Top Indian Graduates: Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES)

Australia and India established the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) on May 23, 2023. This bilateral framework is designed to facilitate two-way migration and mobility while addressing issues related to illegal and irregular migration. One of the key initiatives under this partnership is the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES). 
 

What is the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES)? 

MATES aims to enable the temporary mobility of top Indian university graduates and early-career professionals, fostering skills and knowledge transfer between Australia and India. 
 

What are the eligibility criteria for MATES? 

MATES is open to Indian nationals who meet the following requirements: 

  • Age: Aged 30 or younger (inclusive) at the time of application. 

  • No Previous Participation: Must not have previously participated in MATES. 

  • English Proficiency: Proficient English language skills, with an overall IELTS score of at least 6 and a minimum score of 5 in each component. 

  • Educational Background: Graduated from an eligible educational institution within the last 2 years. 

  • Qualified Fields: Hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following areas: 

    • Renewable Energy 

    • Mining Engineering 

    • Information Communications Technology (ICT) 

    • Artificial Intelligence (AI) 

    • Financial Technology (FinTech) 

    • Agricultural Technology (AgriTech) 

Is a sponsorship from an Australian employer required for mATES? 

An Australian employer is not required to sponsor an applicant for a visa under the MATES scheme. 

What is Allowed for Visa Holders Under MATES?

MATES Participants are allowed to: 

  • Duration: Live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. 

  • Field of Work: While there is no strict requirement that young professionals work specifically in their field of study, the scheme encourages them to expand their skills and networks in the specified sectors. 

Does MATES Have A capacity for Applications? 

  • Pilot Program: MATES will start as a pilot program with 3,000 places available for primary applicants each program year. 

Can I bring my family and dependents with me onto MATES? 

How long is the MATES visa duration? 

  • Entry Period: Visa holders have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia. 

  • Stay Duration: Participants can stay for 24 months from the date of their first entry, and the visa allows multiple entries. 

Can I extend my stay in Australia through MATES? 

  • Further Applications: Participants may apply to extend their stay in Australia by applying for another visa that allows temporary or permanent residence (PR) as long as they meet all eligibility requirements. However, MATES participants cannot participate in the scheme more than once. 

What are the Application fees for MATES? 

  • Visa Application Fees: Specific details about the visa subclass and associated application fees will be provided soon. Additional fees may be applicable for including dependants in the application. 

  • Other Costs: Applicants are responsible for all costs related to their application, including English language testing fees. 

What is the proposed commencement date for MATES? 

  • Application Opening: Applications for MATES are expected to open in late 2024.

How Can Agape Henry Crux Help

This is a significant opportunity for top Indian university graduates and early-career professionals to gain valuable work experience in Australia while fostering international collaboration. Contact us at Agape Henry Crux if you are eligible for this visa program. Our Accredited Specialist(s) in Immigration Law and our team of immigration lawyers are specialised in handling highly complex matters. You may schedule an appointment with one of our lawyers or agents to seek professional advice by calling 02-8310 5230 or email us at info@ahclawyers.com.  

We speak fluent English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malay. If this isn’t your language, we can also help you arrange an interpreter.  

This article/presentation (“publication”) does not deal extensively with important topics or changes in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you find this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances, please contact our office.  

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