Australia Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) visa is a golden ticket for young adventurers seeking to experience life Down Under. This visa allows eligible applicants aged 18 to 30 to holiday in Australia for up to 12 months, supplementing their travels with short-term work and study opportunities. The program is designed to foster cultural exchange and provide a unique way to fund your travels while soaking in Australia’s vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, and laid-back lifestyle.
Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
Feature | Details |
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Age Requirement | 18 to 30 years |
Eligible Countries | USA, Singapore, Vietnam, India, China, and others |
Visa Duration | Up to 12 months |
Work Limit | Up to 6 months per employer |
Study Limit | Up to 4 months |
Ballot System | Yes (for some countries) |
Dependents Allowed | No |
Specified Work | Required for second/third visa eligibility |
Health Insurance | Required |
Key Features of the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
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Age Requirement: Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application.
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Eligible Nationalities: Only citizens from certain countries are eligible, including but not limited to the United States, Singapore, Vietnam, and, as of recently, India.
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Duration: The visa is valid for up to 12 months from the date of first entry.
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Work and Study: Holders can work for any employer for up to 6 months and undertake short-term study for up to 4 months.
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No Dependents: You cannot be accompanied by dependent children, but partners may apply for their own visa.
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Ballot System: For some countries, including India, China, and Vietnam, applications are managed through a ballot or lottery system.
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Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character standards and have no outstanding debts to the Australian government.
Eligible Countries for the WHM Visa in 2025
Here’s the latest information on which countries can apply for the WHM Visa in 2025:
Country | Status | Annual Cap |
---|---|---|
Peru | Available | 1,500 |
Thailand | Not Available | 2,000 |
Mongolia | Not Available | 100 |
Singapore | Available | 2,500 |
Luxembourg | Available | 100 |
Chile | Available | 3,400 |
Argentina | Available | 3,400 |
Indonesia | Available | 4,796 |
Brazil | Not Available | 500 |
Vietnam | Lottery System | 1,500 |
San Marino | Available | 100 |
Czech Republic | Available | 500 |
Slovakia Republic | Available | 1,000 |
Spain | Not Available | 3,400 |
Poland | Available | 1,500 |
Israel | Available | 2,500 |
Uruguay | Not Available | 200 |
Türkiye | Available | 100 |
India | Lottery System | 1,000 |
Greece | Available | 500 |
Hungary | Available | 500 |
Austria | Available | 500 |
Portugal | Not Available | 500 |
Ecuador | Not Available | 100 |
Switzerland | Not Available | 200 |
Malaysia | Temporarily Paused | 1,100 |
Jobs Available with the WHM Visa
Holders of the Working Holiday Visa can take on temporary jobs in several sectors, including:
- Agriculture & Farming – Roles like fruit picking, harvesting, and cattle station work
- Hospitality & Tourism – Positions in hotels, restaurants, bars, and event management
- Construction & Trade – Jobs for both skilled and unskilled laborers
- Health & Aged Care – Assistance roles in hospitals and elderly care facilities
- Retail & Sales – Customer service and retail jobs
- Office Administration – Entry-level office tasks and clerical work
How the Ballot System Works
For the 2025-26 program year, eligible candidates from India, China, and Vietnam must register for the visa ballot. The registration window for these countries is open from 24 June to 15 July 2025. Successful registrants are randomly selected and invited to submit a full visa application. The ballot process ensures fairness and manages the high demand for these visas.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be considered, applicants must:
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Hold a valid passport from an eligible country
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Be outside Australia when applying
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Meet age and health requirements
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Have sufficient funds to support their stay
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Meet any country-specific requirements (such as educational qualifications for some nationalities)
Once selected in the ballot, applicants are notified by email and given instructions to proceed with their formal visa application.
Recent Updates and Expansions
Australia has expanded the list of eligible postcodes for specified work, especially in areas affected by bushfires and natural disasters. This change, effective from 5 April 2025, allows Work and Holiday visa holders to count recovery work in these regions toward eligibility for a second or third visa. The government also recently signed agreements with the Philippines, expanding the program to Filipino passport holders.
Benefits of the Work and Holiday Visa
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Travel and Work: Explore Australia while earning money to fund your adventures.
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Cultural Exchange: Experience Australian culture and make lifelong connections.
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Study Opportunities: Enroll in short courses or language classes.
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Extended Stay: With specified work in regional areas, you may qualify for a second or third Work and Holiday visa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Can I bring my family on a Work and Holiday visa?
No, you cannot be accompanied by dependent children. Partners must apply for their own visa. -
How long does the visa last?
The visa is valid for up to 12 months from your first entry into Australia.
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Can I apply for a second Work and Holiday visa?
Yes, if you complete at least 3 months of specified work in regional Australia, you may be eligible for a second visa.
The Australia Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) is a fantastic opportunity for young people from eligible countries to experience life in Australia. The application process is now open for the 2025-26 ballot, with registrations accepted until mid-July for select countries. With the chance to work, study, and travel, this visa opens the door to adventure, cultural exchange, and personal growth. For more information and to apply, visit the official Australian government immigration website.