MATES SCHEME
In November 2024, Australia has introduced a new scheme called MATES (Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme) that gives young professionals from India the opportunity to work in Australia for a limited time.
WHAT IS MATES?
- MATES is a scheme for Indian university graduates and early-career professionals, allowing them to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
- It was created under the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), an agreement signed by Australia and India on May 23, 2023.
- The MMPA aims to encourage two-way migration and mobility between the two countries, while addressing issues like illegal migration.
- MATES will begin in December 2024 and will be available to professionals from India.
WHO CAN APPLY FOR MATES VISA?
To be eligible for the MATES scheme, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Age: Must be 30 years or younger at the time of applying.
- Education: Must have graduated within the last 2 years from a recognized Indian university.
- Language Skills: Must have proficient English skills, with a minimum IELTS score of 6 overall and at least 5 in each module.
- University Eligibility: Graduates from the top 100 universities in India (according to the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) 2024) are eligible. In Punjab, eligible universities include Panjab University, Chandigarh University, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Lovely Professional University.
- Eligible Degrees: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in any of the following fields:
- Renewable Energy
- Mining
- Engineering
- ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
- AI (Artificial Intelligence)
- FinTech (Financial Technology)
- AgriTech (Agricultural Technology)
Do You Need an Australian Employer Sponsorship?
- No, applicants do not need an employer sponsorship to apply for the MATES visa.
- The scheme is designed to allow young professionals to find work independently.
ADVANTAGES OF MATES
- Work and Live in Australia: Participants can live and work in Australia for up to two years.
- No Strict Work Requirement: While the visa is intended to support professionals in their field of study, there is no strict requirement to work only in the nominated field.
- Develop Skills and Network: The scheme is aimed at helping young professionals expand their skills and professional network, especially in sectors like renewable energy, AI, FinTech, and AgriTech.
- Pilot Programme: The scheme will start as a pilot programme with 3,000 places per year for primary applicants.
- Dependents Can Join: Participants can bring their dependents (spouses and children). Dependents will have the right to work in Australia, and their numbers will not count towards the yearly cap.
DURATION OF STAY
- Visa holders must make their first entry into Australia within 12 months of receiving the visa.
- Once in Australia, they can stay for up to 24 months from their first entry date.
- The visa allows for multiple entries, meaning they can leave and return to Australia during the two-year period.
- If eligible, participants can apply for an extension or a different visa for temporary or permanent residency after their two years.
How Will the Visa Be Granted?
- The visa will be granted through a ballot system. This means that applicants will be randomly selected to apply for the visa.
- There is a $25 AUD application fee for the ballot. Once selected, candidates will proceed with the visa application process.
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