Australia–India MATES Visa Stream (Subclass 403):
Pathway to Work in Australia
The Australia–India MATES Visa Stream (subclass 403) offers an exciting new pathway for eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals to gain hands-on experience in Australia’s priority and innovation-driven industries. Moreover, designed to strengthen workforce and economic ties between the two nations, the Australia MATES visa is a work pathway that connects India’s emerging talent with Australian employers who value specialised knowledge and fresh global perspectives. This blog outlines key eligibility criteria, core requirements, and practical guidance to help clients and advisers navigate the MATES visa process effectively.
What is the Australia–India MATES visa stream?
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) is a bilateral temporary mobility pathway under the Temporary Work (International Relations) framework (subclass 403). Specifically, the Department will grant up to 3,000 places each year. It enables successful applicants to live and work in Australia for up to two years without employer sponsorship, therefore offering a streamlined way to gain international experience. However, as a temporary and capacity-limited pilot, the MATES stream requires early preparation and careful planning to maximise success.
Who can apply for the Australia–India MATES visa stream (Subclass 403)
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) is open to eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals who want to gain hands-on experience in Australia’s priority industries. Below is a clear outline of who can apply and the key eligibility conditions.
Eligibility Overview
To qualify for the MATES stream, applicants must meet the following basic criteria:
- Citizenship: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Age: Be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) at the beginning of the ballot registration period.
- Education: Hold at least a Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in one of the approved fields, obtained within two years of the ballot registration opening date.
- English proficiency: Demonstrate suitable English language ability (for example, IELTS overall score of 6.0, with no band lower than 5.0, or an equivalent test score).
- Health and character: Meet Australia’s standard health and character requirements.
- Evidence: Provide verified documentation of qualifications and demonstrate a clear link between your field of study or work and one of the target sectors listed below.
- The registration fee is AUD $25.
Target Sectors
The MATES visa focuses on applicants with qualifications and experience in Australia’s key growth and innovation sectors, including:
- Renewable Energy
- Mining
- Engineering
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
These sectors represent areas where Australia seeks emerging talent and where early-career professionals can gain meaningful, industry-aligned experience.
Application Process and Timelines
The MATES stream operates through a ballot system. Initially, applicants first register during the designated ballot period, and subsequently, successful registrants are then invited to apply for the visa.
Program Year 2024–25: Ballot opened 9 December 2024 and closed 7 January 2025. Successful applicants should have received their visa for the 2024–25 program year.
Program Year 2025–26:
- Ballot registration is expected to open 1 November 2025 and close 14 December 2025. Applicants selected through the ballot will then receive an invitation to lodge their visa application.
MATES documents checklist
Preparing your documentation early is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your Australia–India MATES Visa (subclass 403) application. In addition, early preparation helps reduce processing delays and ensures your submission meets all evidentiary requirements.
Before you apply, it’s important to have a complete and well-organised set of documents ready. Essentially, a strong application begins with gathering certified qualifications, employment references, identity evidence, and other supporting materials outlined in the checklist below.
- Certified academic transcripts and degree certificates (showing course title, award, and dates).
- Employment or internship references demonstrating sector relevance.
- Valid passport extending beyond the intended period of stay.
- Police clearances and health assessments, where available.
- Concise CV outlining academic background and early professional experience.
- Professional registrations or certifications relevant to the applicant’s sector.
What Applicants Need to Know
- Act Early – Places Are Limited: The Australia MATES visa has a limited number of places each year, and they can fill quickly. To avoid missing out, start preparing your documents and submit your registration as soon as the ballot opens.
- Meeting Eligibility Is Essential: Even though the MATES stream is a pilot program, you must still meet all official eligibility criteria to be granted a visa. Make sure you carefully review the requirements for age, education, English language, and sector relevance before you apply.
- Including Family Members: If you plan to bring your partner or dependent children with you, check their eligibility early. Understand what work rights they may have in Australia and what extra documents you’ll need to include in your application.
- Think Beyond the MATES Visa: The MATES stream is a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in Australia for up to two years. It does not directly lead to permanent residence, so it’s a good idea to explore your long-term options early—such as skilled migration, employer sponsorship, or family visa pathways—if you wish to stay in Australia longer.
The Australia–India MATES Visa Stream (subclass 403) presents an exceptional opportunity for Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia, while also contributing to innovation and growth across both nations. However, as a temporary, capped pilot program, success depends on timely preparation, complete documentation, and a clear understanding of the scheme’s requirements. Therefore, eligible applicants should act early by gathering academic and employment evidence, arranging police and health checks, preparing sector-specific references, and seeking professional advice to plan timing and next steps.
Ultimately, getting your documents ready early and having expert guidance can make the visa process much easier. So, contact our immigration lawyers today to review your eligibility and plan your next steps with confidence.
