The Australian education-migration consultancy Edvise reported on 9 October 2026 that the Department of Home Affairs has lifted its August pause on 22 of the 29 Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa streams. India, China and Vietnam remain outside the cap system because their quotas are allocated through an annual electronic ballot, most recently held on 25 June. The reopening means Indian applicants who secured a 2026-27 ballot place can now submit full visa applications; those who missed out must wait for the 2027-28 draw. Separately, a legislative instrument dated 1 October bars holders of 417 and 462 visas from lodging on-shore Student-visa applications, closing a popular pathway to permanent residence. For Indian youth-mobility planners, the takeaway is clear: encourage graduates to enter the ballot early and consider Canada’s IEC or the UK’s Young Professionals Scheme as backups. Agencies warn against third-party “slot sellers”; lodging without an invitation risks an automatic refusal and a Section 48 bar on further on-shore visas. Employers hiring Indian backpackers in Australia must verify visa grant numbers via VEVO, as new 462 holders will no longer receive a visa label or PDF grant letter—notifications now appear only in the ImmiAccount portal.
Source: Edvise
