The Wait Is Over: MATES Visa Program Come into Effect in November 2024
The eagerly awaited MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme) Visa Program in Australia has officially launched, effective November 1, 2024. This new program offers 3,000 Indian graduates and early-career professionals an opportunity to kickstart their careers in Australia.
With a limited quota of just 3,000 slots, the competition is set to be intense. A comprehensive understanding of the MATES Visa Program will help you confidently prepare and submit your application.
- What is the MATES Visa Program in Australia
- MATES Eligibility Criteria
- How to apply for MATES Visa Australia
- How much is the MATES Visa fee
What is the MATES Visa Program in Australia?
The MATES Visa Program is part of a bilateral agreement between Australia and India under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement (MMPA) signed in May 2023. This program aims to foster the exchange of skills and knowledge between the two countries, benefiting Indian and Australian job markets.
Under the MATES Visa Program, Indian graduates and early-career professionals can live and work in Australia for up to two years as long as they meet the program’s requirements. This visa offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in your field, with the potential to secure a work visa after the program ends.
The Benefits of a MATES Visa Australia
The MATES visa program offers exciting benefits for Indians that make them hard to shake after.
1. Without Sponsorship
MATES visa does not require you to have Australian employer sponsorship when you apply. It will give more freedom to thrive in the Australian job market.
2. Dependents Included
You can include dependents, such as spouses and children, in your MATES Visa application. Your dependents will have work rights in Australia and do not reduce the 3,000-slot annual cap.
3. Broad Career Flexibility
The program provides flexibility in choosing your sector and residence location, allowing you to pursue career opportunities without restrictions on industry or region.
4. Enhance Career Opportunities
This program enhances your global experience, strengthens your career potential, and increases your chances of securing a work visa if you wish to extend your stay in Australia.
Find Out: Australia Work Visa Options for Skilled Workers
The Impact on Indian Graduates
The MATES Visa is expected to impact Indian graduates seeking international experience considerably. With 3000 positions allocated this year, this competitive program prioritizes candidates with backgrounds that match the industries facing talent shortages in Australia.
For recent Indian graduates in technology, agriculture, and engineering, this visa provides a unique chance to enhance your career prospects by adding international experience to your résumés. Working in Australia under this program could also facilitate a smoother transition to other work visas or permanent residence.
Read more: Australia Permanent Visa Requirements And Document Checklist
MATES Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MATES Visa Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Have Indian nationality
- Aged 30 or younger
- Have not participated in previous MATES program
- Have proficient English language skills
- Have graduated from an eligible institution within the last two years before applying
- Have a minimum bachelor’s degree in renewable energy, mining, engineering, information communications technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, or agricultural technology
How to Apply For MATES Visa Australia?
You must participate in the annual ballot system to apply for this program. However, you can only participate in the program once, so make sure your application meets all requirements to maximize your chances.
The annual ballot system ensures a fair selection process among eligible applicants.
How Much is the MATES Visa Fee?
The MATES Visa application fee has two stages:
- Ballot Participation Fee: Approximately $ AUD 25
- Standard Application Fee: $ AUD 365
Please note that these fees are subject to change. We recommend regularly checking the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) website for the latest updates.
Can I Stay In Australia For More Than Two Years?
The MATES Visa is a two-year program for short-term employment and skill-building. However, Indians who wish to extend their stay in Australia can explore alternative visa pathways, such as skilled migration or employer-sponsored visas.
Both visas will allow you to permanently or temporarily extend your residence in Australia, depending on your chosen visa type. However, you must meet the eligibility criteria before lodging your application.
Discover: How to Apply for a Work Visa in Australia
Securing a work visa may be challenging, especially when encountering complex cases. But you don’t have to navigate this journey by yourself. You can count on us to be your trusted partner. With over a decade of visa application experience, we’ll ensure a smooth and stress-free application journey. Click here, and let’s start making your dream into reality.
We are Here to Assist You!
Suppose you’re ready to start your journey with the MATES Visa but need guidance through the application process. In that case, we at ONEderland Consulting will help you save time and make a secure process during your visa application and health insurance enrollment. Our team of highly qualified and experienced migration specialists is dedicated to putting in a lot of effort and planning ahead of time on your behalf. We pay close attention to every detail and apply our extensive knowledge to handle even the most complex cases.
We are committed to being open and honest with you, keeping you updated and involved at every stage. We will work tirelessly to secure the best possible outcome for your future in Australia, and you can rely on us to be your dependable partner and advocate.
We are complex visa specialists. As registered Australian migration agents with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA), we are regulated in our professional practice and bound by the profession’s Code of Conduct issued by the MARA.
Take the first step and contact us. Our team members are professional and honest and speak various languages, such as Mandarin/Chinese, Bahasa Indonesia, Arabic, Japanese, and Thai. Contact us by email at [email protected] or by phone at 1300 827 159. Alternatively, you may book your consultation online, and it is backed by our 100% Money Back Guarantee Program.
