Complete Guide to Australia’s Subclass 462 Work and Holiday Visa

The Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 462) is the best opportunity for young people (18 to 30 years of age) who want to travel, work, and explore Australia. To live and work in Australia, you need to get this visa. It’s a lottery Visa system, and this time, it’s open only for three countries: India, China, and Vietnam. To apply for the Australian Working Holiday visa for the 2025–2026 program year, the last date is July 15, 2025.

Are you planning to live, travel, and work in Australia? The Subclass 462 Working Holiday Visa is a great way to experience Australia while earning money. This visa is popular among young people from eligible countries, including India, China, and Vietnam.

Let’s break down everything you need to know in simple steps.

 What is the Subclass 462 Visa?

The Subclass 462 visa lets young adults aged 18–30 (or 35 for some countries) travel and work in Australia for up to 12 months. You can also study for 4 months and apply for a second or third visa if you meet the work conditions.

 1. Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the 462 visa, you must:

• Be 18 to 30 years old (35 for a few countries)
• Hold a passport from an eligible country
• Not be accompanied by dependent children
• Meet education requirements (at least two years of college or university)
• Have functional English (e.g. IELTS score of 4.5)
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have at least AUD 5,000 in savings
• Not have held a Subclass 462 or 417 visa before

 Keyword covered: 462 visa Australia requirements

 2. Eligible Countries

Some of the countries that can apply for the Subclass 462 visa include:

• India
• China
• Vietnam
• USA
• Indonesia
• Argentina
• Chile
• Spain

 The list may change. Always check the official website for updates.

 Keyword covered: Subclass 462 eligible countries

 3. Selection Criteria

If you are from a ballot-based country (e.g., India, China, Vietnam), you need to:

1. Register online for the visa ballot (a lottery system).
2. Pay a small fee (around AUD 25).
3. Wait to be selected.
4. If selected, we’ll invite you to apply for the visa.

 Keyword covered: 462 visa Australia for Indians

 4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Here’s how to apply for the Subclass 462 visa:

1. Create an ImmiAccount on the official Australian immigration website.
2. Gather your documents (see below).
3. Fill out the online application.
4. Upload documents.
5. Pay the visa fee (AUD 635).
6. Wait for a decision (2–5 weeks on average).
7. If approved, enter Australia within 12 months.

 Keyword covered: Subclass 462 visa Australia

 5. Document Checklist

You’ll need:

• Valid passport
• Birth certificate
• Education certificates
• IELTS or other English test results
• Bank statements (AUD 5,000+)
• Police clearance certificate
• Health exam (if required)
• Recent passport-size photo
• Letter of support (if your country needs one)

 Keyword covered: Working Holiday visa Australia requirements

 6. Visa Fees and Processing Time

• Visa fee: AUD 635
• Ballot fee (if required): AUD 25
• Processing time: 2 to 5 weeks (sometimes longer)

Plan early to avoid delays.

 7. Required Funds

To meet visa conditions, you must prove you have:

• At least AUD 5,000 for living costs
• Enough money for your return flight or onward travel

Bank statements, fixed deposits, or sponsor letters (such as those from parents) are acceptable.

 Keyword covered: 462 visa Australia for Indians

 8. Benefits of the 462 Visa

• Travel across Australia for up to 12 months
• Work to support your stay
• Study for up to 4 months
• Apply for a second or third visa by doing eligible regional work
• Gain international experience

 Keyword covered: Subclass 462 work

 9. Limitations of the 462 Visa

• You cannot bring children or dependents
• You cannot work more than 6 months for one employer
• You cannot study for more than 4 months
• Not all countries are eligible
• The ballot system can be competitive

 Keyword covered: Difference between 417 and 462 visa

 10. Official Website and Contact Info

• Department of Home Affairs – Working Holiday Visas
• Use your ImmiAccount to apply and check updates

 11. Document Format and Sample Files

• All documents must be in English (or with a certified translation)
• Upload clear PDF files (under 5MB each)
• Example:
  • Bank statement: PDF, shows 6 months of activity
  • Degree certificate: Colour scan of front and back
  • IELTS report: PDF with TRF number

 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can Indians apply for the Subclass 462 visa?

A: Yes, but they must register for the ballot and be selected.

Q: What’s the difference between Subclass 417 and 462?

A: 417 has fewer requirements and no ballot. 462 requires English proof and education, and may need a support letter.

Q: Can I extend the visa?

A: Yes, if you complete eligible work (like farming or hospitality in regional areas), you can apply for a second or third visa.

Q: Can I work for my home country company remotely?

A: Yes, remote work is allowed under the 462 visa.

 13. Expert Advice

• Start early—prepare documents before the ballot opens
• Practice English if you need to pass a test
• Track all your work days if planning to extend the visa
• Get travel health insurance—Experts strongly recommend changing this.
• Be honest and double-check your application before submitting.