New MATES Visa Program for Indian Nationals: Subclass 403

Hey everyone!

 

There is good news for you.

 

The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) (subclass 403), known as MATES, will open in December 2024.

 

Finally, the wait is over now!

This new MATES visa will let the Indian graduates and early career professionals live and work in Australia for up to two years in Australia.

 

 As of November 1, 2024, the Australian Government introduced significant changes to the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) program for Indian nationals. Under this scheme, Indian graduates aged 18 to 30 can apply for the subclass 403 visa Australia.

 

So, before moving forward, let’s have a quick overview of the latest criteria of MATES:

 

Age Requirements: You must be 18 to 30 (inclusive).

Ballot Registration: You should be randomly selected in the MATES ballot.

Previous Visa: You must not have previously held a MATES  visa 403.

Education:  You have recently been required to have a graduation degree from a top Indian university with eligible qualifications. 

English Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language proficiency through approved tests (at least 6 with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts in overall IELTS or equivalent).

Financial Support: You must have the financial capacity to support yourself and any members accompanying you.

Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) Subclass 403 for Indian Nationals:

The primary objective of MATES is to offer 3,000 Indian graduates and early career professionals with a new mobility pathway to reside and work in Australia for up to two years. This is undoubtedly a golden opportunity for Indian nationals to work in Australia in 2025

 

Moreover, under a bilateral agreement, “the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA),” signed between India and Australia, the Department of Home Affairs is ready to:

 

“Extend the validity period of the Visitor visa (subclass 600) and the Business visitor stream for Indian nationals. The new validity period for visitor visas will be extended from three to five years.”

 

It is estimated that this visa extension will result in an additional earning of $435 million over the course of the next five years, starting from 2023–2024. Moreover, the Government is expected to spend an additional $70.9 million over the same period.

 

The following table provides an overview of the projected financial budget for the MATES program and visitor visa extension for Indian nationals for the years 2023–2028. This data has been taken from the official document “Budget Paper No. 2,”  released by the Australian Government on May 14, 2024.

 

 

Here’s how it works.

Firstly, let’s understand what receipts and payments mean here:

Receipts: This refers to the money the Australian government will earn through the new MATES program and visitor visa extension for Indians.

Payments: This refers to the amount the Australian government is expected to spend on the MATES program and managing visitor visa extensions.

So,

• In 2024–25, the Australian Government expects to earn $15 million and spend $3.1 million.
• In 2025–26, the Australian Government expects to earn $90 million and spend $16.3 million.
• In 2026–28, the government expects to get $165 million and spend $25.7 million each year.

It means that the government aims to earn more revenue each year than it spends.

 

Frequently Asked Questions MATES Program for Indian Nationals 2024

What is the MATES visa scheme for Indians in Australia?

The MATES visa scheme is designed for Indian graduates and early-career professionals with valuable skills in targeted fields to live and work in Australia for up to two years. 

The eligible professions for the MATES program include engineering, the mining industry, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, financial technology, agricultural technology, information and communication technology. 

What is the historical background of the MATES program?

On 23rd May 2023, Australia and India signed a bilateral agreement, “the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA),” to promote and facilitate two-way migration between the two nations. Under this agreement, a new program, “Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES),” was designed for Indian graduates to migrate to Australia temporarily. 

The main goal of MATES is to promote talent and knowledge collaboration between India and Australia for the mutual benefit of both nations.

 

 

How much does it cost to get a MATES visa in Australia?

The application process for MATES involves the following: 

• A pre-application (ballot) fee of $25.

• A visa application fee of $365. 

These fee charges for the MATES visa application process will increase over time in line with the consumer price index.

 

What is the eligibility criteria to apply for a MATES visa in Australia?

To be eligible to apply for a MATES visa in Australia, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You must be aged 18 to 30 to qualify for the MATES program. 
• You must be proficient in the English language (IELTS score 6.0). 
• You must not have previously participated in a MATES program at the time of application submission. 
• You must have completed your graduation from an authorized Indian university in the eligible professions for MATES.

 

Do I need a sponsor to apply for the MATES program?

No, there is no need for sponsorship to apply for the MATES program in Australia for Indian graduates and early-career professionals.

 

What are the priority sectors for the MATES ( Subclass 403) visa stream?

The following are the targeted industries or priority sectors for the MATES (subclass 403) visa stream.

• Renewable energy
• Mining
• Engineering
• Information Communications Technology (ICT)
• Artificial intelligence (AI)
• Financial technology (FinTech)
• Agricultural technology (AgriTech).

Can applicants bring their family to Australia with MATES?

Yes, applicants can bring their dependents ( spouse and dependent children) to Australia. Moreover, dependents will have work rights as well, but their income will not count toward the annual cap. 

 

When will the MATES ballot registration process start?

The MATES ballot registration process will start in December 2024. 

 

Can I bring my dependents to Australia under the MATES program?

Yes, participants or visa holders of the MATES program can bring their dependents, including spouses and children, to Australia. The dependents will have the right to work and reside in Australia.

 

Related Articles

What is an Australian MATES Visa for Indians?

Sources

Australian ‘MATES’ scheme to facilitate mobility of Indian early-career professionals: Eligibility and other key components explained

BUDGET MEASURES – BUDGET PAPER NO. 2