MATES – A new visa for indian nationals!

~ MATES ~
the new Visa dedicated to accomplished Indian Nationals!

The Department of Home Affairs has legislated a new visa available to accomplished Indian nationals.  An exact commencement date has not been provided; however it is expected to be released by the end of this year, which is only NEXT MONTH!

Official visa name

• ​Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (subclass 403)
  
• Stream: Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)

Who can qualify for this visa?

• ​Indian graduates and early career professionals (along with their dependants) who have knowledge and skills in targeted fields of study. 
• The primary applicant can’t be in Australia, but their dependants can.
• The primary applicant must be between the ages of 18 and 30 years inclusive.
• The primary applicant must meet minimum English language test levels.
• They must also hold a suitable qualification in a specific field of study.
• Graduated within 2 years of registering.

What qualification and field of study meets criteria?

You will have achieved a minimum Bachelor’s Degree or higher educational standard, comparable to Australia. The degree must be from an approved educational institution within the following industries:

• renewable energy
• mining
• engineering
• ICT
• artificial intelligence
• financial technology
• agricultural technology

There are 100 educational providers on the list.  Please email us with your details and we can advise if your degree meets requirements.

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What is the English level and how to test for it?

The accepted English standard tests are:

• IELTS – Overall score of at least 6, but no less than 5 in each band
• PTE Academic – Overall score of at least 50, but no less than 36 in each band
• OET – Minimum C in each band
• CAE – Overall score of at least 169, but no less than 154 in each band
• TOEFL iBT – Score overall of at least 64, listening and reading at least 4; speaking and writing at least 14.

Unless undertaking OET, the test must be conducted in one sitting.  No one-take re-sits permitted. The test must also have been sat no more than 1 year before the visa application is lodged or decision made on the visa.

What will the visa allow you to do?

Upon grant of the visa, you will have 1 year to enter the country to activate it.  You will then be permitted to live and work in Australia for 2 years.  The visa will allow for multiple travel entry, allowing you to depart for holidays etc. however the period of stay will not be extended.

How do I apply for this visa?

This is a 2 stage process.  First a ballot system with a $25AUD registration fee will be used.  This will allow time for people to register and then a random draw will take place.  It is not a case of “first in, first granted”.  This is also to ensure that people only register when they have met the criteria. 

To register for the ballot you will declare that you meet the criteria.  So do not register if you have not yet graduated from your course or have not accomplished the required English test result. This will lead to you giving a false declaration and certain refusal of your visa if selected to apply.

Registration must be made online with your Indian passport.  Ensure it is valid for a good period of time!  You will also need your PAN card.  You can’t register more than once.  There will be a window period in which all registrations will be received.  If you are unable to lodge, or are not selected, you will need to wait until the following year to try again.

If you are selected from the ballot you move on to stage 2.  You will receive a selection letter and be you will be given 30 days to make an application.

The visa application fee is $365 AUD for anyone over 18 years, and $95 AUD for those under 18 years.
Great Australian Migration is offering you a discounted special GOLD package service for only $1000AUD (normally $1500AUD - that's a 33% discount!!!) to advise and lodge the visa for you...just mention this blog post.  

Any other info?

• This is a one time visa only.  If you have been granted this visa before, you will not qualify for another.
• You must also show you have a genuine intention to stay temporarily, understanding that you can’t apply for this visa again.  To remain in Australia you will need to apply and satisfy the criteria of another visa
• There will only be 3,000 visa places each program year.  Dependants will not be counted in this allocation.
• Dependants will also have full work rights.
• Initially, if you do not have an offer of employment letter, you will need to show that you have at least $5000 AUD to show you can support yourself for your initial arrival into Australia.  More if you have dependants.
• You and your dependants will need to pass the health and character tests by undergoing an approved medical examination and providing police clearance certificates.
• You must have adequate health insurance throughout your stay in Australia. 
• You must not have previously had a visa cancelled.

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As always, Great Australian Migration is here to assist with all your visa needs, and keeping up to date with new and amended laws and regulations.  Contact us today!