Beginning on 1 October 2024, Australia will offer 1,000 Work and Holiday Visas annually to Indian Citizens. This is according to the AI-ECTA – India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement that was implemented in December 2022.
For Indian citizens who are keen to know about how to get PR in Australia from India and are unable to qualify for PR Visa currently, this is an incredible opportunity.
Piyush Goyal the Indian Commerce and Industry Minister announced this in a post on X. He was in Australia from September 23 to 26 on a three-day visit. Goyal elaborated that the Work and Holiday Visa is among the major commitments of the AI-ECTA and will be operational from 1 October 2024. This will boost mobility and strengthen ties between people, added the post.
The ECTA specifies that citizens of India in the age group of 18 to 30 years can file an application for a 1-year Australia Visas to study, work and travel across Australia. Further, 1000 multiple entry 1st Work and Holiday Visas will be offered to Indian citizens who fulfill the eligibility criteria as specified by the legislation enacted in Australia.
Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement/CECA under talks
India and Australia are now discussing the CECA – Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement.
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce said in a statement that ‘The visit has allowed both the nations to assess and review The CECA and implementation of initiatives of ECTA. Furthermore, the discussions and deliberations held among Indian and Australian businesses in Sydney will boost the trade and investment ties between both nations.
The post further added that both nations also deliberated on accomplishing the goal of AUD 100 Billion in Bilateral Trade by the year 2030. The boosting of collaboration at multilateral and other regional bodies – WTO, IPEF, and G20 inclusive of the issue of Regulation of Domestic Services, was also discussed.
The Australia Subclass 462 Visa / Work and Holiday Visa
Fundamental Eligibility
Applicants must:
· Be in the age group of 18 to 3o years
· Have a Passport from an eligible nation/India
· Not have dependent children accompanying them
Work and Holiday Visa – First
The First Subclass 462 Visa authorises the holders to have an extended vacation in Australia and work in the nation to fund their trip. Applicants:
· Need to have a Passport from an eligible nation/India
· Are allowed to work while staying in Australia
· Can file an application for the second Subclass 462 Visa if they fulfil specific criteria
Passport holders from India, China and Vietnam have to take part in a ballot/pre-application Visa process to file an application for the first Subclass 462 Visa.
· Authorized Stay – 12 months
· Application Cost – AUD 650
Work and Holiday Visa – Second
The Second Subclass 462 Visa authorizes the holders who currently have or have held the first Subclass 462 Visa. Applicants:
· Need to have a Passport from an eligible nation/India
· Are allowed to work in any occupation while staying in Australia
· Must have worked for 3 months in Australia in a specific occupation for Subclass 462 Visa
· Can file an application for the third Subclass 462 Visa if they fulfil specific criteria
Applicants residing in Australia must have a Substantive Visa or their last Substantive Visa must have become invalid within 28 days.
· Authorized Stay – 12 months
· Application Cost – AUD 650
Work and Holiday Visa – Third
The Third Subclass 462 Visa authorizes the holders who currently have or have held the Second Subclass 462 Visa. Applicants:
· Need to have a Passport from an eligible nation/India
· Are allowed to work in any occupation while staying in Australia
· Must have worked for 6 months in Australia in a specific occupation for Subclass 462 Visa
Applicants residing in Australia must have a Substantive Visa or their last Substantive Visa must have become invalid within 28 days.
· Authorized Stay – 12 months
· Application Cost – AUD 650
Subclass 462 Visa Processing Times
The standard application processing times for Subclass 462 Visa are:
· 40 to 50 days – for 75% of the First and Second Work and Holiday Visa applications
· 80 to 86 days – for 90% of the First and Second Work and Holiday Visa applications
The processing times for the Third Work and Holiday Visa applications are not fixed and are variable based on the profile of the applicant and immigration requirements. It may take longer than the indicated processing times owing to the volume of the application received by the Department of Home Affairs.
To apply for a Subclass 462 Visa or know about the Australia PR process from India, contact the Best Immigration Consultants in Hyderabad Nationwide Visas.
Explore Australia Subclass 462 Visa requirements for Indians
Learn about the annual allocation of Australia Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa for Indians and the eligibility criteria for the three categories of this Visa