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Australia, Subclass 462 ballot, 2026-27 program year

Australia Working Holiday Visa 2026 (Subclass 417 and 462)

The Australia Working Holiday Visa is your year of work, travel and adventure in Australia, with the option to extend to three years. For Indian applicants the route is Subclass 462, and from 2025 onwards entry runs through a pre-application ballot. The 2026-27 ballot is open from 4 June to 25 June 2026, with 1,000 places set aside for India. Y-Axis registers you in the ballot, prepares your documents, and lodges your visa application within the 28-day window once you are selected.

Ages 18 to 30 Ballot 4 to 25 June 2026 1,000 places for India Visa fee AUD 650 12 months, extendable to 3 years
Get Started See the 462 ballot dates
Last updated: 5 June 2026

Quick answer

Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply for the Australia Working Holiday Visa under Subclass 462. You must first register in the 2026-27 ballot from 4 June to 25 June 2026, pay AUD 25, and wait for random selection. Only selected applicants can lodge the AUD 650 visa application within 28 days of selection.

What this page covers, end to end

Use the sections below to understand the Subclass 417 versus 462 difference, the new ballot system for Indian applicants, exact 2026-27 dates and fees, eligibility, documents, processing times, jobs and earnings, and how Y-Axis manages your application from first call to landing.

Two visas, one program

Subclass 417 vs Subclass 462: What's the difference?

Both visas belong to Australia's Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program. They look identical from a distance, but the eligible countries, the ballot rules and the English requirement are very different. Indian passport holders apply only under Subclass 462.

Subclass 417

Working Holiday Visa

19 partner countries, direct application, no ballot

The original Working Holiday Visa, for citizens of 19 partner countries with reciprocal arrangements. You apply directly through ImmiAccount and are typically granted within 1 to 2 months. No English or education evidence required.

  • UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Cyprus, Malta, Hong Kong, Taiwan
  • Ages 18 to 30 (extended to 35 for UK, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy, Denmark)
  • No Functional English test required
  • No ballot - you apply directly with the help of y-axis.com
  • Indians are not eligible for Subclass 417
Visa fee
AUD 650
Duration
12 months
Subclass 462, for Indians

Work and Holiday Visa

24 partner countries, ballot for India, China, Vietnam

The pathway open to Indian citizens. Subclass 462 has the same 12 month duration and similar work rights as 417, but adds a Functional English requirement, a Year 12 education minimum, and a pre-application ballot for India, China and Vietnam.

  • India, China, Vietnam (ballot mandatory) plus 21 other partner countries
  • Ages 18 to 30 inclusive at registration
  • Functional English required (IELTS 4.5 average or equivalent)
  • Year 12 education minimum, or 2 years tertiary study
  • India quota: 1,000 places per program year
Visa fee
AUD 650
Ballot fee
AUD 25
The new 462 ballot for Indian applicants

The Subclass 462 ballot: What it is and
why it matters for India

Demand for the Work and Holiday Visa from India, China and Vietnam has grown beyond the annual quota. The Australian Department of Home Affairs introduced a pre-application ballot, a random selection system that controls who can lodge the full visa application. The ballot is now the only gateway for Indian citizens applying for their first 462 visa.

Under the ballot, you register your interest first, pay a small fee, and wait for random selection. Only selected applicants can submit the actual visa application. This caps demand at 1,000 places per year for India, while keeping the process fair and competition-free.

The ballot opens once each program year. Registration windows are short. If you miss the 4 to 25 June 2026 window, your next chance is the 2027-28 program year.

Multiple selection rounds run from late June 2026 through April 2027. Your registration stays active across all rounds. Submitting more than one registration in the same program year leads to automatic disqualification.

Selected applicants have exactly 28 calendar days from the selection email to lodge the full visa application. Missing this deadline forfeits your place. Y-Axis builds your file before the ballot opens, so your application is ready to submit on Day 1.

How to register for the ballot

From ImmiAccount to ballot entry in six steps.

The registration process is short, around 15 minutes if your documents are in order. Y-Axis pre-checks every entry before submission, so a wrong PAN or passport detail does not invalidate your ballot place.

Step 1
01

Confirm you are eligible

Age 18 to 30 inclusive on the registration date, valid Indian passport, valid PAN card, verified email and no dependent children. Y-Axis runs a free eligibility check in 24 hours.

Step 2
02

Arrange all the required documents

Gather your passport, Educational Qualifications, Functional English evidence (IELTS/PTE/TOEFL), bank statements showing AUD 5,000+, return or onward ticket proof, police clearance certificate, and a health declaration. Having all documents ready before the ballot opens ensures you can lodge within the 28-day window once selected.

Step 3
03

Start the pre-application registration

Share your details with your Y-Axis counsellor, who will guide you through the pre-application registration. Y-Axis pre-checks every entry before submission to ensure no errors invalidate your ballot place.

Step 4
04

Complete the form

Enter passport details, PAN number, contact details and declarations. One registration only per program year. Duplicate registrations cause automatic disqualification.

Step 5
05

Pay AUD 25

Submit and pay the AUD 25 non-refundable ballot fee by card. Your registration status shows as Received. You will receive an email confirmation within minutes.

Step 6
06

Wait for selection

Selection rounds run from late June 2026 through April 2027. If selected, your ImmiAccount status changes to Selected and an email arrives. You then have 28 days to lodge the full visa application.

What happens after you are selected

The 28 day window, and why it matters.

Selection is the start, not the finish. From the moment your Application Status changes to Selected, you have exactly 28 calendar days to lodge the full Subclass 462 visa application. Miss the deadline and your place is lost.

For Indian applicants, exactly what to do in those 28 days

The Indian intake under the bilateral arrangement is capped at 1,000 places per program year. The clock starts the day the selection email lands. Y-Axis builds your full file before the ballot, so the 28 days are spent only on signing, paying, and lodging.

  • Connect with Y-Axis and open the Work and Holiday (462) application form, made visible after selection.
  • Pay the AUD 650 visa application fee on the official portal. No agent can collect this for you.
  • Upload your supporting documents: passport, PAN, Year 12 marksheet, Functional English evidence, AUD 5,000+ bank statements, return or onward ticket proof, police clearance and a health declaration.
  • Attend biometrics at a VFS Australia centre if requested. Biometric fee is around AUD 75.
  • Submit the application from outside Australia. First-time 462 applicants must lodge while not in Australia.
  • Wait for the grant. Typical processing is 1 to 2 months, varying by office and document completeness.
Are you eligible?

The eight checks for the 2026-27 Subclass 462 visa.

Tick all eight boxes and you are eligible to register in the ballot. Y-Axis verifies each point against the latest Department of Home Affairs rules before you pay the AUD 25 ballot fee.

1

Age 18 to 30 inclusive

Calculated on the day you register in the ballot, not when you apply for the visa. If you turn 31 between registration and grant, the visa can still be issued.

2

Valid Indian passport

Your passport must be valid through the visa duration plus six months. Get it renewed before applying if expiry sits within 12 months.

3

PAN card as national ID

Indian applicants must use a PAN card as the national identity document. Aadhar is not accepted for the 462 ballot. Y-Axis arranges PAN issuance if needed.

4

No dependent children

Applicants must have no dependent children accompanying them or in their care. Children cannot be added to the 462 visa. Family come on separate visa classes.

5

Functional English

IELTS 4.5 overall, or PTE Academic 30, TOEFL iBT 32, OET Pass in each section, or CAEL 30. The test must be taken within the last 12 months at the time of lodgment.

6

Year 12 (10+2) education

Completion of Year 12 schooling is the minimum. Two years of tertiary study (a diploma or partial degree) also satisfies the education requirement.

7

Sufficient funds, AUD 5,000+

Show AUD 5,000 minimum in personal funds plus the cost of a return or onward ticket. Funds must be in your name, with recent bank statements.

8

Character and health

Police clearance from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more in the last decade. A general health declaration; medicals only if requested.

Documents you will upload

Document checklist for the ballot and the visa.

The ballot needs little. The full visa needs more. Y-Axis pre-checks every document so your 28 day post-selection window is not wasted chasing paperwork.

Document Needed for ballot? Needed for full visa? Notes
Valid Indian passport Yes Yes Valid for the entire visa duration plus six months. Bio page upload.
PAN card Yes Yes Mandatory national identity document. Aadhar is not accepted.
Verified email address Yes Yes Used for all ImmiAccount and Department of Home Affairs notifications.
Year 12 marksheet No Yes Or evidence of two years of tertiary study. Original plus English translation.
Functional English evidence No Yes IELTS 4.5 average, or PTE 30, TOEFL iBT 32, OET Pass per section, CAEL 30.
Bank statements (AUD 5,000+) No Yes Last 3 to 6 months, in your name. Currency conversion at current rate.
Return or onward ticket evidence No Yes Reservation, paid ticket, or funds set aside for the cost of one.
Police clearance certificate No Yes From each country you lived in 12 months or more, in the last decade.
Health declaration No Yes Standard declaration. Medical exam only if requested by the Department.
Passport-size biometric photos No Yes Standard biometric specifications. Taken inside the last six months.
Biometrics at VFS Australia No If requested AUD 75 fee. Booked through VFS Global India after lodgment.
Fees and total cost

The honest cost of an Australia Working Holiday Visa from India.

The headline visa fee is AUD 650. Realistic total outlay from India, including the ballot fee, IELTS, document attestation and Y-Axis service charges, runs INR 60,000 to INR 1,20,000 before you ever land. Budget another AUD 8,000 to AUD 12,000 for the first two months on the ground.

Cost item Amount When you pay it Refundable?
462 ballot registration fee AUD 25 At ballot registration, 4 to 25 June 2026 No
Subclass 462 visa application fee AUD 650 After ballot selection, within 28 days No
IELTS or PTE Academic INR 17,000 to 19,000 Before lodgment, sat within last 12 months No
Biometrics at VFS ~AUD 75 If requested after lodgment No
Police clearance (PCC) INR 500 Before lodgment No
Document attestation and translation INR 2,000 to 5,000 Before lodgment No
Proof of funds (held, not paid) AUD 5,000+ Held in your account at lodgment Yours to keep
Return or onward ticket INR 60,000 to 90,000 Booked or funded before lodgment Subject to airline
Y-Axis service charges On consultation Per agreed engagement scope Per Y-Axis refund policy
What you can and cannot do

Visa conditions and work rules in Australia.

The 462 visa gives broad work rights for one year, with the option to extend to two and then three years through specified regional work. There are limits worth knowing before you sign your first contract.

Condition What it means
Single-entry duration Your first 462 visa is valid for 12 months from the date of first entry into Australia. You must enter within 12 months of the grant date.
Work for one employer Maximum 6 months with any single employer. Switching to a new employer at month 6 is normal and expected.
Study allowed Up to 4 months of study on a 462 visa. For longer courses you need a Subclass 500 Student Visa, applied for separately.
Travel in and out of Australia Unlimited entries and exits during the validity period. Each return entry restarts the work clock with your existing employer.
Second year extension Complete 88 days (3 months) of specified work in eligible regional areas, for example fruit picking or rural tourism. Apply for a second 462 visa from inside or outside Australia.
Third year extension Complete 6 months of specified regional work on your second 462 visa, then apply for a third year. The third year is the final 462 visa available.
Health insurance Strongly recommended for the full stay. Medicare access is limited for 462 holders. Private cover (Bupa, Medibank, NIB) is the standard route.
Tax File Number (TFN) Free to apply through the ATO after arrival. WHM tax rate is 15% on the first AUD 45,000 of income, then graduated rates above that.
Where the jobs are

Best jobs on the visa and how much you can earn.

The Australian minimum wage is AUD 24.95 per hour, one of the highest in the world. WHV holders typically earn AUD 25 to AUD 35 per hour in hospitality and agriculture, and AUD 30 to AUD 45 per hour in construction and skilled trades. Cash-in-hand work is illegal and disqualifies you from a second-year visa.

Hospitality

AUD 25 to 30 per hour

Cafés, restaurants, bars, hotels and resorts. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane absorb most demand. Weekend penalty rates of 25% to 50% boost weekly pay.

Agriculture and farming

AUD 25 to 32 per hour

Fruit picking, vegetable harvesting, livestock work. Counts as specified regional work for a second-year visa. Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania.

Tourism

AUD 25 to 30 per hour

Tour guides, dive instructors, resort staff. Cairns, Whitsundays, Great Ocean Road, Uluru. Excellent for second year visa specified work in northern Australia.

Construction and trades

AUD 30 to 45 per hour

Labourers, riggers, scaffolders, electricians and plumbers (where licensed). Construction sites in Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne. White Card certification required.

Honest talk

The real challenges of the 462 ballot,
and how Y-Axis solves them.

The ballot is luck-based, the window is short, and small paperwork mistakes can cost you the year. Here are the six concerns Indian applicants raise most often, with what Y-Axis actually does about each one.

Common concern

The ballot is random, you may not be selected

With around 1,000 places for India and many times that many registrations, selection is not guaranteed in any single round. Some applicants are not selected in their year and must try again.

How Y-Axis helpsWe ensure every registration is technically valid, so you are not eliminated by a paperwork error. If you are not selected, we plan your re-entry for the next program year and keep your file warm.
Common concern

28 days post selection is tight

Many applicants treat selection as the end. It is actually the start of a 28-day sprint to gather IELTS proof, PCC, bank statements, ticket evidence and biometrics, then lodge.

How Y-Axis helpsWe build your full document set before the ballot opens, so once you are selected your file lodges in days, not weeks. No last-minute hunting for missing certificates.
Common concern

PAN card not Aadhar

Many Indians assume Aadhar will be accepted as the national identity card. It is not. Registration with Aadhar instead of PAN invalidates the entry, with no fee refund.

How Y-Axis helpsWe verify your PAN status before payment, and arrange a new PAN within 7 to 15 days if you do not have one yet. Standard CBDT process, Y-Axis handles paperwork.
Common concern

Functional English burden

Functional English (IELTS 4.5 average) trips up applicants who assumed a passport was enough. Repeating the test eats time and adds cost. Test slots in metro cities fill quickly.

How Y-Axis helpsOur IELTS coaching is tuned to band 4.5 plus, with most candidates clearing on the first attempt. We book your test slot, brief you on the format, and run mock interviews.
Common concern

AUD 5,000 looks low for the cost of living

The official minimum is AUD 5,000. In practice, accommodation bond, transport, food and a buffer until first pay cheque takes AUD 8,000 to AUD 12,000 in the first two months.

How Y-Axis helpsWe build a realistic first-three-months budget by city. We steer cost-sensitive applicants toward Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth over Sydney and Melbourne, and pre-arrange shared accommodation introductions.
Common concern

Scams and fake agents

Several Indian agents claim to guarantee ballot selection. No legitimate agent can do this. Some collect inflated fees, others provide nothing once the application is submitted.

How Y-Axis helpsY-Axis has been established since 1999, with 25+ years of experience, registered, audited, with 50+ offices across India. We never promise ballot selection. We promise correct documentation, on-time lodgment and post-arrival support.
Why Y-Axis

End to end Working Holiday Visa support from India.

Y-Axis is India's No. 1 immigration and overseas careers consultancy, established in 1999, with offices across India and across Australia, UK, Canada and the UAE. We do the ballot, the IELTS, the documents, the visa, and the landing.

25+ yrs

Experience since 1999

Over two and a half decades of Indian immigration work, including the full evolution of the Australian visa system.

10 Lakh+

Clients served

Over ten lakh Indians have used Y-Axis for visa, study and work pathways. Australian visas account for a major share.

50+

Offices across India

Walk into a Y-Axis office in 50+ Indian cities, with English speaking and Indian-language counsellors available.

3-round

Document review

Every application file is checked three times before lodgment, the standard that drives our high first-time grant rate.

Get started, free, no obligation

Start your Australia Working Holiday Visa journey today.

Speak with a Y-Axis Australia consultant on WhatsApp. We confirm your eligibility, plan your IELTS, register you in the 4 to 25 June 2026 ballot, and prepare your file before selection. No upfront pressure, no inflated promises.

Get Started
Frequently asked questions

Twenty answers for Indian applicants

The questions Y-Axis Australia counsellors answer most, mapped to Google's People Also Ask box and live applicant queries. Read the full answer or jump to the question that fits your situation.

How do I get a Working Holiday visa in Australia?
For Indian citizens the route is Subclass 462. You must first register in the annual ballot from 4 June to 25 June 2026, pay AUD 25, wait for random selection, then lodge the full visa application within 28 days of selection and pay AUD 650. Y-Axis manages the entire process for you, from eligibility to landing in Australia.
Is $10,000 enough to move to Australia?
The official minimum is AUD 5,000 plus an onward or return ticket. In practice, AUD 8,000 to AUD 12,000 is more realistic for the first two months, covering accommodation bond, transport, food and a buffer until your first pay cheque. Y-Axis builds a realistic pre-departure budget for every Indian applicant, by city.
Can Indians get a Working Holiday visa in Australia?
Yes. Indians are eligible for Subclass 462, the Work and Holiday Visa. The 2026-27 program year sets aside 1,000 places for Indian passport holders. Indians must enter the ballot from 4 June to 25 June 2026 and cannot apply directly without ballot selection. Y-Axis confirms your eligibility within 24 hours.
Is India eligible for a 462 visa in Australia?
Yes. India is one of 24 partner countries for the Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa. Since 2024, Indian citizens aged 18 to 30 can apply, with 1,000 places per program year. India also goes through the pre-application ballot system alongside China and Vietnam. Indians are not eligible for Subclass 417.
What is the difference between Subclass 417 and Subclass 462?
Subclass 417 is the Working Holiday Visa, available to 19 countries such as the UK, Canada, France and Japan, with no ballot or English requirement. Subclass 462 is the Work and Holiday Visa, available to 24 partner countries including India, with English and Year 12 requirements plus a ballot for India, China and Vietnam. Indian citizens apply under 462 only.
Can I apply for the 462 visa without going through the ballot?
No, not if you are from India, China or Vietnam applying for your first Subclass 462 visa. The ballot is mandatory for first time applicants from these three high-demand countries. Second and third year 462 visas, and applicants from other 462 partner countries, do not require the ballot. Y-Axis tracks every annual ballot window for you.
What if I am not selected in the first ballot round?
Multiple selection rounds run through the 2026-27 program year. The first round happens shortly after registration closes on 25 June 2026, and further rounds continue until April 2027. Your registration stays active across all rounds, you do not need to re-register. You cannot improve your odds within the same program year by registering twice. Y-Axis keeps your file warm for the next program year if needed.
Is the AUD 25 ballot registration fee refundable?
No. The AUD 25 ballot registration fee is non-refundable in all cases, including if you are not selected, withdraw, are found ineligible, or change your mind. You only pay the AUD 650 visa application fee after you are selected and choose to lodge the full application. Y-Axis verifies your eligibility before you pay either fee.
Can I hold a Subclass 462 visa and a study visa at the same time?
No. The 462 and student visas are separate. You can study for up to 4 months while on a 462 visa. If you want a longer course you must apply for a Subclass 500 Student Visa separately, after the 462 ends or by cancelling it. Y-Axis can advise on transitioning between the two routes, especially for applicants who want to convert to study.
How much money do you need for an Australia Working Holiday Visa?
You must show at least AUD 5,000 plus funds for a return or onward ticket. Realistic total budget for the first two months in Australia, including accommodation bond, transport and food, is AUD 8,000 to AUD 12,000. Y-Axis recommends 4.5 to 5.5 lakh in liquid INR funds before applying, plus a 1 lakh buffer for the airfare and initial settlement.
What bank balance is required for the Subclass 462 visa?
You need to show evidence of AUD 5,000 minimum in personal funds, plus the cost of an onward or return ticket from Australia. The funds should sit in your name in a readily accessible account and be supported by recent bank statements covering the last three to six months. Y-Axis reviews your bank evidence before submission to ensure it meets the standard.
Can you get permanent residency from a Working Holiday Visa?
Not directly. The Subclass 462 is a temporary visa. However it can be a stepping stone. Many WHV holders secure sponsored work, then transition to a Subclass 482 Skills in Demand Visa, or a 189 or 190 Skilled visa that leads to PR. Y-Axis maps the full PR pathway for you from the start, so each year in Australia counts toward your long-term goal.
Do you get tax back on a Working Holiday Visa?
Yes. Working Holiday Maker tax rates are 15% on the first AUD 45,000 of income. You may be due a refund at the end of the financial year if employer withholding exceeded this. You will need an Australian Tax File Number (TFN, free to apply) and lodge a tax return through the ATO website. Y-Axis briefs every Indian client on TFN and ATO basics before departure.
What is the IELTS or English requirement for the 462 visa?
You must show Functional English. Accepted evidence includes IELTS overall band 4.5, PTE Academic 30, TOEFL iBT 32, OET Pass in each section, or CAEL 30. A passport from an English-majority country also qualifies. Tests must be sat within the last 12 months at lodgment. Y-Axis offers IELTS preparation aligned exactly to this band requirement.
How much can you earn on the Australia Working Holiday Visa?
The national minimum wage is AUD 24.95 per hour. WHV holders typically earn AUD 25 to AUD 35 per hour in hospitality, agriculture and tourism. Construction and skilled trade roles can pay AUD 35 to AUD 45 per hour. Weekend and public holiday penalty rates add 25% to 50% to base pay. Cash in hand work is illegal and reduces your visa renewal options.
What jobs can you do on the 462 visa?
Most jobs in hospitality, retail, agriculture, fishing, tourism, construction, childcare, aged care and administration are open. You can work for any one employer for up to 6 months. Specified regional work, such as fruit picking, harvest work or rural tourism, qualifies you for a second or third year visa extension. Y-Axis connects clients to vetted employers through our partner network.
What is the age limit for the Australia Working Holiday Visa?
For Subclass 462 the age range is 18 to 30 inclusive at the time of registration or application. For Subclass 417 the range is also 18 to 30, with an extended limit of 18 to 35 for citizens of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Ireland, Italy and Denmark only. Indians fall under 462 with the 18 to 30 cap.
How long is the processing time for the Subclass 462 visa?
After ballot selection and full application lodgment, the Department of Home Affairs typically decides Subclass 462 visa applications within 1 to 2 months. Processing varies by office, document completeness, and whether biometrics are requested. Y-Axis lodges your application with a 3 round document check to minimise delays from incomplete files.
How much does the Australia Working Holiday Visa cost?
The visa application fee is AUD 650, effective 1 July 2025. Indian applicants also pay the AUD 25 ballot registration fee. Add IELTS or PTE around INR 17,000 to 19,000, biometrics around AUD 75 if requested, document attestation around INR 2,000 to 5,000, and Y-Axis service charges discussed on consultation. Total typical outlay before flying is INR 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh.
How can Y-Axis help me with the Australia Working Holiday Visa?
Y-Axis manages the full pathway, free 24 hour eligibility check, IELTS Functional English coaching, ballot registration with PAN verification, a 3 round document check, full visa lodgment within the 28 day post selection window, pre-departure briefing, and arrival support through our Australia office. We have 25+ years of Indian visa experience since 1999, 10 Lakh+ clients served, and offices across 50+ Indian cities. Call +91-7670800000 or open WhatsApp to start.