462 Work and Holiday Visa Ballot Now Open for China, India and Vietnam

The Department of Home Affairs has opened the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa ballot for citizens of China, India and Vietnam. This was confirmed via MIA Notice 62, published on 29 May 2026. Places are strictly limited by annual country allocations, and applications close once the cap is reached.

What Is the Subclass 462 Visa?

The Subclass 462 (Work and Holiday) visa allows eligible young people to live, work and study in Australia for up to 12 months. Unlike the Subclass 417 Working Holiday visa, the 462 is available to nationals from a broader range of countries, including China, India and Vietnam, where a bilateral arrangement with Australia is in place.

Key conditions apply. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age at the time of application (up to 35 for some nationalities, but this does not apply to China, India or Vietnam). They must hold a passport from an eligible country and meet education, English language and character requirements.

How the Ballot Works

Because demand from China, India and Vietnam significantly exceeds the available annual places, the Department of Home Affairs operates a ballot system for these three nationalities. Being selected in the ballot does not grant a visa. It grants the right to lodge a formal 462 visa application.

The ballot process works as follows:

1. Register your interest during the open ballot period.
2. If selected, you will receive an invitation to apply.
3. You must then lodge a full visa application and meet all substantive requirements within the stated timeframe.

Failing to lodge after receiving an invitation will forfeit your place. There is no deferral or transfer mechanism.

Who Is Eligible to Register?

To register for the ballot, you must:

1. Hold a valid passport from China, India or Vietnam.
2. Be aged 18 to 30 at the time of ballot registration.
3. Have functional English language proficiency (typically demonstrated by an approved English test result).
4. Hold a qualification equivalent to a completed Australian Bachelor degree or at least two years of full-time study at a tertiary institution.
5. Meet health and character requirements.
6. Not have previously held a Subclass 462 visa (first-time applicants only for ballot registration purposes).

The education requirement is a distinguishing feature of the 462 compared to the 417. Ensure your qualification is documented and ready before registering.

Annual Allocations: How Limited Are the Places?

CountryAnnual Allocation (approximate)China5,000India1,000Vietnam200

These figures are indicative based on previous program years. Allocations can be adjusted by the Department. Vietnamese applicants in particular face very tight competition given the small annual cap.

What Documents Should You Prepare Now?

Ballot registration itself requires minimal documentation. However, if you are invited to apply, you will need to move quickly. Prepare the following in advance:

1. Valid passport (must remain valid throughout the visa application process).
2. Academic transcripts and degree certificate (certified English translation if not in English).
3. English language test result (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic) meeting the required threshold.
4. Health insurance arrangements for Australia.
5. Evidence of sufficient funds (currently AUD 5,000 as a general benchmark, though this should be verified at the time of application).
6. National police clearance certificate from your country of citizenship.

Key Takeaways

• The 462 ballot is now open for Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese citizens following MIA Notice 62 dated 29 May 2026.
• Selection in the ballot is not a visa grant. It is an invitation to apply.
• Annual places are capped and historically fill quickly, particularly for Indian and Vietnamese nationals.
• The 462 requires a tertiary qualification, distinguishing it from the 417 Working Holiday visa.
• Applicants must be aged 18 to 30 at the time of ballot registration.
• Prepare supporting documents now so you can lodge without delay if invited.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

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