India Joins Australia’s Working Holiday Maker Visa Program

Canberra, India has officially joined Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program, becoming the 50th partner country under the scheme. The inclusion was formalised under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), marking a significant milestone in strengthening ties between the two nations.

What is the Working Holiday Maker Program?

The WHM program allows young people from eligible countries to travel to Australia for an extended holiday, with the option to undertake short-term work and study to support their stay. It is designed to encourage cultural exchange and foster people-to-people links between Australia and its partner countries.

• Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday visa) – available to other eligible countries, now including India.

India’s Entry into the Program

From 16 September 2024, Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply for the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa through a visa ballot system. Selected applicants will be invited to lodge their visa applications online.

Each year, up to 1,000 Indian passport holders will be granted this visa.

Requirements for the First Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) Visa

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be 18–30 years old (inclusive).
• Hold a valid Indian passport.
• Have completed at least two years of undergraduate university study, or already hold a tertiary qualification.
• Demonstrate functional English (IELTS 4.5 overall or equivalent, or five years of English-medium education).
• Show financial capacity with at least AUD 5,000 plus funds for return travel.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Not be accompanied by dependent children.
• Be outside Australia at the time of application.

What the Visa Offers

The first Work and Holiday visa allows Indian citizens to:

• Stay for 12 months in Australia.
• Work (generally no more than six months with one employer).
• Study short-term courses of up to four months.

If visa holders complete 3 months of specified work in northern or regional Australia, they may become eligible for a second Work and Holiday visa. Completing 6 months of specified work can lead to a third visa, extending their stay further.

Strengthening Ties

The expansion of the WHM program to India is expected to promote youth mobility, enhance cultural understanding, and provide young Indians with opportunities for international work and study experiences in Australia.

For more details, including registration and ballot dates, applicants are encouraged to visit the Department of Home Affairs’ official guidance on the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa pre-application process.