Next Steps for Applicants from India, Vietnam, and China
Don’t Risk Losing Your Visa After Ballot Selection – What You Need to Know
If you’ve received an invitation to apply for the Australia Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa through the 2025–26 visa ballot, congratulations! But don’t assume your visa is guaranteed – this is just the beginning of the process.
We’ll walk you through what happens after being selected in the ballot and what applicants from India, Vietnam, and China need to do next to turn that invitation into an approved visa.
What Does the Visa Ballot Invitation Mean?
The visa ballot invitation is not a visa. It’s an official email from the Australian Government letting you know that you’ve been randomly selected in the ballot and are now eligible to submit a full visa application.
You still need to:
- Meet all eligibility requirements
- Submit supporting documents
- Pay the visa fee
- Lodge your application within the deadline
Difference Between Registration and Invitation
It’s important to understand that registration is simply your entry into the lottery, while the invitation to apply is your official selection notification. Only those randomly selected in the ballot will receive an invitation email – and only then can you submit a full visa application.
Key Ballot Dates Summary
Important Visa Ballot Dates You Should Know
- Registration Period: 24 June 2025 – 15 July 2025
- First Random Selection: 16 July 2025
- Ballot Selection Period: 16 July 2025 – 30 April 2026
- Invitation Validity: 28 days from date of selection notification
- Registrations Expire: 30 April 2026
What to Do After You’re Invited to Apply
Here’s a simple checklist:
- Check the Deadline
You’ll usually have 14–28 days from the invitation date to submit your application. Don’t wait until the last minute.
- Gather Documents
Depending on your country, you may need:
- A valid passport
- Proof of education (e.g., university diploma)
- Proof of English language ability (like IELTS)
- Recent bank statement (showing sufficient funds)
- Police clearance
- Passport-size photos
- Apply Online
Log in to ImmiAccount and start your subclass 462 application.
- Pay the Application Fee
The visa application fee is approximately AUD $635 (subject to change – check the official website for the latest information.
- Get a Health Check (If Required)
Some applicants are asked to complete a medical exam or chest X-ray, depending on their health history and country of origin.
- Don’t Forget Your National ID Card
When applying after your invitation, you must upload a valid national identity card issued by your country. This is required to verify your identity and prevent delays. Make sure the details on your ID card match exactly with those on your visa application and registration. Missing or incorrect ID details can lead to processing delays or refusal.
Don’t Risk Losing Your Visa
Even after receiving an invitation, you can lose your chance if you:
- Miss the deadline
- Submit incomplete or incorrect documents
- Fail to meet eligibility criteria
If you’re unsure, it’s wise to get help from a registered migration agent.
Can I register more than once for the ballot?
A: No, only one registration per program year is allowed.
Need Help With Your Next Steps After Ballot Selection?
If you’ve received an invitation and want to ensure your application is strong and mistake-free, consider reaching out to a migration expert familiar with the Work and Holiday visa process including document preparation, translations, and application review.
Contact our licensed Australian education and migration advisors today!
Trust only OMARA-registered migration agents for your future.