Work and Holiday visa 462
Holiday and work for 18 to 30 year olds from 30 countries. Ballot for China, India and Vietnam.
In forceBallot
Who it is for
People aged 18 to 30 from 30 partner countries, including India, Indonesia, China, Vietnam, the United States and others.
Main requirements
- Age 18 to 30 when you apply.
- Functional English.
- Education requirement set for your country (for India, at least 2 years of post-secondary study).
- A government letter of support for some countries.
- About A$5,000 plus an onward fare; no accompanying dependent children.
- Ballot selection for China, India and Vietnam; country caps apply.
- Health and character.
Where you apply from
First visa: outside Australia when you apply and when it is decided.
Streams
- First
- Second
- Third
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Check the ballot and requirements
For China, India and Vietnam, register in the ballot when it opens.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks education and English evidence before the ballot. - Apply if selected
Apply online within the time given and pay the charge.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent prepares the evidence quickly. - Grant and stay
Enter within 12 months; stay 12 months.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains the work rules. - Second and third visas
Three months of specified work in eligible regional areas for a second visa.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains specified work evidence.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| First visa | A$840 |
| Second visa | A$1,000 |
| Third visa | A$1,000 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Home Affairs expects most applications to average about three months. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Work and Holiday | 50% in 3 days, 90% in 44 days |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Education or English evidence missing.
- Letter of support missing.
- Over age.
- Not selected in the ballot, or applied late.
- Not enough money; character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
- 25 June 2026
The 2026-27 ballot registrations for China, India and Vietnam closed.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.