462 Visa Australia for Indians. The 462 Visa Australia for Indian citizens is part of the Work and Holiday Visa program that allows young Indians aged 18–30 years to live, work, and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. This visa opens new cultural and professional opportunities, enabling Indians to explore Australia while funding their stay through short-term jobs.
Under the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), India officially joined this program on September 16, 2024, becoming the 50th partner country. However, only 1,000 visa slots are available annually through a ballot system, making it one of the most competitive programs worldwide.
What Is the 462 Visa Australia for Indian Citizens?
The 462 Visa Australia, officially known as the Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462), is a temporary residence visa that allows Indian citizens to:
- Work in Australia for up to 12 months.
- Study short courses (up to 4 months).
- Travel in and out of Australia multiple times during the visa validity.
| Visa Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Indian citizens aged 18–30 |
| Duration | 12 months (can extend up to 3 years) |
| Quota for Indians | 1,000 visas per year |
| Introduced Under | Australia-India ECTA |
| Entry Type | Multiple entry |
| Governing Authority | Australian Department of Home Affairs |
This visa program strengthens Australia–India youth mobility, allowing cultural exchange and skill development through temporary employment.
Why Is There a Ballot System for Australia 462 Visa for Indians?
Because of the massive demand, the Australian government introduced a ballot system in October 2024 to ensure fairness. Earlier, the “first-come, first-served” model crashed within minutes due to 98,000+ registrations in a single day.
The ballot system gives everyone an equal chance to apply, regardless of internet speed or paid agents. It is transparent and random, supervised directly by the Department of Home Affairs.
How Does the Ballot Work?
- Applicants register online during the official window (June 24 – July 15, 2025).
- Each valid registration enters a random computerized draw.
- Selected applicants receive invitations to lodge a visa application within 28 days.
- Unselected registrations remain valid for future draws until April 30, 2026.
Key Ballot Dates (2025–26)
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | June 24, 2025 |
| Registration Closes | July 15, 2025 |
| First Draw | July 16, 2025 |
| Final Draw Deadline | April 30, 2026 |
Missing the registration window means waiting for the next program year.
Who Is Eligible for the 462 Visa Australia (Indian Citizens)?
Indian citizens must meet strict eligibility requirements to qualify for the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa.
Basic Eligibility
- Age between 18 and 30 years (inclusive)
- Must apply from outside Australia
- Hold a valid Indian passport
- Must not have previously held Subclass 462 or 417 visas
- No dependent children during stay
Education Requirement
- Completed at least two years of tertiary education after 12th standard, or
- Currently enrolled in a recognized university or college in India
English Requirement
Applicants must show functional English ability, proven by one of the following:
- IELTS overall score of 4.5 or higher
- PTE Academic equivalent to IELTS 4.5
- TOEFL iBT comparable score
- Or English-medium education from a recognized Indian institution
Financial Requirement
- Must show access to at least AUD 5,000 (≈ INR 2.86 lakh)
- Provide proof of funds and return airfare or equivalent funds
Health & Character Requirement
- Undergo a medical check-up
- Submit a police clearance certificate from India
- Provide additional certificates if resided abroad for 12+ months
What Are the Benefits of the 462 Visa for Indian Citizens in 2025?
The Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) allows Indians to combine work, travel, and study in one exciting program.
Key Benefits
- Stay and work in Australia for up to 12 months
- Study for up to 4 months
- Extend stay for second and third year with regional work
- Gain international experience in multiple job sectors
- Travel freely within and outside Australia
Popular Job Sectors for 462 Visa Holders
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Retail and Customer Service
- Agriculture & Fruit Picking
- Construction and Labour
- Regional Tourism and Events
How Much Does the 462 Visa Cost for Indian Applicants in 2025?
The 462 Visa Australia cost for Indians includes two key parts — ballot registration fee and visa application fee.
Ballot Registration Fee
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) | Approx. INR | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ballot Registration Fee | 25 | 1,430 | Non-refundable; paid online during registration |
Visa Application Fee
| Fee Component | Amount (AUD) | Approx. INR | Payment Stage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | 635 – 650 | 36,300 – 37,200 | Paid only if selected in ballot |
Additional Costs
| Category | Cost (INR) | Equivalent (AUD) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Test (IELTS/PTE) | 18,000 | – | For functional English proof |
| Medical Exam | 6,000 – 8,000 | – | Mandatory health check |
| Police Clearance | 500 – 2,000 | – | From Indian authorities |
| Proof of Funds | 2.86 lakh | 5,000 | Must be in accessible savings |
| Return Ticket | 50,000 – 80,000 | – | Or equivalent savings |
| Document Translation | 500 – 1,500 | – | For non-English documents |
Total estimated cost (including visa + documents): INR 40,000 – 45,000, excluding funds proof.
What Documents Are Required for 462 Visa Application (Indians 2025)?
Applicants must submit complete and accurate documentation to avoid rejection.
1. Identity Documents
- Valid Indian passport (6-month validity minimum)
- Birth certificate or national ID (PAN card only)
- Passport-sized photo (recent, 45x50mm)
- Previous passport pages with travel stamps
2. Education Documents
- University degree or provisional certificate
- Official transcripts (2+ years tertiary education)
- Current enrollment letter (if studying)
- English-medium certificate (if applicable)
3. Financial Documents
- Bank statements (last 3–6 months) showing AUD 5,000
- Return ticket or funds proof
- Sponsor declaration (if family-funded)
4. Health & Character Documents
- Medical examination from approved panel clinic
- Police clearance certificate from India
- Additional clearance for countries lived in 12+ months
How to Apply for 462 Visa Australia for Indians (Step-by-Step 2025)
Step 1 – Register for the Ballot
- Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
- Create or log in to your ImmiAccount
- Complete the ballot registration form
- Upload passport and PAN card
- Pay AUD 25 fee online
- Receive confirmation email
Step 2 – If Selected in the Ballot
- Receive an official invitation via email
- You have 28 days to complete your visa application
- If not selected, registration stays active for later draws
Step 3 – Submit Visa Application
- Log in to ImmiAccount
- Complete all details accurately
- Upload all required documents
- Pay AUD 635–650 visa fee online
- Note your Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for tracking
Step 4 – Processing and Tracking
- 50% of applications processed in 1–2 days, 90% within 8 weeks
- Track progress via your ImmiAccount dashboard
- Respond quickly to additional document requests
What Can I Do on a 462 Visa in Australia?
Work Rights
- Work for up to 6 months per employer
- Regional jobs may allow 12-month employment
- Popular industries: hospitality, farming, tourism, construction
Study Rights
- Study up to 4 months (17 weeks)
- Ideal for short English or skill courses
- Example courses: Barista training, First Aid, Tourism certificates
Travel Flexibility
- Multiple entries allowed during 12-month stay
- Travel outside Australia freely; time abroad counts toward visa validity
Can I Extend My Stay?
Yes. You can extend your stay up to 3 years total by applying for additional visas.
| Visa Type | Condition | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Second 462 Visa | 3 months (88 days) of regional work | +1 year |
| Third 462 Visa | 6 months regional work during 2nd visa | +1 year |
Eligible Work Areas:
- Farming and agriculture
- Construction
- Tourism and hospitality in regional areas
- Disaster recovery projects
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying
| Mistake | Impact |
|---|---|
| Submitting incomplete or mismatched information | Immediate refusal |
| Expired passport or wrong ID (Aadhaar not accepted) | Ineligible application |
| Missing 28-day submission deadline after ballot | Disqualification |
| Insufficient proof of funds | Application rejection |
| Not submitting all police clearances | Delayed approval |
Pro Tip: Always apply via the official Home Affairs website — never through unverified agents claiming to “guarantee selection.”
Latest Updates for the 462 Visa Australia (Indians 2025)
- India joined the program on September 16, 2024.
- 1,000 visas allocated yearly for Indians.
- No government support letter needed.
- Visa fee increased to AUD 650 from July 2025.
- 98,000 registrations in 2024; acceptance rate ≈ 1%.
- Ballot system to continue for 2025–26 cycle.
Conclusion
The 462 Visa Australia for Indians gives young people aged 18–30 the chance to live, work, and travel in Australia for one year—extendable up to three years through regional work—promoting cultural exchange and professional growth under the India–Australia partnership.
