Australia has opened registrations for the 2025–26 program year under the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES), inviting applications from eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals. The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that the ballot, which began on November 1, will remain open until December 14, 2025. A total of 3,000 visa places are available for professionals seeking temporary work opportunities in Australia.The MATES initiative operates under the Temporary Work (International Relations) Subclass 403 visa and does not require employer sponsorship. The scheme aims to facilitate skills exchange and professional collaboration between Australia and India, reflecting the Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement signed on May 24, 2023. The agreement also allows Indian graduates to extend post-study work visas in Australia for up to eight years.Ballot-based registration processApplicants must participate in a pre-application ballot to ensure fair access to the limited quota. Registration is done through ImmiAccount, with a AU $25 fee. Selected applicants will receive a Notification of Selection letter via email and will have 30 calendar days from the notification date to lodge their visa application.The ballot system is random, and only those selected may proceed to the visa application stage. Individuals can monitor their ballot registration status through their ImmiAccount.Visa eligibility and requirementsTo qualify for the MATES 2025–26 program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Applicants must hold a valid Indian passport both at registration and at the time of application. They must also meet the genuine temporary stay requirement and be able to support themselves and any dependents during their stay.Application steps and visa benefitsThe visa application can only be submitted online after receiving the Notification of Selection letter. Applicants have 30 days to complete the process, with a strict cut-off time of 11:59 PM AEDT on the final day. The application must be lodged while the applicant is outside Australia.Successful applicants may live and work in Australia for up to two years, travel in and out freely, and bring family members temporarily. The visa fee starts from AU $375. Applicants are informed in writing about the visa outcome. If refused, reasons will be provided, but the application fee is non-refundable.Promoting mutual skills developmentThe MATES program supports Australia’s goal of attracting skilled talent in emerging sectors critical to the economy while fostering professional collaboration between the two countries. Eligible sectors include renewable energy, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, FinTech, and AgriTech.The scheme reinforces the bilateral commitment to expand mobility opportunities for students, researchers, and early-career professionals, complementing existing post-study and work arrangements under the Australia–India partnership.
About the Author
