Almost 40,000 Indians have applied for 1,000 places under Australia’s new Working Holiday Maker visa program, Australia’s Assistant Immigration Minister Matt Thistlethwaite announced on Monday.
The visa voting process, which began on October 1, will close at the end of the month. Applicants will be randomly selected by ballot and successful candidates can apply for a temporary visa to begin their stay in Australia early next year.
“The great thing about the Working Holiday Maker visa is that there are no restrictions on the work you can do. While many participants are expected to work in hospitality and agriculture, they will also have the opportunity to take short courses or improve their English skills,” Thistlethwaite told news agency PTI.
The Minister expressed optimism that the visa program will offer Indian applicants a valuable opportunity to learn about Australian culture and gain work experience in various industries.
What is a Working Holiday Maker visa?
The Working Holiday Maker visa (subclass 462) allows Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to live, work and travel in Australia for up to 12 months. During this period, they can work in different sectors, study for up to four months and leave and re-enter the country several times.
This temporary visa program, launched by Thistlethwaite during his visit to New Delhi in September, costs AUD 650 (roughly Rs 36,748), according to the Home Office.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the growing partnership between India and Australia and said the visa initiative reflected their close and growing relationship. According to him, Australia has almost a million citizens of Indian origin.
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Who is eligible?
To obtain a Working Holiday Maker visa, Indian citizens must meet the following criteria:
- Create an ImmiAccount.
- Be under 30 years of age.
- Hold a valid passport and national identity card (like PAN card for Indian passport holders).
- Have a valid email address.
- Pay the registration fee of AUD 25 (Rs 1500).
Registrations for the first ballot for work and holiday visas to India opened on 1 October 2024.
