If you want to embark on a working holiday in Australia, you have probably already heard of visa subclasses 417 (Working Holiday) and 462 (Work and Holiday).
The subclass that is relevant to you depends on your citizenship. Citizens of China, India, and Vietnam (among many others) belong to Subclass 462.
However, unlike applicants of Subclass 462 from other countries, candidates from China, India, and Vietnam must first enter and be selected in a visa ballot before they can apply. This is because interest from these countries is greater than the number of visas available:
- China: 5,000 per year
- India: 1,000 per year
- Vietnam: 1,500 per year
Overview of application process
At a glance, here are the steps for applicants from China, India, and Vietnam:
- Enter the ballot.
- If selected, complete your application within 28 calendar days.
- If your application is approved, enter Australia within 12 months.
Entering the ballot in 2026 [CLOSED]
You can only enter the ballot during a very specific window in the year.
For the program year 2026-2027, the registration period was 4-25 June 2026. It is now closed.
To enter the ballot during the registration period, you must
- Create an ImmiAccount.
- Pay a registration fee of AU$25.
Rounds of selection 2026-27 season
Once you are in the ballot system, you’ll wait for the selection rounds to commence.
In the 2026-27 season, there will likely be four selection rounds:
- July 2026
- September 2026
- January 2027
- April 2027
The exact dates will be announced on this official website for the WHM ballot.
You could be randomly selected in any one of these rounds.
If you are selected
If you are selected, you will be notified via email and must complete your application within 28 calendar days (or before your 31st birthday, whichever comes first).
If you fail to apply within 28 days, you will lose your chance and will have to wait for the next registration period to enter the ballot again. Your registration fee will not be refunded.
Follow this detailed application guide to make sure you complete your application correctly.
If you are not selected
If you are not selected in any of the rounds, your profile will be removed on 30 April 2027. Your registration fee will not be refunded. You can register again for the ballot in June 2027.
If you turn 31 while in the ballot, your profile will also automatically be removed, as you would no longer be eligible for the Work and Holiday Visa.
Second and Third Work and Holiday Visa
It is not necessary to re-enter the ballot for a Second or Third Work and Holiday Visa! As long as you meet the specified work requirements and remain eligible for the program, then you can apply for a Second or Third Work and Holiday Visa.
Conclusion and advice
As you can see, the Work and Holiday Visa is quite sought after by Chinese, Indian, and Vietnamese applicants. Therefore, it is important to be prepared. Here are our recommendations:
- Make sure you meet eligibility requirements for Subclass 462.
- Set a reminder for the ballot registration period for upcoming seasons:
– June 2027 (exact dates TBD)
– June 2028
– June 2029 - Don’t miss the invitation email if you are selected in the ballot. Make sure to apply within 28 calendar days.
Read other free articles and guides on pvtistes.net about the Australian working holiday. Leave us questions and comments if you have any.
Best of luck!
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