The statutory criteria for the Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 visa in the Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) are available since 12 November 2024.
MATES is creating a pathway for young Indian nationals to live and work in Australia for up to two years. The program is available for recent graduates and early career professionals in targeted fields. The program is capped at 3000 professionals per year who can reside in Australia alone or accompanied by their spouse and children.
The professionals interested to be considered for a spot in the program must register their interest and pay a registration fee of $25.
To be considered the professionals must have valid Indian passport; be between 18 and 30 years of age; establish their English language proficiency as specified in the program; and be a recent graduate from one of the listed foreign education institution holding a Bachelor degree or higher qualification in one of the targeted fields:
renewable energy;
mining;
engineering;
information communications technology;
artificial intelligence;
financial technology;
agricultural technology.
There are no requirements for a skills assessment as long as the professionals have completed their degree within the two years immediately prior to applying. There is a requirement for presenting an English language test result as part of the visa application process.
In each year, the ballot for pre-application registrations is expected to be opened for a short period of time, followed by a short selection period allowing the Australian Government to consider the regisrations. The final step of the ballot process would be Home Affairs sending out a notice to the successful candidates inviting them to lodge a visa application by specific date.
The application fee is set at $365 with additional fees for secondary applicants. Once granted a visa the professionals would be given 12 months to enter Australia and commence their two years residence here. The primary applicant must be outside Australia for the lodgement and approval of the visa, their spouse and children can be in or outside Australia.
The MATES subclass 403 visa would grant unrestricted work rights for a period of two years and require that the holders maintain their private health insurance while in Australia.
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