Australia has introduced an exciting new route for Indian graduates and early-career professionals. The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme Subclass 403, MATES visa, is a new pathway that underlines Australia's commitment to fostering bilateral relations with India while addressing skills shortages in key industries. Here's everything you need to know about this new opportunity.

Overview of the MATES Visa

The MATES Visa is a temporary work visa for skilled Indian graduates and early-career professionals from targeted fields such as:

• Renewable Energy

• Mining

• Engineering

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT)

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• Financial Technology (FinTech)

• Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)

Key highlights:

• Stay period: Upto 2 years

• Annual cap: 3,000 visas

• Eligibility: Applicants are first needed to be selected through the process of ballot registration.

• Benefits: It does not require sponsorship, family inclusion is possible and unrestricted work rights of their dependents.

Ballot Registration

The MATES Visa process starts with a pre-application ballot registration. Here is how it works:

1. Eligibility:

o Hold a valid Indian passport

o Be aged 18 to 30 years at the time of ballot registration

o Graduate within 2 years from an eligible institution listed under Indian Ministry of Education’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Top 100 Overall list

o Hold qualifications relevant to one of the targeted sectors

2. Registration Dates:

o Open: 9 December 2024

o Close: 7 January 2025

3. Ballot Fee: AUD 25

Ballot Selection Period:

• Open: 8 January 2025

• Close: 30 May 2025

Successful applicants will be sent a Notification of Selection letter and an invitation to apply for the visa.

English Language Requirements

Applicants need to prove their proficiency in English by scoring as indicated below in one of the following tests:

Note: Test results should be within 1 year before:

•              Submission of the visa application, or

•              The date of decision (if it was not submitted at that time).

Eligible Institutes under the Scheme

Following are the Indian institutes eligible for MATES Visa program:

Cost and Stay Duration

1. Cost:

o             Ballot Registration Fee: AUD 25

o             Visa Application Fee: Starting at AUD 365, plus other charges for family members.

2. Duration of stay:

o             for 24 months from date of initial entry

o             Multiple entries to and exit from Australia are possible within the period of its validity.

Eligibility Criteria

In addition to the above, applicants must:

• Have sufficient financial capacity to sustain their stay

• Make health insurance arrangements

• Pass character and health checks

How to Register

Step 1: Ballot Registration

• Register for an ImmiAccount on the Australian Home Affairs website.

• Complete the MATES ballot registration form and pay the application fee.

Step 2: Visa Application

• Once selected, lodge the application through ImmiAccount.

• Attach all necessary documents, including proof of eligibility and English proficiency.

Step 3: Processing

• Applicants are processed on individual merits. The time for processing depends on the sufficiency of documents and follow-up checks.

Advantages of MATES Visa

1. Professional Development: Achieve international experience in your area of expertise.

2. No Sponsor Required: Easy access to Australia's labor market.

3. Family Inclusion: Include your spouse and children. They are allowed to work without any restrictions.

4. Networking Opportunities: Increase your professional contacts within Australia's fast-growing economies.

Conclusion

This is a great opportunity for young Indian professionals to gain global exposure, develop their careers, and experience life in Australia. Mark your calendars for the ballot registration opening this December, if you meet the eligibility criteria. Don't miss this chance to turn your aspirations into reality!

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