The Australian government has launched a new visa stream known as the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). This visa stream is customized especially for talented Indian professionals. The MATES visa has been launched under the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa subclass 403.
This exciting new visa pathway has been introduced as part of a special arrangement between India and Australia. This visa aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship by allowing talented professionals from India to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
Our consultants at Croyez Immigration are committed to helping you make the most of this new, promising scheme. The MATES visa has been elaborated upon. This includes the benefits, eligibility, and the application process.
What is the MATES Visa?
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme is a stream under the temporary work visa Subclass 403. This visa allows young and eligible Indian professionals to live and work in Australia for a period of 24 months.
This visa category was introduced in 2024 under the Australia-India Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement, MMPA. This is designed to facilitate career development, skill enhancement, and cultural exchange for young professionals who are beginners in their careers.
Who is this Visa for?
The MATES visa is specially designed for Indian professionals who:
- Have graduated recently from a top university in India.
- Are between the ages of 18 and 30
- Are in their professional career at an early age
- Have been selected randomly through a ballot process to apply.
This program offers a valuable stepping stone for talented professionals in India to gain international exposure, expand their professional network, and explore new career pathways in Australia.
Why Choose the MATES Visa?
Some of the justified reasons on why to choose the MATES visa are given below. These are the advantages the visa holds.
- This visa builds a strong foundation for future visa options and international mobility.
- MATES visa holders can work in any field. This visa does not have any job restrictions.
- Individuals who hold this visa can live and work in Australia for up to two years.
- Applicants can experience the culture, work environment, and lifestyle of Australia.
- During the duration of stay, the visa holders are open to travel in and out of Australia.
- The applicants can bring in family members such as parents, partners or children along with them.
Who Can Apply?
The key eligibility criteria decide who can apply for the MATES visa. The applicants has to meet all of the following requirements.
Be Selected in the Ballot
The application can be made if the applicant is selected randomly in the MATES ballot. Once selected, the applicant will receive a Notification of Selection letter. This will be required to begin the visa application process.
Hold Indian Citizenship
The applicant should hold a valid Indian passport at the time of application.
Age Requirement
The applicant should be between 18 and 30 years old.
Educational Qualification
The applicant should have graduated on or after the 9th of December 2022. They should also have obtained a degree from a university ranked in the Top 100 of the NIRF overall ranking 2024.
Meet English Language Requirements
The applicant has to demonstrate their functional proficiency in English. This can be done through IELTS or an equivalent test.
Financial Requirements
To be eligible, applicants must show that they can financially support themselves and the family members accompanying them throughout their duration of stay in Australia.
Health and Character Clearance
They should undergo complete medical examinations. They should submit police clearance certificates, which will demonstrate good character.
Health Insurance
Applicants should hold adequate health insurance for the complete duration of stay.
No Previous MATES Participation
The application made should be a fresh one. There should not be any previous MATES visa applications made.
What Can You Do with This Visa?
Here is a list of things an individual can do once the subclass 403 MATES visa is granted.
- International travel becomes accessible. The visa holder can make multiple entries to Australia during the validity of the visa.
- They can study short courses while working.
- They can work in any industry, from education, hospitality, to IT and marketing.
- This visa allows applicants to include their family members.
The flexibility of the MATES visa makes it ideal for both personal and professional development.
Visa Duration and Conditions
The MATES visa is valid for a maximum of 24 months. The stay begins on the first day the applicant arrives in Australia with this visa. This visa cannot be extended. Applicants will not be eligible to apply again under this stream.
If the applicant wants to remain in Australia after the visa expires, they will have to apply under another category.
Costs Involved
The usual base visa application fee will be AUD 365 for the primary applicant. Also, separate fees apply for each family member included in the application. Some of the additional charges include:
- Police clearance
- Health examinations
- Health insurance
- English language testing
The Australian immigration website has a visa pricing estimator. This will help applicants calculate the total cost.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Here is a simple step-by-step process that should be followed to make an application under the MATES visa stream.
Step 1: Register for the Ballot
The first step will be to closely monitor the Department of Home Affairs for any announcements. Once the announcement is made, the ballet will be open and applicant has to register for the Ballot.
Step 2: Receive Your Notification of Selection
If the applicant is selected in the Ballot, they will receive an official letter. This letter will detail how to apply and what the deadline will be. The deadline is usually 30 days from selection.
Step 3: Gather Required Documents
The applicant now has to gather all the required documents. These include the following.
- Valid passport
- Educational certificates
- Proof of Language
- Health Insurance
- Police and medical certificates.
- Financial documents.
Step 4: Submit Your Online Application
After all the documents required have been collected, the application should be submitted through the link provided in the selection letter.
Step 5: Wait for a Decision
The decision will be shared through email. This will include the visa grant number and conditions if successful. If the application is refused, the applicant will be notified of the reasons as on why the application was rejected. They will also mention if there are chances for a review.
Important Conditions & Reminders
Some of the important conditions and guidelines to keep in mind regarding the MATES visa stream are:
- The applicant has to enter Australia within 12 months of the date the visa was issued. The visa will become invalid after this period.
- The time spent outside Australia will not be considered. This will not extend their stay.
- The applicant has to keep their details up to date for the immigration authorities.
- The immigration authorities should be informed incase of any changes in the situation. This can be marriage or child birth.
After Your Visa Ends
Claim their Superannuation
The applicant will likely have superannuation if they worked and earned more than AUD 450/month. This amount can be withdrawn while leaving Australia.
Get Travel Records
The visa holders can request international movement records. This will be a proof of their time in Australia and can be used for future employments or visa applications.
Why Choose Croyez Immigration?
Croyez Immigration takes pride in guiding aspirants through the visa process from start to finish. Our expertise and personalized service will make sure we help with the following.
- We will ensure the applicants understand the eligibility
- We help them get through the ballot system
- We help in preparing and reviewing your application
- We easily handle documentation and deadlines.
- Stay compliant with all the visa requirements.
We will be your trusted partner on the path to a global career.
Conclusion
The MATES visa stream provides a unique opportunity for the brightest young minds in India. This visa allows applicants to live and work in Australia. With proper preparation and expert guidance from Croyez, applicants can have access to a lot of opportunities, enhance their professional skills and experience life in one of the most dynamic countries of the world. Get in touch with Croyez to explore your eligibility and get expert assistance in preparing for the MATES visa stream.
