Introduction to Temporary Work (Subclass 403) Visa - MATES Stream
Updated news on the recent Australia and India Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES) program partnership. This stream will be under the Temporary Work (International Relations) (Subclass 403) visa, and it is effective from 12 November 2024 onwards with only 3,000 allocations per program year.
The Temporary Work (Subclass 403) visa - MATES stream program allows Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years, provided they acquire skills in the targeted fields of study. This MATES stream visa program will be implemented through a ballot system, so the individual can apply for the Subclass 403 visa. The ballot system ensures a transparent process by randomly selecting applicants for the MATES Stream (Subclass 403) visa.
What is the MATES Pre-Application (Ballot) Eligibility Requirement?
The key requirements to be eligible to register for the MATES stream ballot process include:
Use the designated online system to register.
Meet the visa’s eligibility requirements.
Currently not registered in the process.
Register within the specified open period.
Must hold a valid Indian passport.
Must be aged 18 to 30 at the beginning of the ballot registration period.
How much is the MATES Stream (Subclass 403) Visa Fee?
According to the Migration (Visa Pre-application Process) Charge Amendment Regulations 2024, each pre-application process (ballot) fee to be eligible for the Subclass 403 (MATES stream) is AUD25.
Once you are chosen from the visa pre-application process (ballot), the Subclass 403 (MATES stream) visa application fee is AUD365.
When Does MATES Ballot Registration Start?
Registrations for the first MATES stream ballot will begin in December 2024.
What Are the Requirements for Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES) Applicants?
The Temporary Work (Subclass 403) visa - MATES Stream does not require an Australian employer to sponsor the applicant.
Primary Applicant:
Must be outside Australia when applying.
Cannot have previously held a Subclass 403 visa in the MATES stream.
Must hold a valid Indian passport.
Age between 18 and 30 (inclusive).
Registration in a visa pre-application process/ballot is required.
Must meet specified language requirements.
Hold a qualification from a specified foreign educational institution.
Secondary Applicants:
May be in or outside Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Will not count towards the annual visa cap and will have unlimited work rights.
What are the visa conditions for MATES Stream Visa Holders?
Condition 8303: No involvement in activities that disrupt or threaten harm to the Australian community.
Condition 8501: Maintain adequate health insurance.
Condition 8516: Must continue to meet primary or secondary criteria for the visa.
What Qualifications do you need to meet the Requirements for MATES?
The required qualifications and English language tests for primary applicants are that the applicant must hold a qualification equivalent to an AQF level 7 degree (Bachelor's degree) or higher from specified foreign institutions.
What are the Targeted Industries for Temporary Work (Subclass 403) visa - MATES stream?
The following industries are specified for Subclass 403 (MATES) eligibility:
Renewable energy
Mining
Engineering
Information and communications technology
Artificial intelligence
Financial technology
Agricultural technology
Does MATES (Subclass 403) Visa Have an English Language Requirement?
Yes, the English Language Test must be taken within 1 year of the visa application or decision date.
Acceptable English language tests include:
IELTS: Overall band score of at least 6, with a minimum of 5 in each component.
Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Overall band score of at least 169, with a score of at least 154 for each test component.
Occupational English Test (OET): Score of at least ‘C’ for each test component.
Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE): Overall band score of at least 50, with a score of at least 36 in each test component.
TOEFL iBT: Overall band score of at least 64, with a score of at least 4 for the listening and reading components of the test, and 14 for the speaking and writing components of the test.
How Can Agape Henry Crux Help
If you are interested in applying, keep an eye out for the ballot registration date, and if you are seeking professional assistance for your visa pathway, contact us at Agape Henry Crux. 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.
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