Discover the MATES Visa: A New Opportunity for Indian Talent
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent Visa allows skilled workers to permanently relocate to Australia.
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a new initiative introduced under Australia’s Temporary Work (International Relations) visa – Subclass 403.
The program creates a unique opportunity for skilled Indian nationals in the early stages of their careers to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
Each year, 3,000 visa places are available for eligible Indian professionals across priority industries such as renewable energy, engineering, ICT, artificial intelligence, fintech, mining, and agritech.
To ensure fairness and transparency, applicants must first register through a ballot system. Only those randomly selected in the ballot will be invited to apply for the visa.
Successful applicants can::
- Work in Australia in their area of expertise.
- Gain international experience and build professional networks.
- Bring eligible family members with them
The MATES 403 Visa strengthens Australia–India ties and offers talented young professionals the chance to enhance their skills while contributing to Australia’s growing industries.
How to Apply for the MATES 403 Visa
Applying for the MATES 403 Visa is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to eligibility and documentation. Ozee Migration is here to guide you through each stage — from ballot registration to final visa submission.
Successful applicants can work in their area of expertise and bring eligible family members with them to Australia.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before registering, we’ll help you review your background, qualifications, and work experience to confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements for the MATES Visa program.
Step 2: Register for the MATES Ballot
All applicants must first register in the official MATES Ballot through the Australian Government’s ImmiAccount portal.
- Registration Fee: AUD 25
- The selection process is random and transparent.
- Only candidates selected in the ballot will be invited to apply for the visa.
- Step 3: Wait for the Selection Result
Once registered, you’ll need to wait for the ballot outcome. If selected, you’ll receive a notification from the Department of Home Affairs. Ozee Migration will assist you in reviewing the next steps immediately after selection.
Step 4: Lodge Your Visa Application
If selected, you can apply for the Subclass 403 (MATES Stream) Visa.
Our experts will help you prepare and submit all required documents, including:
- Proof of qualifications and work experience in an eligible field
- English language test results
- Valid passport, ID, and PAN card details
- Health and character certificates
Step 5: Get Expert Support Until Decision
From start to finish, Ozee Migration provides complete guidance to make sure your application is accurate, compliant, and submitted on time.
Eligibility for Subclass 403 (MATES Stream) Visa
To take part in the MATES Visa Program, applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the Australian Government. These ensure that only qualified, early-career professionals are able to participate in the program.
For MATES Stream You must:
- Be an Indian national with a valid Indian passport.
- Be an early-career professional, generally within three years of completing your tertiary qualification.
- Hold a bachelor’s degree or higher qualification from a recognised institution in an eligible field.
- Have a background or work experience in one of the following sectors:
- Mining
- Engineering
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Financial Technology (FinTech)
- Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
- Meet the English language requirements specified for the program.
- Be outside Australia when registering and when lodging your visa application.
- Be able to show sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay.
- Meet the required health and character standards.
Important:
You must first register in the MATES Ballot before being eligible to apply for the visa. Only those who are selected through the ballot can proceed with the full visa application.
Not sure if you meet the eligibility criteria?
Ozee Migration can assess your profile and guide you on your eligibility before registration — ensuring you apply with confidence.
Including Family Members
You can include eligible family members (known as dependents) in your Subclass 403 (MATES Stream) Visa application.
Eligible family members include:
- Your spouse or de facto partner, and
- Your or your partner’s dependent children.
Each family member included in your application must:
- Meet health and character requirements, and
- Be able to show they have sufficient financial support during their stay in Australia.
All included family members will be granted the same visa duration and conditions as the main applicant.





