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The Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early Professionals Scheme or MATES Visa Australia is a collaboration between the Australian and Indian government authorities. The MATES Visa program allows young Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live, work and study in Australia.
If you are also a young Indian professional looking to grow your career in one of the most developed countries in the world, this article is for you. We have provided every detail you should know about the Australia MATES Visa.
What is the MATES Visa Program?
The Australian and Indian governments agreed on May 23, 2024, under the MMPA, to further commit to improving migration pathways cooperation. As a result of this agreement, the MATES Visa Program was established under the subclass visa 403.
The outcome of the MATES Visa is to promote the annual entry of 3,000 young Indian skilled and early-career professionals into Australia. Eligible people can live, work, and study in Australia for up to two years. This arrangement will thus facilitate cultural exchange and take care of critical sectors' workforce needs.
What are the benefits of getting the MATES Visa Program for Indians?
The following information explains the benefits of getting a MATES Visa for Indians.
- No Sponsorship Required from Employer
- Pathway to Australia Permanent Residency
- Chance to get Australia Work Experience
- A reasonable annual cap on MATES Visa
MATES Visa Australia Requirements
The MATES Visa program falls under the MMPA and brings young skilled professionals into Australia from India. Here are the essential eligibility criteria for the program:
Requirements | |
Ballot Selection | Must be randomly selected in the MATES ballot and receive a Notification of Selection letter. |
Age | Must be 18-30 years old at the start of the ballot registration period. |
Nationality | Must hold a valid Indian passport during ballot registration and visa application. |
Education | Graduate from eligible institutions listed in NIRF 2024 Rankings with qualifications equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher. |
Relevant Industries | Qualifications must align with industries like renewable energy, IT, AI, fintech, engineering, agri-tech, or mining. |
English Language | Meet minimum scores in approved tests like IELTS (6.0 overall, 5.0 per component), PTE, TOEFL, etc. |
Health Requirement | Must meet Australian health requirements; health exams are required after an invitation to apply. |
Character Requirement | Must meet Australian character standards, including police clearance. |
Financial Support | Show financial capacity (AUD 5,000) or have an employment offer in Australia. |
Health Insurance | Must have adequate and acceptable health insurance covering your entire stay |
Genuine Intent | Must intend to stay temporarily in Australia. |
Immigration History | No prior visa cancellations or refusals; immigration history will be assessed. |
Debt to the Australian Government | Any owed money must be repaid or arrangements made before applying. |
Application Timeliness | Must apply within 30 days of receiving the Notification of Selection letter. |
Steps to Apply for MATES Visa Australia
The Steps to apply for MATES Visa Australia are divided into two categories: a). Ballot Process, and b). Normal Application Process.
Ballot Process
Registration for the first MATES Ballot will start in December 2024. Applications are lodged during the advertised open period for a fee of AUD 25. Successful candidates are selected randomly and contacted.
Normal Application Process
Selected applicants lodge their visa application within 30 days of receiving a Notification of Selection letter. After getting the NOS, you must follow the following steps:
- Step 1: Before You Apply
You must have registered and been selected in the MATES ballot. Apply within the period set out in your Notification of Selection letter.
- Step 2: Document Collections
Obtain all the necessary documents, such as proof of eligibility and other supporting documents.
- Step 3: Apply for Visa
Apply online within 30 days of selection. You should be outside Australia when you apply for the MATES visa program(Subclass 403). Pay an application charge of AUD 365.
- Step 4: After You Apply
A confirmation of lodgment of the application will be released to you.
- Step 5: Visa Outcome
Only enter Australia once a decision has been made. If your visa gets approved- Obtain information concerning your visa, such as the number, effective date, and conditions.
If your visa gets Rejected: A letter stating that your application has been rejected and what rights you have to have it reviewed.
Are my family members allowed to participate in the visa program?
It is possible to include family members in a MATES program application. It covers dependent children as well as spouses or de facto partners. In Australia, secondary applicants will have unrestricted employment rights.
Including secondary applications comes at a cost of:
- $95 for secondary candidates under the age of 18 and
- $365 for those beyond the age of eighteen.
Conclusion
The MATES Visa Australia program is a collaboration between the Australian and Indian governments, allowing young Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live, work, and study in Australia. The program offers benefits like no employer sponsorship, a pathway to permanent residency, work experience, and a reasonable annual cap.
Eligibility criteria include age, nationality, education, English language proficiency, health requirements, character standards, financial support, health insurance, genuine intent, immigration history, and debt to the Australian government.
For more details about this new MATES Visa Australia, contact Province Immigration via +91 98961 96762 or info@provinceimmigration.com
Take advantage of the MATES Visa Program, established through the Australian-Indian agreement on May 23, 2024, under subclass visa 403, to enhance your migration opportunities.
