“Earn, explore, and experience life abroad—Australia’s new work, and holiday visa offers Indians the best of both worlds.”
The Australian Work, and Holiday visa (subclass 462) is open to Indian citizens aged 18-30. Eligible Indian passport holders can register for a ballot, and those selected are then eligible to apply for the visa. The current registration period for the 2025-2026 program year is open until July 15, 2025.
Registrations for new visa ballots for China, India, and Vietnam are now open for Program Year 2025-26. They will remain open for three weeks. Announced by the Department of Home Affairs of the Australian government. To apply for a first Work, and Holiday (462) visa during 2025-2026, register in your respective country’s visa ballot from 24 June to 15 July 2025.
Australia Opens Doors to Indian Talent with MATES Scheme
On 23rd May 2023, Australia, and India signed a bilateral agreement, “the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA),” to promote, and facilitate two-way migration between the two nations. Under this agreement, a new program, “Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES),” was designed for Indian graduates to migrate to Australia temporarily.
The main goal of MATES is to promote talent, and knowledge collaboration between India, and Australia for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The visa is part of the Australia-India Migration, and Mobility Partnership Arrangement signed in May 2023.
This partnership was reached under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA).
Key Features of the work, and holiday Visa:
To register for your country’s ballot you must:
- Create an Immi Account (if not already done)
- Be between the ages of 18, and 30 (inclusive) when you register
- Hold a valid passport issued by an eligible ballot participating country
- Hold a valid national identity card issued by an eligible ballot participating country (see Your national identity (ID) card for more detail)
- Have a valid email address
- Verify your email address (if not already done)
- Agree to the registration form’s declarations
- Pay the registration fee (AUD25).
- Indian passport holders must hold a valid PAN card (not an Aadhar card).
On 24 June 2025, the visa ballot process started for program year 2025-2026, with ballot registrations opening for China, India, and Vietnam.
Registrations for China, India, and Vietnam will be open for three weeks from 24 June 2025 to 15 July 2025.
The first random selection for each country will be conducted on 16 July 2025.
Future random selections throughout the program year will be conducted from 16 July 2025 until all registrations expire on 30 April 2026. This is when all three ballots will close.
The dates for future random selections for each ballot country will be published at https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/latest-news soon after they take place.
Working Holiday Visa Benefits
- The WHV allows you to work, and study in Australia
- Stay in Australia for up to 12 months, with the possibility of extending your stay for up to three years by meeting specific work requirements.
- Immerse yourself in Australian life, and culture.
- Work for up to 6 months full-time for any one employer
- Study for up to 4 months on the WHV.
- Enter, and leave Australia as many times as you like
- Live in one location, or travel cross-country
Benefits for Australia from the Work, and Holiday visa
- Boosting tourism, and economy
- Filling labor shortages
- Cultural exchange, and strengthening international relations
- Building future networks
- Potential for long-term skilled migration
For young Indians who have been yearning for adventure, career advancement, and a taste of Australian culture, the wait is finally over. A working holiday visa is now available. Take the risk, research your options, and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in Australia. The official Australian government website has all the information you need to begin the application process immediately.
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