- The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) will start on 1 Movember for Indian nationals.
- The MATES visa program will allow 3,000 applicants to apply for this visa.
- The duration of the MATES visa has been set a 2 years by the Australian government.
- Graduates and professionals can both apply for the MATES stream.
What is an Australian Mates Visa for Indians?
The federal budget immigration section 2024-2025 confirms the start date of the Australian MATES visa for Indians. The stream is designed to help Indian graduates and early career professionals aged 18-30. These applicants can on temporarily live and work in Australia. The family sponsorship is also possible.
On May 23, 2023, Australia and India established the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA). Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme or ‘MATES’ is a new scheme, established under the MMPA.
Who is eligible?
The applicants must meet certain requirements to be eligible for the program:
| Criteria | Details |
| Age | 30 or younger (inclusive) at the time of application |
| Previous Participation | Must not have previously participated in MATES |
| English Language Skills | Proficient English (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts) |
| Graduation Status | Graduated within 2 years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application |
| Required Qualifications | Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields: |
| – Renewable Energy | |
| – Mining | |
| – Engineering | |
| – Information Communications Technology (ICT) | |
| – Artificial Intelligence (AI) | |
| – Financial Technology (FinTech) | |
| – Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) |
Is Australian employer sponsorship required for MATES?
There is no sponsorship required for this visa. The MATES visa can be applied without a job offer or any other sponsorship from Australia.
Cost of the MATES Visa
Currently, the subclass and visa fee have not been set aside by Australian Home Affairs. Soon these will be available. We will update the details here once available.
MATES Quota
The program is cap-based, hence each year 3,000 main applicants will be able to apply for this visa. The family members do not fall into the main quota category.
Activities allowed on MATES visa
Successful applicants can live and work in Australia with family members. The are no strict requirements for the visa holders to work in the related field to their qualification, still, the program is designed to expand their professional experience in the qualification-related fields mentioned above.
Visa Duration on MATES stream
The visa holders first get entry for a year but once they reach Australia, from the entry date they can stay there for two years. The visa type is multiple entries.
Family Sponsorship
Family members can accompany the main applicants and can live with them for the same visa duration. The family members do not count towards the annual cap of the MATES visa.
MATES Visa Extension
The visa extension is not possible on the MATES stream. Applicants are only allowed to participate once. This is because the Australian government wants to give chance each time new applicants to experience Australian life and work style. On the other hand, the applicants can switch to other visa categories or apply for permanent residence once the requirements are met.
How to apply for the MATES Visa?
Though the application process has not been announced by the Australian government, the generally adopted process in Australia for other such visa types is as follows:
Review your eligibility requirements
You must check if you qualify under the given specified criteria. The requirements are mandatory to be met. There are currently no instructions available for the English language requirements. However, it should be on a competent level which is about 6 band score in IELTS. The Home Affairs however will decide about it soon. Currently, the English language competent level is as follows against different English tests:
| Test | Score |
| IELTS | Overall score of 6 and 6 in each component. |
| TOEFL iBT tests that were completed between 26 July 2023 and 4 May 2024 | At least 12 for listening, 13 for reading, 21 for writing, and 18 for speaking |
| PTE Academic | At least 50 for each of the 4 components |
| Occupational English Test | At least B for each of the 4 components |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced test. From 12 February 2024, only results from the paper-based Cambridge C1 Advanced test will be accepted. | At least 169 in each of the 4 components |
Obtain a skills assessment
Applicants, generally need to acquire the skills assessment from Australia. Your report of assessment must not be older than 3 years at the time you apply for the visa. You can check here the skills assessment process and awarding bodies.
Send in a statement of interest
Submit an expression of interest (EOI) through SkillSelect: Initiate the visa application process by formally expressing your interest.
Receive an application invitation
Wait for a potential invitation to apply for the visa based on your EOI submission and eligibility criteria.
Prepare documents
| Steps | Details |
| Collect Identity Documents | Gather essential identity documents such as your passport and any proof of name change if applicable. |
| Provide Evidence of Skills Assessment | Submit documentation validating your skills assessment, including reference numbers or qualifications. |
| Organize English Language Proficiency Proof | Compile documentation demonstrating English language proficiency with test results not older than three years. |
| Obtain Health Insurance Evidence | Gather proof of adequate health insurance coverage for yourself and accompanying dependents. |
Complete the application form and Apply
The final applying process is:
- Apply online via ImmiAccount: Initiate the visa application process by logging in or creating an account on the designated platform.
- Ensure all necessary paperwork is submitted along with your application.
- Finalize the payment of the application fee and note the Transaction Reference Number (TRN) for future reference.