Australia’s MATES Program with a 2-Year Work Visa!

Australia's Mates Program offers an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to work and experience life in the Land Down Under. With a two-year work visa, participants can immerse themselves in Australia’s vibrant culture while gaining valuable work experience in various industries.

11/17/20243 min read

Australia's Mates Program offers an exciting opportunity for individuals seeking to work and experience life in the Land Down Under. With a two-year work visa, participants can immerse themselves in Australia’s vibrant culture while gaining valuable work experience in various industries. This program not only allows you to explore stunning landscapes and diverse cities, but it also encourages building lifelong friendships with locals and fellow travelers. Participants can choose from a range of job opportunities, enhancing their skills while contributing to Australia’s economy. The Mates Program aims to create a sense of community among participants, ensuring that everyone feels supported and welcomed during their stay. This unique initiative makes it easier than ever to embark on an adventure that combines work with leisure in one of the world's most desirable destinations. Don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty and opportunities that Australia has to offer through this remarkable program!

What’s the MATES Program all about?

The MATES Program is a fresh visa initiative in Australia that offers a Temporary Work (Subclass 403) visa. It’s designed for graduates and early-career professionals from top universities in India, giving them a chance to gain valuable international experience in key Australian industries.

The program is all about fairness and transparency, using a pre-application ballot system to pick candidates. This way, everyone gets a fair shot at joining the MATES stream and exploring career opportunities in Australia’s high-demand sectors.

How MATES Works!

Kicking off in December 2024, Indian graduates and early-career pros from leading universities can sign up for a pre-application ballot for the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa. This visa allows for multiple entries into Australia and offers flexible stay options.

Key Highlights of the MATES Program

  • Open to Indian nationals aged 18-30.

  • 3,000 visa slots available each year, chosen through a lottery system.

  • Successful applicants can travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid.

  • Family members can join the main applicants without counting against the 3,000 slots.

  • Eligible fields include high-demand areas like renewable energy, mining, IT, AI, and fintech.

Eligibility and Application Steps

If you're an Indian national looking to apply for the MATES visa, here's what you need to know about the registration and application process:

Ballot Registration: Starting in December 2024, you can sign up for the pre-application ballot. Only those who make it through this first step will get an invite to apply for the visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You need to be between 18 and 30 years old when you register.

  • A valid Indian passport and PAN card (Permanent Account Number) are required.

  • Set up an ImmiAccount on Australia’s immigration website.

  • Make sure to provide a working email address for updates.

  • There’s a ballot registration fee of AUD 25.

Invitation to Apply: Only candidates chosen in the ballot can move forward with the full visa application. If you don’t receive an invitation, you can’t apply for the MATES visa.

Industries Included in the MATES Program

The MATES visa is designed for high-growth and innovative industries, making it perfect for professionals skilled in areas like:

  1. Renewable Energy

  2. Mining

  3. Engineering

  4. Information and Communications Technology

  5. Artificial Intelligence

  6. Financial Technology

  7. Agricultural Technology

This approach is in line with Australia’s goal to attract talent in sectors that are vital for its economic growth.

How to Sign Up for the MATES Ballot

The first MATES ballot registration kicks off in December 2024. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Set up an ImmiAccount on Australia’s official immigration site.

  2. Make sure you meet all the eligibility criteria, like having a valid Indian passport and PAN card.

  3. Complete the registration form and pay the AUD 25 fee.

  4. Sit tight and wait for the random selection results. If you’re chosen, you’ll get an invite to apply for the Subclass 403 MATES stream visa.

Extra Requirements for Visa Approval

If you get picked in the ballot, there are more requirements to fulfill for the Subclass 403 visa. These details will be shared with you when you receive your invitation.