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Existing visa holders from China, Vietnam, and India will still be able to apply for a second or third visa under the usual process
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For China, where the ballot was delayed in 2023, the system will launch afresh in 2024, making prior registrations invalid
The Australian government is introducing a new visa pre-application process called the “ballot” for the highly demanded Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa, specifically targeting applicants from India, China, and Vietnam. This initiative, set to begin in the 2024-25 program year, aims to foster fairness, transparency, and simplicity in the selection process, especially where demand surpasses availability.
The ballot is a random, electronic selection system where registrants pay a fee of AUD 25. Individuals chosen through this process can apply for the visa online, which allows young adults (aged 18 to 30) to enjoy an extended holiday in Australia, working short-term jobs to fund their stay, studying for up to four months, and traveling in and out of the country multiple times.
For Indian citizens, the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA) opens doors for up to 1,000 first-time applicants annually, giving them a unique opportunity to experience Australia’s culture while contributing to its economy through short-term employment and study.
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