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Australia to offer 1,000 work and holiday visas to Indian citizens
The Work and Holiday visa is open to Indian nationals aged 18 to 30, allowing them to live in Australia for up to 12 months.
The move aims to enhance bilateral relations, with a particular focus on improving mobility and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries. / X/@AusHCIndia
Beginning Oct.1, Australia will offer up to 1,000 Work and Holiday visas annually to Indian citizens as part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA). The move aims to enhance bilateral relations, with a particular focus on improving mobility and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries.
The Work and Holiday visa is open to Indian nationals aged 18 to 30, allowing them to live in Australia for up to 12 months. During this period, visa holders will be permitted to work, study, and travel across the country. Visa holders can study for up to four months and are allowed to leave and re-enter Australia multiple times throughout their stay. The visa is priced at AUD 650, which is approximately US$438 (₹36,748).
Eligibility Criteria for the Visa
To qualify for this visa, Indian citizens must meet the following conditions:
- Be under 30 years of age with a valid passport and national identity card.
- Pay a registration fee of AUD 25 (approx. US$18) (₹1,500), starting from Oct.1, to enter the visa ballot system.
Ballot Process for the Visa
The Work and Holiday visa operates on a ballot system. According to Immigration Australia, “We will hold an annual ballot process for each participating country each programme year. There may be different registration and selection open periods for each country participating in the ballots.”
Indian passport holders can register for the ballot by completing a 'Visa pre-application registration' form under the 'New application' section in their ImmiAccount.
If selected in the ballot, applicants will receive a 'Notification of selection' letter via email, inviting them to apply for the visa online through ImmiAccount. Successful candidates will have 28 calendar days to complete their Work and Holiday visa application.
Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, announced the development on X, saying, "The Work and Holiday Maker arrangement—a key commitment under Economic Cooperation & Trade Agreement #ECTA—is now in effect for India! Eligible passport holders wishing to have a working holiday can now apply via the pre-application ballot process."
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also welcomed the move, stating, “During the visit, happy to learn that Work and Holiday visa, a key commitment under India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, will be operational from 1st October 2024, which will facilitate mobility and deepen people-to-people connect.”
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