The Australian Government has replaced the oversubscribed 462 visa queue with a digital ballot—an equitable system that allocates places at random. For some countries only
The system, introduced on 1 October 2024, randomly draws names when demand from a partner country is higher than the annual cap.
- China – 5,000 places
- India – 1,000 places
- Vietnam – 1,500 places
Key dates for the 2025-26 program
| Milestone | Date (AEST) |
| Registrations open | 24 June 2025 |
| Registrations close | 15 July 2025 |
| First draw | 16 July 2025 |
| Subsequent draws | July 2025 – April 2026 (or until caps fill) |
| Ballot pool expires | 30 April 2026 |
Your entry stays in the pool until you’re selected, withdraw, get over the maximum age, or the pool closes.
Eligibility snapshot
- 18–30 years old (inclusive) on the day you register
- Valid passport and national ID card
- India: use a PAN card, not Aadhaar
- Vietnam: your ID must show the new 12-digit number
- ImmiAccount + working email
- AUD $25 non-refundable registration feevisaandimmigrations.com
What happens next?
- Selected? You’ll get a “Notification of Selection” email. Lodge the full visa application within the timeframe on your invitation.
- Not selected? You won’t get an email saying you haven’t been selected. Wait for the next program year and try again.
Pro-tips from Bravo Migration
- Register on Day 1. System glitches are common in the final hours.
- Triple-check your passport number; a typo voids your entry.
- Keep the email you use for ImmiAccount active right through April 2026.
If you are one of the lucky ones to get here on a Work and Holiday Visa, get in touch with us to discuss further visa options
