A new visa under the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is set to launch in November 2024, offering Indian university graduates and young professionals a unique opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
The announcement, which comes as a special Diwali gift, marks a significant step forward in strengthening the two nations’ ties.
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- New MATES Visa Scheme: Indian graduates to live and work in Australia for up to two years under Subclass 403 Visa.
- 3,000 Visa Places Annually: The program will offer 3,000 spots each year, selected through a pre-application ballot.
- Eligible fields: Renewable energy, Mining, Engineering, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Financial Technology, and Agricultural Technology.
- No Employer Sponsorship Required: Applicants do not need employer sponsorship
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Assistant Minister for Immigration, Matt Thistlethwaite says, the initiative will help attract top Indian talent to Australia and support the country’s migration goals.
“MATES is the centrepiece mobility offer in the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, and supports our migration priorities by attracting some of India’s most talented graduates with in-demand knowledge and skills to Australia,” Thistlethwaite said.
“It is mutually beneficial for both countries, allowing young Indian professionals with the right qualifications to utilise and expand their skills and experience in relevant Australian industries.”
The program is a key feature of the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), signed in May 2023, which aims to promote two-way migration and enhance collaboration between the two countries.
The scheme will benefit both nations by facilitating skills transfer and offering Australian industries access to some of India’s most talented graduates, particularly in high-demand fields such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, information technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology.
Key eligibility criteria for the MATES scheme include:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be 30 years or younger at the time of application.
- Educational Qualification: A Bachelor’s degree or higher in eligible fields.
- Graduation Timeline: The degree must have been obtained within two years of applying.
- English Language Proficiency: An IELTS score of at least 6 (with a minimum of 5 in each section) or an equivalent.
- Previous Participation: Applicants must not have participated in MATES before.
The MATES visa, available under the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) category, will allow 3,000 Indian nationals annually to work and gain valuable experience in Australia.
Unlike many other visa programs, there will be no requirement for employer sponsorship under the MATES scheme, making the process more accessible for young professionals. Additionally, participants can apply to bring dependents, who will also be granted work rights in Australia.
The MATES scheme serves as a significant component of the bilateral framework, which aims to address issues related to illegal and irregular migration while enhancing the ease of movement between India and Australia.
Streamlined Application Process
Applications for the MATES visa will be managed through a visa pre-application ballot process, which will ensure a fair and transparent selection method for the 3,000 available spots each year. The ballot will serve as an initial step before formal applications are made, providing a more efficient pathway for eligible applicants.
Successful applicants will be granted 12 months to make their first entry into Australia, followed by a 24-month stay, allowing for multiple entries. Those wishing to extend their stay beyond two years may apply for other temporary or permanent visas, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
The launch of the MATES scheme is expected to further bolster the Australia-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, providing a new avenue for collaboration in education, industry, and innovation. It also supports India’s aspirations for expanding global career opportunities for its youth and addresses Australia’s demand for skilled professionals across key sectors.
The scheme will be open for applications starting in late 2024, and further details regarding the visa subclass, costs, and application processes will be released in the coming months.
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