Australia’s Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa has seen overwhelming interest from Indian nationals since the program first opened to them last year. According to recent data, over 98,000 Indian applicants have registered for the visa—yet only 988 have been approved to date, according to a report from VisaGuide.World.
This visa, commonly known as the “backpacker visa,” allows young adults to live, travel, and work in Australia temporarily. The scheme is designed for people aged 18 to 30 and aims to foster cultural exchange while allowing visa holders to fund their travels through short-term employment.
Pre-Application Ballot System Limits Entry
In an effort to manage the high volume of interest, the Australian government introduced a pre-ballot system on October 1, 2024, for applicants from India, China, and Vietnam.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, of the 139,633 valid registrations received under this system, 98,019 came from Indian nationals alone—showcasing massive demand, far exceeding the current cap of 1,000 visas available for Indians.
Strong Demand Reflects Growing Bilateral Ties
Migration agent Vaibhav Patel told SBS Hindi that the spike in applications reflects a growing interest among young Indians to experience life and work in Australia.
“It used to be mostly European countries with access to this visa. Now, thanks to the free trade agreement, India is on the list—signaling stronger ties between both nations,” Patel said.
He noted that the program’s requirements—including proof of English proficiency, educational qualifications, and at least $5,000 in savings—are achievable for many young Indian professionals and recent graduates.
Limited Approval Creates Frustration
Despite the overwhelming interest, the stark contrast between applications and approvals has raised concerns among applicants and migration professionals. The approval rate is less than 1% of total Indian applications submitted so far.
Applicants must submit their applications from outside Australia, and no dependents can be included. The visa fee currently stands at AUD 650.
Broader Growth in Visa Popularity
The popularity of the Work and Holiday visa continues to grow globally. By the end of 2024, Australia reported 206,187 visa holders under the program—up from 170,437 in 2023.
Still, Indian nationals hoping to take advantage of the new access are watching closely for policy adjustments or increased quotas, as demand shows no sign of slowing.
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