Australia (Commonwealth Union)_ Starting October 1, 2024, Australia will introduce a new initiative allowing up to 1,000 Work and Holiday visas annually for Indian citizens. This development is part of the broader Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing mobility between the two nations. The initiative reflects a growing commitment to facilitate cultural exchange and economic collaboration.
Also read: Apply now: Grab your Google Internship before it’s too late!
The Work and Holiday visa program is designed for Indian nationals aged 18 to 30, offering them the opportunity to live in Australia for up to 12 months. During this time, visa holders can work, study, and travel within Australia, making it an appealing option for young Indians seeking international experience. Specifically, they can engage in study for up to four months and can leave and re-enter Australia multiple times throughout their stay. The cost of this visa is set at AUD 650, approximately US$438 or ₹36,748, making it a reasonably accessible option for many young individuals.
Also read: Golden opportunity for Nigerian students: Chase your dreams with the Commonwealth Scholarship!
To qualify for the Work and Holiday visa, applicants must fulfill certain criteria. They need to be under the age of 30 and possess a valid passport along with a national identity card. Furthermore, starting from October 1, interested candidates must pay a registration fee of AUD 25 (around US$18 or ₹1,500) to enter the visa ballot system. This ballot system ensures a fair selection process for applicants, allowing Australia to manage the allocation of visas effectively. The registration process is straightforward. Indian passport holders can complete a ‘Visa pre-application registration’ form through their ImmiAccount, following a series of simple steps.
After logging into their accounts, applicants will need to select the appropriate registration option, complete the form, and pay the registration fee. Once submitted, candidates will receive an acknowledgment letter via email, and their registration status will be updated accordingly. If selected in the ballot, applicants will receive a ‘Notification of selection’ letter inviting them to apply for the visa online. Successful candidates will then have 28 calendar days to complete their Work and Holiday visa application. However, if an applicant’s registration is not selected, they will need to wait until the following year’s ballot to apply again, provided they still meet the eligibility criteria. Registrations are valid until April 30, 2025, or until the applicant turns 31, whichever comes first.
Philip Green, Australia’s High Commissioner to India, expressed his enthusiasm for the new arrangement on social media platform X. He stated, “The Work and Holiday Maker arrangement—a key commitment under the Economic Cooperation & Trade Agreement #ECTA—is now in effect for India! Eligible passport holders wishing to have a working holiday can now apply via the pre-application ballot process.” This endorsement highlights the importance of the program in fostering closer ties between the two countries. Additionally, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also praised the initiative, emphasizing its significance for enhancing people-to-people connectivity. He remarked, “During the visit, I was pleased to learn that the Work and Holiday visa, a key commitment under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, will be operational from October 1, 2024. This will facilitate mobility and deepen people-to-people connections.”
The introduction of the Work and Holiday visa marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster economic cooperation and cultural ties between Australia and India. As both countries seek to enhance their partnership, this initiative serves as a gateway for young Indians to gain valuable international experience while contributing to Australia’s economy. With the AI-ECTA paving the way for such opportunities, the future looks promising for increased collaboration and understanding between these two vibrant nations.
