Australia Work and Holiday Visa for Indians
Since 2024, Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 can spend 12 months in Australia on the Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462. You can holiday, work for almost any employer, and study for up to four months. India has a limited number of places each year, and they are allocated by ballot. You register, and if your name is drawn you are invited to apply.
462 at a glance
| What | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 to 30 when you apply |
| Places for India | 1,000 a year |
| Selection | Random ballot, with a small registration fee |
| Stay | 12 months |
| Work | Allowed, generally up to 6 months with any one employer |
| Study | Up to 4 months |
| Dependants | Not permitted |
| Further visas | A second and third year are possible after specified work |
Who is eligible
- Indian passport holder, aged 18 to 30
- At least two years of post-secondary study completed
- Functional English
- Enough money to support yourself on arrival, plus the cost of a ticket home
- No dependent children travelling with you
- Not previously held a Work and Holiday or Working Holiday visa
- Health and character requirements
How the ballot works
Register
online when the registration period opens, and pay the ballot fee.
Random selection.
Names are drawn electronically. Selection has nothing to do with qualifications or how early you registered.
If selected,
you receive an invitation and a deadline to lodge the visa application.
Apply
with your documents and pay the visa charge.
Travel
to Australia within the period stated on your grant.
Demand from India is far higher than the number of places. Treat it as a chance, not a plan. No consultant can improve your odds in a random ballot. What we can do is make sure that if you are drawn, your application is complete and approved.
What you can do in Australia
- Work in any occupation, usually for up to six months with each employer
- Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
- Study or train for up to four months
- Do specified work in regional areas, such as agriculture, tourism and hospitality in northern or remote Australia, to qualify for a second year
Most visa holders work in hospitality, farms, retail, construction and tourism. Wages are covered by Australian workplace law, including the national minimum wage.
Can it lead to something longer?
The 462 is not a migration visa. It can be a useful first step:
- An employer who values your work can sponsor you for a 482
- Australian work experience adds to your profile
- You can enrol in a course and move to a student visa if you meet its requirements
Go for the year itself. Treat anything further as a bonus.
Questions people ask us most
Can Indians get an Australian working holiday visa?
Yes, the Work and Holiday visa, subclass 462, through an annual ballot.
What is the age limit?
18 to 30 inclusive at the time of application.
How much money do I need to show?
Around AUD $5,000, plus the fare to leave Australia. Check the current figure before applying.
Can I take my spouse?
Your spouse cannot be included. They would need to qualify in their own right.
Does the ballot open every year?
Registration opens for each programme year. Dates are announced by the Department.
Be ready if your name is drawn
We confirm you meet every requirement before you register, and prepare your application so it can be lodged the moment you are invited.