Everything You Need to Know About the MATES Visa (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals)

Curious about the latest opportunity reshaping migration between India and Australia? Wondering how you, as an Indian, can benefit from it? Look no further! Introducing the MATES (mobility arrangement for talented early professionals) Visa by Govt of Australia is a game-changer in temporary work visas for Indians in Australia.

Join us as we uncover the details of this exciting development in our upcoming blog. Ready to explore?

What is Australia MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals) Visa?

The Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) was established between India and Australia on 23 May 2023. Under the MMPA agreement, the Government has declared that applications for a new Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) will be enabled for temporary mobility of Indian university graduates and early career professionals that will be accessible starting in late 2024.

The MATES visa serves as a pilot program tailored for young Indian professionals with a goal to provide 3,000 temporary work visas in Australia annually to talented and skilled professionals, MATES permits successful candidates to reside and study in Australia for a period of 2 years.

Who is Eligible for MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals) Visa?

MATES Visa is specifically open to Indian Nationals who meet the following criteria, as discussed in detail below

1. Age: Applicants must be 30 years old or younger at the time of applying. This age inclusivity underscores the program's dedication to fostering young talent.

2. No Prior Participation: Previous involvement in the program is prohibited to ensure maximum accessibility to MATES benefits.

3. English Proficiency: Applicants must attain an overall IELTS score of at least 6, with a min score of 5 in each of the 4 components. This criterion guarantees effective communication and integration into Australian society.

4. Recent Graduation: To maintain relevance, applicants should have graduated from an eligible educational institution within the past 2 years.

5. Qualifications: Holding a Bachelor's degree or higher in specific fields is a primary eligibility requirement.

Also Read: Benefits of Studying in Australia for Indian Students

Which Field of Occupation is Eligible for a MATES Visa?

There is a skill shortage visa in Australia for the below-mentioned occupations, which is why this scheme which is a pilot initiative has specifically been opened for these fields, let's take a look at the occupations that are eligible for the MATES visa

• Engineering
• Mining
• Financial technology
• Artificial intelligence
• Information & Communication Technology
• Agricultural Technology
• Renewable Energy

Hailing the MATES deal Australia India Institute's CEO, Lisa Singh, pointed out, "There’s a national shortage in more than a 3rd of all assessed occupations, with tech skills and jobs experiencing particularly acute deficits”.

She further addressed the skill shortage visa in Australia by stating:

“Australia needs tech skills migration because, with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity core components of our digital economy and security, Australian organizations are striving to remain competitive whilst the need for skilled professionals has never been greater.”

Explore: How To Get PR in Australia For Indian Students After Study

Benefits of Australia MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals) Visa

This new scheme for Australian temporary work permits is designed to facilitate temporary visas that offer a host of benefits such as the following:

• The agreement sets an annual cap of 3000 primary applicants per program for temporary Australian visas for 2 years
• Dependents will be granted work rights in Australia and will not be included in the annual cap.
• MATES visa permits multiple entries into Australia, where the Visa holders will have a 12-month window to make their initial entry into Australia and can remain in the country for 2 years from their first entry date
• Participants have the opportunity to extend their stay in Australia by applying for another visa that allows either temporary or permanent residence if they fulfill eligibility criteria.
• Professionals migrating to Australia under the MATES Visa can acquire valuable work experience with international exposure

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for the MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals) Visa

MATES is a special visa for Indians to overcome the temporary skill shortage visa in Australia, Let's take a look at the step-by-step process you should follow to apply for the MATES visa.

• Step 1: Initial Evaluation: Before proceeding, ensure you meet the initial eligibility criteria as mentioned above
• Step 2: Language Proficiency: Demonstrate proficiency in English, a crucial requirement for MATES. Schedule and complete an English language proficiency test to attain the necessary scores.
• Step 3: Skills Assessment: Depending on your qualifications and area of expertise, a skills assessment may be required. Obtain this essential credential to showcase your expertise effectively.
• Step 4: Register Your EOI: Express your interest by registering your Expression of Interest (EOI) on the designated platform. This step signals your enthusiasm to participate in MATES.
• Step 5: Invitation To Apply (ITA): Await the coveted Invitation to Apply (ITA), marking your progression to the next stage of the application process. Exercise patience as you await your ITA.
• Step 6: Compilation of Documents: Upon receiving your ITA, commence the preparation of your application. Collect all necessary documents and meticulously complete the application process.
• Step 7: Journey to Australia: Congratulations on successfully navigating the application process! Prepare to embark on your Australian journey. You will have 12 months to make your initial entry into the country, followed by a 24-month stay.

Seize Your Chance with MATES Visa

Navigating Australia's intricate Immigration landscape can be daunting, with each case presenting unique challenges. For those considering applying for an Australian visa, seeking professional advice like GetGIS consultant can be crucial. Being well-informed significantly enhances your chances of a successful outcome. Let a migration professional guide you through this process and optimize your chances of success. Book Your Free Consultation