Australia has introduced a new stream under the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa. This ‘Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme’, (MATES) is specifically designed to attract young professionals from India, and forms part of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA).
It aims to provide suitable candidates with an opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years. Outlined below is everything you need to know about this new pathway.
What is the MATES Pathway?
The MATES pathway of the 403 visa aims to facilitate the entry of skilled, early-career professionals from India into Australia aimed at facilitating talent exchange in high-demand industries.
This program is expected to be competitive, having just 3,000 places annually.
Who is Eligible for the MATES Visa Stream?
The eligibility requirements for the MATES stream primarily focus on age, qualifications, and specific industries.
|
Requirement |
Eligibility |
|
Nationality |
Applicants must hold a valid passport from India |
|
Age |
Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive) at the time of registration |
| Qualifications |
Applicants need to have graduated from specified foreign education institutions within two years of the registration period. This qualification must be equivalent to at least an Australian Bachelor degree or higher. |
|
Relevant industries |
Applicants’ qualifications must align with key industries, being:
|
| English language |
Applicants meet minimum English language scores from one of the pre-approved tests (see here). The test results must be from within one year of the application date. |
How Do I Apply for the MATES Program?
The application process involves a pre-application registration. This is a two-step ballot system, requiring:
- Registration: Interested candidates must register online within the specified open period. A fee of AUD $25 is payable;
- Selection: Registered participants are randomly selected through a computer-generated process. If successful, the chosen candidates must submit a formal visa application within 28 days of receiving the notice. Primary applicants must also be outside Australia at the time of application. The visa application fee is $365 for the primary applicant.
Can I Include My Family Members?
Yes, members of the family unit can be included in an application for the MATES program. This includes spouses/de facto partners, and dependent children.
Secondary applicants will have unlimited work rights in Australia. The cost to include secondary applicants is:
- $365 for secondary applicants over 18 years of age; and
- $95 for secondary applicants under 18 years of age.
Any Questions?
If you are a young professional from India hoping to gain international work experience, this new visa pathway could be a great opportunity for you.
If you require assistance with the new MATES program or want other immigration-related advice, please feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9016 0484.
