Streamlining Visa Applications for High-Demand Countries
As of 1 October 2024, a new pre-application process, known as a visa ballot, has started under Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. The visa ballots aim to streamline and fairly select applicants from high-demand countries, including China, India, and Vietnam, for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
This process provides an equitable way to randomly select applicants from countries where demand exceeds the available spots. The Department will conduct random selections throughout the 2024-25 program year, with selected individuals notified by email. Successful applicants will then be instructed to apply online for their first Work and Holiday visa.
All applicants must still meet the usual eligibility requirements for the subclass 462 visa. The goal is to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection process.
Source immi.homeaffairs.gov.au