Australia MATES Visa: Your Pathway to Australian Opportunities
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) Visa offers young Indian professionals a unique chance to live and work in Australia for up to two years. This initiative aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address skill shortages in key Australian industries.
About the MATES Visa Program
Launched under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement between India and Australia, the MATES Visa facilitates the entry of 3,000 Indian graduates and early-career professionals annually. Participants can gain valuable international experience, contributing to sectors such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, financial technology, and agricultural technology
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the MATES Visa, applicants must:
- Age: Be 30 years old or younger at the time of application.
- Nationality: Hold a valid Indian passport.
- Education: Have graduated within the past two years from an eligible Indian institution with a qualification equivalent to an Australian Bachelor’s degree or higher in specified fields.
- English Proficiency: Achieve a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.0, with at least 5.0 in each component, or equivalent scores in other recognized tests.
- Health and Character: Meet Australian health standards and provide police clearance certificates.
- Financial Capacity: Demonstrate sufficient funds (approximately AUD 5,000) or possess an employment offer in Australia.
- Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance coverage throughout the stay.
Benefits of the MATES Visa
- Professional Experience: Work in Australia’s high-demand sectors, enhancing your skills and global employability.
- No Sponsorship Required: Apply without the need for employer sponsorship, simplifying the process.
- Family Inclusion: Include dependents (spouse and children) in your application; they will have work rights and are not counted towards the annual cap.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency: Potential to transition to other visas leading to permanent residency, subject to eligibility.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Ballot Registration:
Register for the MATES ballot through the ImmiAccount portal during the specified period.
Pay a ballot registration fee of AUD 25.
Await random selection; only selected candidates will be invited to apply for the visa. - Visa Application:
If selected, apply for the Subclass 403 MATES stream visa within the timeframe specified in the Notification of Selection letter.
Submit required documents, including proof of eligibility and supporting materials.
Pay the visa application fee of AUD 365. - Post-Application:
Undergo health examinations and obtain police clearance certificates as instructed.
Await the visa decision; processing times may vary. - Upon Approval:
Receive your visa grant notice detailing conditions, entry date, and validity period.
Make your first entry into Australia within 12 months of visa grant.
Fees Involved
- Ballot Registration Fee: AUD 25
- Visa Application Fee: AUD 365
- Additional Costs:
Health examinations: AUD 300–AUD 500 per person
Police clearance: AUD 50–AUD 100
