Australia has come up with a new scheme that allows talented young people from India to work in the country for some time. Here are the details about the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES). What is MATES? According to the Department of Home Affairs of Australia, MATES gives Indian university graduates and early career professionals a chance to work in Australia for two years. On May 23, 2023, Australia and India entered into a Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA). The MMPA is a bilateral framework that supports and promotes two-way migration and mobility between the two countries, while addressing issues pertaining to illegal and irregular migration. MATES has been established under the MMPA. This scheme will open for professionals from December this year, said Gaurav Chaudhary, immigration consultant of Ludhiana-based education consultancy EDU Planet. Who can apply for a visa under MATES? MATES is open to Indian nationals who are aged 30 or younger at the time of application; have not previously participated in MATES; have proficient English language skills (overall IELTS or equivalent score of at least 6, with a minimum score of 5 for each of the four modules); have graduated within 2 years from an eligible educational institution at the time of application; and hold a qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in one of the following: renewable energy, mining, engineering, Information Communications Technology (ICT), artificial intelligence (AI), financial technology (FinTech) and agricultural technology (AgriTech). Graduates from the top 100 universities of India as per the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) ranking 2024 will be eligible for this scheme. From Punjab, the eligible universities are: Panjab University, Chandigarh University, Thaper Institute of Engineering and Technology, and Lovely Professional University. Is there an Australian employer sponsorship requirement? No, there is no requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer. What are the advantages of this scheme? MATES participants will be able to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. Whilst there is no strict requirement for visa holders to work in their nominated field of study, it is designed to support young professionals expand their skills and networks, particularly in the sectors listed above. MATES will commence as a pilot programme with 3,000 places for primary applicants per programme per year. Participants will be able to apply to bring dependents (spouses and dependent children). Dependants will have work rights in Australia, and will not count towards the annual cap. What is the duration of stay? Visa holders will have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia, and may stay in Australia for 24 months from the date of first entry. The visa will allow multiple entries to Australia. Participants may extend their period of stay by applying for another visa permitting temporary or permanent residence, provided they meet all eligibility requirements for the visa. How will the visa be granted? Visa will be granted through ballot.The ballot randomly selects people to apply for visa. Ballot application fee is Australian dollar (AUD) 25, and afterwards the shortlisted candidates will proceed for further formalities, said Gaurav Chaudhary.
