The Working Holiday 462 visa ballot... opens 01 oct 2024!!!

The Working Holiday 462 visa ballot

Updates and more information about the Working Holiday Maker Visa (WHMV) program

There are a number of additional bits and pieces to know about the program that aren’t all that well known.  You may come to know about it sitting around a hostel lounge or doing some decent online migration research.  Hopefully this information blog helps clear it all up for you…

Does everyone who applies for a working holiday visa have it granted?

This can be a yes or no answer – and that all depends on the country passport you hold and how many people are applying.  The Department has put an annual limit or 'cap' on the number of first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas that can be granted each financial year (1 July to 30 June).

Once the number of allocated visas for that country has been granted, then the program is closed for that financial year.  This means that no more applications can be lodged or granted until the next program year.
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You can check your country for their visa limits and whether the program is still open for this financial year through this link.

New 462 visa ballot for China, Vietnam and IndiA

​In the 2024-2025 program year, the Government have decided to implement a new visa pre-application (ballot) process for some high demand Work and Holiday countries.

The new pre-application process will introduce ballots for first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa applicants from China, Vietnam and India only. 

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Does the ballot or cap apply to 2nd or 3rd WHM visa applications?

No.  It is only for 1st WHM visa applications and only for Chinese, Vietnamese and Indian passport holders.

Once you have been granted the 1st visa, you are open to applying for the 2nd or 3rd visa online through ImmiAccount at any time, provided you meet the requirements.

​The ballot process​​

The ballot process will have a $​25 AUD registration fee.
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This process will mean that there will be a random selection of applicants and everyone will have an equal chance due to the high volume of applicants seeking this great visa… it takes away the “first in, first serve” rush.

Once open, registrations will take place through ImmiAccount.

Legislation for the fee and ballot process come into effect on Monday 16/09/2024 however ballot registrations for the first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa ballots is still to be confirmed.

Is the ballot fee included in the visa application fee?

No, the registration fee is $25 AUD is to enter into the ballot only.  If you are selected, you will need to ensure that you have all your documents ready to make your application as you will only have a limited time to apply.  The full application fee $650 AUD will requirement payment at this time also.

Shout out to uk passport holders… did you know???

• The age to apply for your Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa has increased to 35 years.
• UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.

What if I applied for my 1st (or 2nd) Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa using a different nationality passport

​If you have obtained your UK citizenship and passport after already being granted the 417 visa with a non-UK passport, that’s still OK.  You can apply for the next visas with your new UK passport and you do not need to meet the specified work process.  However you can't switch from a 462 to a 417 visa.

Does that mean I can have 3 WHM visas with one non-UK passport, and then another 3 WHM visas using my UK passport?

No – there is a maximum of 3 visas total granted to you – as a person.  The passport simply assists you in making further applications without the need to complete the specified work process.

Are you an Australian wanting to do a Working Holiday overseas?

Australians have the opportunity to travel and work overseas in over 40 different programs.  Generally, the stay is for up to 12 months and allows for short-term work to supplement your travels along with limited study rights.

You will need to look into each countries program requirements directly – here’s the starting point.

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​Great Australian Migration is here to assist with all your on and offshore WHM visa applications.
We offer a service to check over your eligible work, hours and location for a minimal fee… or we can take care of the whole application process. 

​Contact us today, we are ready to help you.

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