Expanded access to recently graduated Indian nationals: Australia introduces MATES stream
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The Department of Home Affairs have released details of the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) offering young Indian professionals the opportunity to expand their skills and networks in Australia via a new visa stream. MATES will commence as a pilot program with 3,000 places per year.
What is MATES?
MATES is a new pathway introduced to promote skills and knowledge transfer between India and Australia by enabling Indian university graduates and early career professionals to explore employment opportunities in Australia. The scheme is an initiative developed under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia, a bilateral framework for enhancing mobility whilst cooperating to address migration issues.
Who is eligible for MATES?
The following are the eligibility requirements for this visa:
- Hold a valid Indian passport;
- Be aged 30 or younger;
- Have proficient English language skills;
- Have graduated within two years from an eligible university at the time of application; and
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in:
- Renewable energy;
- Mining;
- Engineering;
- Information communications technology;
- Artificial intelligence;
- Financial technology;
- Agricultural technology.
Importantly, MATES does not require applicants to be sponsored by an Australian employer.
Key features
MATES will use a pre-application ballot process. Eligible applicants must first register in a ballot and pay a fee of $25AUD. Individuals will then receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Registrations for the first ballot will open in December 2024.
Successful applicants can remain in Australia for 2 years, include family in their application and receive full work rights and can pursue other options while onshore, for individuals seeking to extend their stay.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions about MATES or to discuss the eligibility requirements, the Migration team at Macpherson Kelley are well placed to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us.
The information contained in this article is general in nature and cannot be relied on as legal advice nor does it create an engagement. Please contact one of our lawyers listed above for advice about your specific situation.
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Expanded access to recently graduated Indian nationals: Australia introduces MATES stream
The Department of Home Affairs have released details of the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) offering young Indian professionals the opportunity to expand their skills and networks in Australia via a new visa stream. MATES will commence as a pilot program with 3,000 places per year.
What is MATES?
MATES is a new pathway introduced to promote skills and knowledge transfer between India and Australia by enabling Indian university graduates and early career professionals to explore employment opportunities in Australia. The scheme is an initiative developed under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between India and Australia, a bilateral framework for enhancing mobility whilst cooperating to address migration issues.
Who is eligible for MATES?
The following are the eligibility requirements for this visa:
- Hold a valid Indian passport;
- Be aged 30 or younger;
- Have proficient English language skills;
- Have graduated within two years from an eligible university at the time of application; and
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher in:
- Renewable energy;
- Mining;
- Engineering;
- Information communications technology;
- Artificial intelligence;
- Financial technology;
- Agricultural technology.
Importantly, MATES does not require applicants to be sponsored by an Australian employer.
Key features
MATES will use a pre-application ballot process. Eligible applicants must first register in a ballot and pay a fee of $25AUD. Individuals will then receive an invitation to apply for the visa. Registrations for the first ballot will open in December 2024.
Successful applicants can remain in Australia for 2 years, include family in their application and receive full work rights and can pursue other options while onshore, for individuals seeking to extend their stay.
We’re here to help
If you have any questions about MATES or to discuss the eligibility requirements, the Migration team at Macpherson Kelley are well placed to assist. Please do not hesitate to contact us.