Starting this month, Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 can participate in a pre-application (ballot) process for a new ‘First Work and Holiday visa’ in Australia. This initiative allows eligible individuals to experience life in Australia for a year while having the opportunity to work or study short-term during their stay.

Under this new visa scheme, up to 1,000 eligible Indian passport holders will be granted a First Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) each program year. The application process for the 2024-2025 program year begins on October 1, 2024.

The newly established visa partnership between Australia and India was officially announced on September 16, 2024, making India the 50th country to join the Working Holiday Maker visa program. This partnership stems from the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which aims to enhance ties between the two nations.

Eligible Indian citizens interested in applying for this exciting opportunity can register for the visa pre-application ballot from October 1 to October 31, 2024. Those who register will have a chance to be randomly selected to apply for the visa.

The First Work and Holiday visa not only allows young travelers to explore Australia but also enables them to gain work experience or pursue short-term study, making it a fantastic opportunity for cultural exchange and personal development.

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