Australia and India are deepening their migration and skills ties with the launch of the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES).
This new program is set to open, providing an exciting, streamlined pathway for 3,000 young Indian professionals to gain up to two years of professional experience in Australia.
But there’s a catch: it’s a ballot system. Here’s everything you need to know to get ready.
What Is the MATES Visa?
The MATES program is a new mobility initiative between the Governments of Australia and India.
It allows eligible Indian citizens to live, work, and gain professional experience in Australia for up to 24 months, without the need for employer sponsorship.
This visa sits under the Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403, as a new stream called the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES).
Are You Eligible for the MATES Visa?
The MATES program is designed for high-achieving early-career professionals from India who have recently graduated in specific, high-demand fields.
To be eligible to enter the ballot, you must:
- Be an Indian citizen
- Be 30 years of age or under at the time of ballot registration
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher within the past two years
- Hold a qualification in one of the approved fields of study (see list below)
- Demonstrate English proficiency at IELTS 6.0 overall (with no band below 5.0), or its equivalent (e.g., PTE, TOEFL)
- Have no prior participation in the MATES program
Eligible Fields of Study
According to the Department of Home Affairs, the program targets graduates from the following seven disciplines:
- Engineering
- Mining
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
- Renewable Energy
These areas align with Australia’s critical skill shortages and India’s growing base of tech and STEM talent.
How to Apply: The MATES Ballot Process
You cannot apply for this visa directly. Entry is managed through a random ballot (lottery) to ensure the process is fair for all 3,000 places.
Here is the step-by-step process:
- Enter the Ballot: Eligible candidates must first register their interest in the MATES ballot during the specified registration window.
- Get Selected: The Department will randomly select 3,000 candidates from the ballot pool.
- Receive an Invitation: If selected, you will receive a “Notification of Selection” (an invitation) to formally apply for the visa.
- Lodge Your Visa: Only after receiving an invitation can you lodge your full application for the Subclass 403 (MATES) visa.
Key Dates & Costs
- Ballot Registrations Open: 1 November 2025
- Ballot Registrations Close: 14 December 2025
- Annual Quota: 3,000 places
- Ballot Registration Fee: AUD $25 (non-refundable)
- Visa Application Charge: AUD $365 (paid only if you are invited to apply)
All fees are subject to change by the Department of Home Affairs.
Ready to plan your Australian journey? The MATES visa is an incredible opportunity, but it’s not the only one. Book a free eligibility call with the WiseKangaroo team to explore all your options, from temporary work to permanent residency.
Visa Conditions & Duration
If your application is successful, the MATES visa offers excellent conditions:
- Stay Period: Up to 24 months (2 years) from your first entry.
- Work Rights: Full, unrestricted work rights, allowing you to work for any employer in any role (though it’s designed to help you gain experience in your field).
- Sponsorship: No employer sponsorship is needed.
- Family: You can include members of your family unit (spouse, dependent children) in your application.
- PR Pathway: This is a temporary visa and does not have a direct pathway to permanent residency. However, the professional experience you gain in Australia can be invaluable for other skilled visas, such as the Skilled Independent (subclass 189) or Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) visas.
MATES vs. Other Australian Work Visas
How does MATES stack up against other popular visas? Here’s a quick comparison:
| Visa Type | Employer Sponsorship | Typical Duration | Eligible Occupations | PR Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MATES (403) | ❌ Not required | 24 months | 7 select STEM sectors | ❌ No direct PR |
| TSS Visa (482) | ✅ Required | 2–4 years | 400+ ANZSCO jobs | ✅ Possible |
| Grad Visa (485) | ❌ Not required | 18–24+ months | For recent Aus. grads | ✅ Indirect |
| W. Holiday (417/462) | ❌ Not required | 12–36 months | Any occupation | ❌ No direct PR |
How WiseKangaroo Can Help
At WiseKangaroo, we specialise in visa strategy and policy intelligence—helping early professionals, graduates, and skilled migrants navigate complex Australian visa systems with confidence.
The MATES visa is a fantastic “foot-in-the-door” opportunity, but the ballot system means you need a solid Plan B and a long-term strategy.
Our team can help you:
- ✅ Confirm Your Eligibility: We’ll do a deep dive to ensure you meet every criterion for the MATES ballot before you register.
- 🗺️ Build Your Long-Term Strategy: We’ll assess how the MATES visa fits into your broader goals and map out potential pathways to permanent residency using the experience you’ll gain.
- 🔔 Stay Ahead of Changes: Stay informed with instant alerts on policy shifts, quota updates, and opening/closing dates for programs like MATES.
Don’t leave your Australian dream to chance.
Frequently Asked Questions (MATES Visa)
Q: Is the MATES visa a lottery?
A: Yes. You cannot apply for the visa directly. You must first enter a “ballot” (which is a lottery system) and be randomly selected. If selected, you will be invited to apply for the visa.
Q: Can I bring my family or spouse on the MATES visa?
A: Yes, the MATES visa allows for secondary applicants. You can include members of your family unit, such as your spouse or dependent children, in your visa application.
Q: Can the MATES visa lead to permanent residency (PR)?
A: The MATES visa itself is temporary and does not have a direct, automatic pathway to PR. However, the two years of Australian professional experience you gain can significantly boost your points and eligibility for other skilled migration visas, like the subclass 189, 190, or employer-sponsored options.
Q: Do I need a job offer to apply for the MATES visa?
A: No. One of the biggest advantages of the MATES visa is that you do not need an Australian employer to sponsor you or provide a job offer to be eligible.
Last updated: 31 October 2025. Information current as of publication date. Always check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest visa requirements and processing information.
This article is for general information only. For specific advice about your circumstances, consult a registered migration agent.
