You must meet all standard Work and Holiday visa requirements, including age (18–30), health, character, and education.
- This visa allows holders to travel and work across Australia for up to 12 months, with options to extend.
🤔 Why Only China, India, and Vietnam?
Due to overwhelming demand from these three countries, the Australian Government implemented the ballot system in 2024 to ensure a more balanced and orderly allocation of visas. It aims to reduce processing bottlenecks and increase transparency in selection.
