Do you have aspirations of living, working, and traveling in Australia? For skilled workers, the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa vote is officially open for registration from 2026. This is your time to make your dream a reality.
But hold on, this isn’t your typical application procedure. This lottery-style pre-application visa ballot method was put in place to guarantee equality, openness, and a fair chance to enter the Land of the Long White Cloud.
What’s Happening?
Australia is conducting a visa pre-application ballot method for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa for the 2025–2026 program year in order to handle the significant demand from nations such as China, India, and Vietnam. The current registration period ends on July 15, 2025, and the procedure was started on 2026.
Read Also: Documents Required for Australia Visa
Are You Eligible?
You need to fulfill the following requirements in order to cast a ballot in 2026:
Age Requirement
- At the time of registration, you must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (inclusive).
Eligible Nationalities
A current passport from one of the following nations is required of you:
- China
- India
- Vietnam
Valid National Identification
Each country has specific ID requirements:
- China: Valid National ID Card
- India: Must have a PAN card (Aadhar is not accepted)
- Vietnam: Valid 12-digit National ID (old 9-digit IDs are not accepted)
Email Verification
- To finish the signup process, your email address has to be validated.
Registration Fee
- A non-refundable registration fee of AUD 25 must be paid.
ImmiAccount Access
- To register, you need to create or access your ImmiAccount.
Location Requirement
- From both inside and outside of Australia, you can register.
- If chosen, nevertheless, you will need to apply for the visa from outside of Australia.
How to Register?
Apply Online:
Visit the Official Registration Portal
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Login or Create an ImmiAccount
- Go to the registration link above.
- Log in to your ImmiAccount or create one if you’re a new user.
- Start a New Application
- Click on ‘New Application.’
- Select ‘Visa pre-application registration.’
- Choose the Correct Registration Type
- Select ‘Registration – Work and Holiday Visa (462).’
- Select Your Country
- Choose your eligible country (China, India, or Vietnam)
- Complete the Registration Form
- Provide accurate information and carefully fill out the form.
- Make sure your national ID satisfies the requirements and that your email address is validated.
- Pay the Registration Fee
- Make use of a legitimate payment method to pay the AUD 25 non-refundable cost.
- Submit Your Application
- Make sure the form is filled out completely and sent in.
- Applications that are incomplete or in draft will not be taken into consideration.
What Happens Next?
If You Are Selected
- The Department of Home Affairs will send you an email titled “Notification of Selection.”
- After being chosen, you will have 28 days to complete and submit your visa application using your ImmiAccount.
- To apply by the deadline, make sure all necessary supporting documentation (passport, ID, etc.) is available.
If You Are Not Selected
- No notification will be sent to you.
- Even if you are not chosen, the AUD 25 registration cost is non-refundable.
Important Age Rule
- Even if you are chosen on the ballot, you lose your eligibility if you turn 31 before applying.
- Advice: To stay under the age restriction, if you are already thirty, move quickly after being chosen.
Document Checklist If Selected:
You have 28 days to submit your complete visa application using ImmiAccount if you are chosen on the vote. To accomplish this, get the following ready:
Required Documents:
- Visa Application Submission
- Within 28 days of receiving the Notification of Selection email, submit an application via your ImmiAccount.
- National ID Card
- Upload a clear copy of your valid national ID:
- China: National ID card
- India: PAN card (Aadhar not accepted)
- Vietnam: Valid 12-digit national ID (9-digit cards not accepted)
- Upload a clear copy of your valid national ID:
- Passport Copy
- A clear scan of your current passport is required; please include the bio page and any pages pertaining to your visa.
- Include a copy of your prior passport as well, if it was recently renewed.
- Accuracy of Information
- Your documents’ personal information must all correspond to the information you provided while registering to vote.
- Name, birthdate, ID number, and other inconsistencies could result in:
- Delays in processing
- Rejection of your visa application
Final Tips:
- Verify again that every file is readable, complete, and clear.
- Send it early to give time for any necessary follow-ups or revisions.
Conclusion
For youthful tourists and talented workers from China, India, and Vietnam, the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballot is a great chance to live and work in Australia. But the procedure is time-sensitive, competitive, and meticulous.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the cost?
The registration fee is AUD 25, and it is non-refundable, even if you are not selected.
Can I work full time on a Work and Holiday Visa?
Yes, you can work full time but generally for no more than six months with one employer, giving you flexibility to explore different jobs.
Who is eligible to apply for the Subclass 462 visa?
Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 or 35 for some countries, hold a valid passport from an eligible country, meet education requirements, and satisfy health and character criteria.
