November 1 2025:
MATES Visa – 2025-26 Ballot Now Open
The Australian Government’s Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES, subclass 403) provides an exciting opportunity for Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years. The 2025-2026 MATES ballot is now open, and registrations close 14 December 2025.
How the MATES Visa Works
The MATES visa is part of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) program. To be eligible, Indian nationals must first register for the pre-application ballot. Registrations are then randomly selected, ensuring a fair and transparent process for all applicants. Only those selected in the ballot will be invited to apply for the visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To register for the MATES ballot, applicants must:
- Have graduated on or after 1 November 2023
- Hold a qualification from a Top 100 institution on the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) India Rankings Overall 2024 List
- Pay a ballot registration fee of AUD 25
Primary applicants who receive an invitation may include family members in their application, who will not count toward the 3,000 visa places allocated each year.
Ballot Timeline – 2025-2026
Registration period: 1 November 2025 – 14 December 2025 (currently active)
Selection period: 15 December 2025 – 30 June 2026
The Department will randomly select applicants from the registered pool during the selection period. Only successful applicants will receive a Notification of Selection, which allows them to proceed with their visa application.
Next Steps for Applicants
Before registering, applicants should carefully review both the ballot and visa criteria to ensure eligibility. Meeting additional visa requirements is necessary for the grant of the Subclass 403 MATES visa.
The MATES program is designed to give eligible Indian nationals equal access to temporary work opportunities in Australia, supporting career development while contributing to the Australian workforce.
For assistance with the ballot process or to check eligibility, our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Time for an adventure
Is MATES your ticket to Australia?
