Beginning on October 1, 2024, Australia will grant 1,000 Work and Holiday visas to people of India. Find information about AI-ECTA eligibility, registration, and application procedures.

Beginning on October 1, 2024, Australia will grant 1,000 Work and Holiday visas to people of India. The Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which has been in effect since December 2022, includes this announcement.

After returning from a three-day visit to Australia, Indian Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal posted on social media, expressing his pleasure at the news that the Work and Holiday visa—a major pledge made under the AI-ECTA—will be accessible as of October 1, 2024. This visa will improve travel and fortify ties between the citizens of the two countries.”

What is the Work and Holiday Visa?

Indian nationals between the ages of 18 and 30 can reside in Australia for up to 12 months under the terms of the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462), which permits them to work, study, and travel. Visa holders are permitted to study in Australia for up to four months and to enter and exit the nation several times while they are there, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. The visa will set you back AUD 650 (about Rs 36,748).

Eligibility Requirements

Indian applicants need to fulfil the subsequent requirements:

1. Get an ImmiAccount created.
2. Have a lower age than thirty.
3. Maintain a current national identity card and passport (PAN card for Indian citizens).
4. Possess a working email account.
5. Register by paying AUD 25 (Rs 1,500).

Registration for Indian nationals seeking a Work and Holiday visa will open on October 1, 2024.

Ballot System Explained

A ballot system will be used to distribute the Work and Holiday visa. According to Immigration Australia, “We will hold an annual ballot for each participating country each year.” Different countries may have different registration and selection times.” This system’s automated and random selection procedure guarantees a just distribution of visas.

How to Register for the Ballot

The “Visa pre-application registration” form can be filled out by eligible Indian passport holders on their ImmiAccount. Take these actions:

1. Open your ImmiAccount and log in.
2. Click on ‘Registration – Work and Holiday Visa (462).’
3. Complete the registration form and indicate the nation of your passport.
4. Complete the registration form and pay the AUD 25 charge.

Your ImmiAccount will show the registration status as “received” and you will receive an email confirmation after completing the registration process.

After Registration

After registering, you are able to:

1. If necessary, view or edit your registration form.
2. Verify the status of your registration (such as “received” or “selected”).
3. Make any necessary corrections or updates, such as passport information.

If You Are Selected

If chosen, you’ll get an email encouraging you to use ImmiAccount to apply for the visa. Although there will be a deadline for submitting your application, being chosen does not ensure that your visa will be approved; you must still fulfil all eligibility requirements.

Selected participants can apply or access the Work and Holiday visa application on their ImmiAccount by using a direct link provided in their email notification. Certain form fields might already be filled in if the direct link is used.

If You Are Not Selected

If your registration is not chosen, you will not be able to submit a visa application for that year. Registrations are good until April 30, 2025, or until the earlier of your 31st birthday. Your ImmiAccount registration will expire after that. Should you remain qualified, you can sign up to vote in the following year.

Application Period

You will have 28 calendar days from the time of selection to file your Work and Holiday visa application.