In this GMS Flash Alert, we report on the latest updates to the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa.
From 16 September 2024, the Australian government will introduce a new ballot process which will be open to individuals from India, the People’s Republic of China (“China”), and Vietnam.1
This visa lets people 18 to 30 years old have an extended holiday in Australia but also allows them to work in the country to help fund their trip. This introduces greater flexibility and incentive for such individuals, but also could help employers fill some gaps in hiring where they may be experiencing difficulties filling a position.
Another positive aspect of the announced changes is that now Indian passport holders will be permitted to apply for a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa. Prior to the introduction of the ballot process, nationals from India were not able to apply for a Work and Holiday visa to Australia.
These changes introduce a ballot process for the high-demand Working and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa countries of India, China, and Vietnam. One limitation of the introduction of the ballot process is that demand for the Work and Holiday visa from India, China, and Vietnam is anticipated to exceed the availability of these visas under the ballot process. Currently nationals from China and Vietnam applying for a Work and Holiday visa are not subject to visa allocation caps.
The Subclass 462 visa allows young adults with an eligible passport to travel to Australia for up to one year and generally work for the same employer for up to six months.
These changes introduce a ballot process for the high-demand Working and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa countries of India, China, and Vietnam.
As earlier noted, the changes allow Indian passport holders to apply for a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa and introduce a ballot process for India, China, and Vietnam. Previously Indian nationals were not able to lodge Work and Holiday visa applications to Australia.
A ballot aims to provide an equitable, streamlined, and transparent means of selecting applicants, in locations where the number of registrations significantly exceeds the number of places available for a participant country in a program year.
Opening the Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa to Indian passport holders is expected to strengthen the ties between India and Australia as part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation agreement.
As the festive period approaches, it’s important to note that processing times by the Department of Home Affairs may be impacted. This is due to a combination of factors including the closure of processing offices during public holidays, government staff holidays/absences, and an increase in visa lodgements which typically occurs in the lead-up to the new year.
To avoid delays, KPMG in Australia recommends lodging visa applications as soon as possible.
Please note that KPMG offices in Australia will be closed from 5:00pm Thursday, 19 December 2024, and will re-open on Thursday 9 January 2025. The Australian immigration team will have “skeleton” staffing during this time (except for public holidays) for immigration emergencies.
1 See: Department of Home Affairs, "Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462): First Work and Holiday visa."
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.
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