Australia | MATES program registration open for Indian nationals

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.

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