Australia | MATES program registration open for Indian nationals

The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES) program has opened ballot registration for the 2025-26 program year.

Key Points:

• The MATES program is part of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) and offers eligible Indian nationals and early-career professionals the opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years without employer sponsorship.
• Each year, up to 3,000 primary applicants are selected through a ballot process.
• Those in the program are also able to bring eligible family members, who do not apply to the annual cap.
• The ballot for the 2025-26 program is open from Nov. 1 to Dec. 14, 2025, and requires a registration fee of AU$25 (approximately US$16).

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

Copyright © 2025 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries, please contact copyright@bal.com.