We all love to travel but a few can accomplish it, for the farther we want to travel the more money we have to spend and not everyone has enough of it. There is one country, however, that has found a solution for it, wherein you can quench your thirst to explore the vast landscapes of Australia along with the provision to work and earn.
The Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa has long provided coveted opportunities to experience the vibrant culture of Australia. The growing popularity of this programme, particularly for people from China, Vietnam, and India, has initiated significant changes from the Australian government for the 2024-25 programme year. Here we take a look at some of the details of the new pre-application process along with the potential benefits.
A Brief Look Back in the WHM Programme
Established in 1975, the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) programme develops understanding and fosters cultural exchange between Australia and partner countries. It enables young adults aged between 18 and 30 to experience a year of adventure along with engaging in short-term work to fund their travel plans. Visa holders can also pursue a study programme for up to four months and explore the diversity of Australia.
Change of Tides in the New System
Previously, this visa system used to follow a first-come, first-served procedure. However, the demand for this visa has grown recently, with a surge in applications from China, Vietnam, and India. As a result, the allocated quota for these countries increased, creating challenges in managing the application process. This raises a question of the fairness of how the applications were processed.
The ballot system has been introduced to create a level playing field for everyone. A pre-application system also known as the ballot is been introduced by the Australian government to address the issue. This system is designed for applications received from China, Vietnam, and India in this programme year. All interested individuals will receive a more equitable chance as the system will be streamlined now. Apply for a visa with complete information, by talking to the best PR immigration consultants in Chandigarh.
Understanding the New Ballot System
All those who want to participate in the Work and Holiday programme will now have to register for the ballot during a designated timeframe. One will have to spend AUD 25 to register. The next step is the selection process in which registered applicants will be picked up randomly from the pool by the Department of Home Affairs. This will make sure that everyone has an equal chance of being selected irrespective of when they submitted their application. This process will also prevent the backlog of applications as the allocated quota of each country will not be exceeded.
Applications who are picked up during the selection process will be invited to apply and submit a formal application for the Work and Holiday visa. The system removes the need to rush to submit applications. Since, with random selection, it does not matter whether you applied first or at the last. The system will also reduce the waiting time for those who have submitted a formal application for the visa, as the system will remove the backlog for only that many applications will be picked that can be processed timely.
The system will bring in more transparency as the complete process has been divided into different steps. Both the applicants and the authorities will be aware of the status of a given process. It will also reduce the anxiety among those navigating the application process.
Some Points to Consider
The date of registration has not been announced yet. All those aspiring to put in their candidature need to keep a close watch on the developments. You can get in touch with immigration consultants in Chandigarh to get the latest information. It is important to note here that this ballot system is applicable for applicants from China, Vietnam, and India, who are applying first time for a Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa. Those who are applying from other partner countries will apply with the existing procedure.
The Way Ahead
Australia has always been an equal-opportunity country and its immigration system is a reflection of this. The introduction of the ballot system for those in plan to visit Australia will be a crucial step. One needs to stay informed as the developments happen. The new system may call for a change of plans but it will be for everyone’s good.
