The Australian government has announced the “Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)” for Indian nationals with a duration of 2 years.
Starting in December 2024, talented graduates and early career professionals from India’s leading universities will have an exciting opportunity to live and work in Australia temporarily.
MATES is more than a visa; it’s an opportunity for growth, collaboration, and creating lasting impacts on both personal and professional fronts.
As announced by “Home Affairs“, the MATES program is designed to support Australian industry sectors by introducing a fresh pool of skilled professionals in critical fields such as:
- Renewable Energy
- Mining
- Engineering
- Information and Communications Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Financial Technology
- Agricultural Technology
Opening Dates for MATES Visa
The first ballot for this visa stream will open for registrations in December 2024. Only invited applicants will be able to apply for the 2-year visa.
Streamlined Application Process
Through the MATES initiative, eligible applicants can apply for the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa via a pre-application ballot.
This process offers 3,000 temporary visa places each year, ensuring a fair, simple, and transparent selection system. Successful applicants can also bring their dependents along, making it an ideal pathway for individuals and families alike.
How to apply for MATES Visa Subclass 403?
Indian nationals interested in the MATES visa will go through a pre-application ballot process for selection. Interested candidates can follow the application steps as follows:
Step 1: Register for the Ballot
To begin, you must register for the pre-application ballot.
Step 2: Wait for an Invitation
Only individuals selected through the ballot will receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Without this invitation, you won’t be able to proceed with the application. There is a ballot registration fee of AUD25.
Eligibility Requirements for the MATES Ballot
To register for the MATES pre-application ballot, you must meet the following criteria:
- Create an ImmiAccount
- Hold valid identification, including:
- A valid Indian passport
- A valid Permanent Account Number (PAN card) issued by the Indian Government
- Age Requirement: Be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the start of the ballot registration period for that year;
- Registration Limits: You must not already be registered in the MATES ballot;
- Provide Contact Information: Have a valid email address;
- Agree to Declarations: Accept the terms outlined in the registration form declarations;
- Pay the Registration Fee: of AUD 25.
Next Steps if Selected
If an applicant is randomly selected in the ballot, they will receive a Notification of Selection letter. This letter will provide all the necessary details on how to apply for the Subclass 403 MATES stream visa.
a) Visa Application Process
Once selected, applicants will have 30 calendar days from the date of selection to complete and submit their visa application online. It is important to submit the application by the date specified in the notification letter, as late applications will not be accepted. For further details on eligibility, applicants can refer to the Subclass 403 MATES stream Eligibility page.
b) Passport Requirements
Applicants must complete the visa application using the same passport they used during the ballot registration. If the passport expires between registration and the visa application, applicants must notify the authorities about the change. This can be done via ImmiAccount. For more information, applicants can refer to the section on You have a new passport.
c) Timely Submission
Visa applications must be submitted using the link provided in the Notification of Selection email or through ImmiAccount. It’s crucial to submit the application on time to avoid missing out on this opportunity.
Key Details for Ballot Registration
- Applicants can register whether they are inside or outside Australia.
- If selected, visa applications must be submitted from outside Australia.
- Registration is only open during the ballot registration period, and each individual may register only once per ballot process.
- If an applicant misses this year’s ballot, there’s no need to worry. The MATES ballot process is held annually, allowing eligible individuals to apply in future rounds.
Including Family Members
Registration
Eligible family members, such as a spouse or partner, can register separately in the ballot.
Visa Application
If selected, you’ll be the main applicant for the Subclass 403 MATES visa. At this stage, you can include eligible family members in your visa application.
Strengthening India-Australia Ties
MATES builds on the already vibrant connections between India and Australia, providing Indian nationals with the chance to gain valuable work experience and develop their expertise in some of the most sought-after industries.