Understanding the Australian MATES Visa for Indians

Australia and India signed "the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA)" as a bilateral framework on May 23, 2023. This program's primary objective is to allay worries regarding unauthorized and irregular migration while promoting and facilitating two-way movement between Australia and India.

In order to facilitate the temporary migration of Indian university graduates and early-career professionals to Australia, the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) was developed under the MMPA. The main goal of MATES is to encourage talent and information exchange between India and Australia for the mutual benefit of both nations.

“Australia and India are close mates, and this pilot will bring us even closer through an invaluable exchange of skills, talent, and development opportunities.”

-Andrew Giles

For Indian graduates, the Australian MATES visa offers a unique opportunity to get international work experience and develop their professional skills in Australia. According to the statement issued by the spokesperson for the Indian High Commission:

"MATES offers young Indian professionals and graduates a flexible work visa migration track to apply for opportunities in Australia. The goal of both parties is to operationalize MATES as soon as possible.

Did you know that in 2021–2022, almost 60,0000 Indian hopefuls made their way to Australia? Furthermore, the Department of Home Affairs expects to provide 3000 extra temporary visas to young Indian professionals in their early careers under MATES. Thus, there is a good chance for Indian graduates to find employment in Australia.

Do you have aspirations of seizing this fantastic opportunity but are unsure of where to begin? Remain still. Find out the answers to your queries about the requirements for eligibility, the application procedure, and the price of an Australian MATES visa by reading this blog post. Let's start with the fundamentals before getting into the specifics.

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

Mobility Plan for Skilled Emerging Professionals Scheme, also known as MATES, is a brand-new immigration route designed for Indian professionals and graduates who possess critical competencies and prior industry experience. You have a two-year maximum residence and work permit in Australia with this visa. Furthermore, the MATES visa scheme allows the principal candidates to bring their spouses or dependents.

The following is a list of occupations that qualify for the Talented Early-Professionals Mobility Arrangement Scheme:

1. engineering,
2. mining industry,
3. renewable energy,
4. artificial intelligence,
5. finance,
6. agriculture,
7. information and communication technology

Remember: This is a transitory visa and has nothing to do with Australia's long-term immigration strategy.

Qualifications for the Australian MATES Visa

It's critical to learn about the prerequisites for an Australian MATES visa, which include age, educational background, employment situation, and language ability. For a better understanding, let's have a detailed conversation about them.

1. Age: You must be under 31 years old to be eligible for an Australian MATES visa. This range of ages reflects the commitment of the MATES program to developing young talent.
2. Recent Graduation: It is crucial to remember that candidates must have graduated from an accredited Indian university with a good reputation.
3. Qualifications: In order to be considered for a position, candidates must have work experience in a field that is relevant to their degree.
4. No Previous Involvement: Prior participation in this program is not permitted in order to maximize the number of individuals who benefit from MATES.
5. Career Status: In order to apply for an Australian MATES visa, individuals must be in the early phases of their professional careers.
6. English Language Proficiency: To apply for an Australian MATES visa, you must be proficient in English. Applicants must achieve at least 6.0 on the IELTS, with no band receiving less than five points.

Now that you have a better understanding of the prerequisites for an Australian MATES visa, let's proceed to the actual application process.

How to Apply for an Australian MATES Visa

You must carefully follow a set of processes in order to apply for a visa under the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). Comprehending these procedures is vital in order to obtain your ticket in Australia.

These actions consist of;

1. Review your eligibility requirements
2. Obtain a skills assessment
3. Send in a statement of interest
4. Receive an application invitation
5. Complete the application form

Let's talk about each one separately;

1. Review Your Eligibility Requirements

Verifying your eligibility before submitting an application for this visa is crucial. You are aware of the prerequisites by this point if you want to apply for an Australian METAS visa. Verify your qualifying requirements before moving on to the following phase.

2. Obtain a Skills Assessment

The most delicate and important phase of the Australian visa application procedure is the skills assessment. So, in order to achieve a good result, you need to be aware of its criteria and requirements. Your talents are evaluated based on your relevant job experience and educational background.

Here's some information for you: You must be aware that the Department of Home Affairs enforces strict policies and upholds high standards for immigration in order to protect the welfare of the Australian people. One method used to evaluate a candidate's abilities and suitability for their chosen profession is the skills evaluation.

If you are unsure about how to assess your skills, think considering consulting experts. To assist you in receiving a favorable skills evaluation for a successful visa application, you may also get in touch with Pelican Migration.

3. Send in your Interest Expression (EOI)

It's time to show your interest now, and in order to do so, you must register on a specific site. Put your commitment to taking part in the MATES program into action by registering your Expression of Interest (EOI).

4. Receive an Application Invitation

Your EOI and skills evaluation will be evaluated by the Department of Home Affairs. Following a comprehensive examination, the Department will provide an invitation to you to submit a visa application for the MATES program.

Remember that waiting for your invitation to apply and responding as soon as you receive it are crucial in this situation.

5. Complete the Application.

Garther the supporting documentation and evidence you'll need for your application. Correctly complete the application form and affix the necessary documents to it. Recall that presenting false documentation or inaccurate information may result in the revocation or rejection of a visa for entry into Australia.

What advantages does Australia's MATES Visa offer?

When compared to alternative visa alternatives, an Australian MATES visa provides many advantages for Indian graduates. Examine the benefits of obtaining an Australian MATES visa.

1. Duration

Candidates can live and work in Australia for two years with the Australian MATES visa. Candidates holding a valid MATES visa during this term are free to enter and exit Australia.

2. The annual visa cap

The goal of the Australian MATES visa is to issue 3000 temporary visas annually to skilled and young professionals.

3. Better exposure at work Professionals with a MATES Visa can gain valuable foreign work experience while visiting Australia.

4. Extension of Visa

You can apply for a different visa that will let you stay in Australia either permanently or temporarily if you want to extend your visa while you're there. Recall that you can only submit one application for a MATES visa to Australia.

5. Including Family Members

You are allowed to bring your dependents, including your spouse and dependent children. These dependents are eligible to work in Australia and will not be subject to the annual cap. This action is critical to maintaining harmony and togetherness within the family.

Sponsorship Requirement

Candidates do not require employer sponsorship in order to relocate to Australia for work purposes if they hold an Australian MATES visa. This takes away a significant barrier to overseas opportunities, enabling young professionals to visit Australia without restriction and widen their horizons.

Significant Update

The exact launch date of MATES is still pending because an Implementation Protocol is still being developed. The Implementation Protocol, which will preserve the integrity of the Scheme and ensure diversity, fairness, and equal access for all candidates, will contain the program's procedures.

The Cost of a MATES visa for Australia

The cost of obtaining an Australian MATES visa is still pending. More information about the visa subclass and associated application fees should be available shortly. However, there can be further fees if more dependent family members are added to the MATES visa application. Additionally, applicants will be responsible for paying any additional application-related fees, such as the price of an English language test.

How Pelican Migration Can Assist You with an Australian MATES Visa

Pelican Migration is a reputable firm equipped with a team of experts and qualified professionals specialized in Australian immigration matters. We are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for visa applications, offering genuine consultation services to our clients. With our deep understanding of the Australian immigration program, we tailor solutions to align with the latest laws and regulations. Whether you require assistance in assessing your eligibility or obtaining a positive skills assessment outcome, we're here to help.

Schedule an appointment today and let us guide you towards securing your desired Australian visa.