Australia MATES Visa for Indians

1. What Is Australia MATES Visa?

India and Australia have signed the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) to facilitate the movement of skilled young professionals between the two countries.

As part of this partnership, they have introduced a new scheme called MATES (the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme). Australia MATES visa allows highly skilled young graduates from India who are aged 30 or younger to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years.

2. What Is The Eligibility For Australia Mates Visa?

The minimum requirements to qualify for Australia MATES Visa are

• You need to be 30 years or younger (inclusive) at the time of application;
• have not previously participated in MATES;
• have proficient English language skills (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts);
• have graduated within 2 years from an eligible educational institution at the time of
• application; and
• hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in one of the following:
  • renewable energy
  • mining
  • engineering
  • Information Communications Technology (ICT)
  • artificial intelligence (AI)
  • financial technology (FinTech)
  • agricultural technology (AgriTech).

3. How to apply for Australia MATES Visa?

You can apply for the Australia MATES visa program if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can submit an online application form with all your details. As Australia MATES is a pilot program, only 3000 applications will be accepted annually.

4. Can I apply for Australia PR visa after expiry of MATES visa?

Yes, you can apply for an Australia PR Visa after the expiry of the MATES visa, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for the PR visa.

5. How much will the Australian MATES Visa cost?

Visa application fee for primary applicant and dependents if any, biometrics fee, and other miscellaneous expenses like medical fee, PCC fee, IELTS examination fee and others.

6. How long can visa holders stay in Australia?

Visa holders are allowed to enter Australia within 12 months of visa issuance and stay for up to 24 months with multiple entries permitted.

7. Will MATES visa holders be able to extend their stay?

Individuals who are participating in the MATES program in Australia have the option to apply for a visa extension, which could allow them to stay in the country for a longer period of time, either temporarily or permanently. However, before applying for a visa extension, it is crucial to ensure that all the eligibility criteria for the visa are met. 

8. When is the Australia MATES visa start date?

MATES will be open for applications from late 2024.

9. What is the fee for Australia MATES visa?

More information about the visa subclass and associated application fees will be available soon.

10. What activities are allowed on the Australian MATES Visa?

Participants in the Mates program will have the chance to live and work in Australia for up to two years. While there is no strict requirement for visa holders to work in their chosen field of study, the program's goal is to help young professionals improve their skills and connections, especially in the fields mentioned above.

How Kansas Can Help?

Eligibility Check

We offer guidance on determining if your occupation is listed in the MATES demand list, including eligibility requirements, a customized document checklist, and the process.

Visa application and follow up

We apply for the visa on your behalf and follow-up with the concerned authorities to keep you updated on the status.

Resume Preparation

We have India's finest writers who specialize in preparing Australian standard resumes and cover letters.

Interview Preparation assistance

Firstly, we help you understand what happens during the visa interview. Our team prepares you to pass the interview with a positive result. We also help you prepare for Australian jobs.

As Australian employers are keen on several aspects while hiring foreign candidates, we help you crack the code.

Miscellaneous Services

Our services go beyond visa assistance, include post-landing services, and help with finding accommodation to ensure your comfortable stay in Australia.

While this is an overview of the process, the finer details of this permit can be collected from our consultant at any of our nearest branches.

Kansas Overseas Careers has been helping students as well as professionals to migrate to Australia through various visa pathways including residence permit and shall be glad to assist you too

Other important questions

What is Australia MATES program?

Australia MATES program provides an opportunity for skilled young graduates from India aged 30 or younger to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. The Australia MATES program is a criteria-based scheme, and young Indian professionals must meet specified eligibility criteria to apply for the visa.

Why Australia Mates Visa?

1. You are permitted to live and work full-time for up to 2 years
2. There is no requirement for employer sponsorship or a job offer letter.
3. You are free to work in any field
4. You can apply for a permanent residency visa or a work permit visa in Australia once your MATES Visa has expired.
5. You can bring your spouse and children with you and your spouse can work full-time.
6. Proficiency in the English language is required at a basic and fundamental level

What are the requirements for Australia MATES Visa?

• Individuals who are 30 years old or younger (including those who are 30) at the time of submission can apply.
• Have proficient English language skills (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four parts);
• have graduated within two years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application and
• Hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) from the specified list of occupations.

Can I bring my spouse and Children on Australia MATES visa?

Yes, you can bring your spouse and children with you on the Australia MATES visa. Spouse can also work full-time without any restrictions.

Can I extend Australia MATES visa after 2 years?

No, the Australia MATES visa cannot be extended. However, if you meet the eligibility criteria, you can apply for a Permanent Residency in Australia or another Work Permit visa without returning to India.

Is there a requirement for Australian employer sponsorship?

Applying for a visa through the MATES program doesn't require Australian employer sponsorship.

Is there any limit to applications per year for Australia MATES Visa?
The MATES will commence as a pilot program with 3,000 yearly applications.

Will MATES participants be able to bring their family to Australia?
Applicants are allowed to bring dependents to Australia, and spouses will have full work rights.

What documents do I need to apply for Australia MATES Visa?

Valid passport, education documents, English language proficiency score card, medicals and Police clearance certificate. Other case specific documents.

What are the benefits of Australia MATES Visa?

• Live and work in the Australia for up to 2 years
• No need of Australian employer sponsorship or a job offer letter
• Work any in Australia full-time or part-time in any field
• Can apply for an Australian PR visa if you meet eligibility criteria
• Low IELTS language requirements