Australia/India: Agreement Signed to Promote Mobility of Students, Graduates, Academic Researchers and Professionals

Update - November 14, 2024: As of November 12, 2024, the government implemented the Mobility Arrangements for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES), a new visa stream under Australia’s Temporary Work (International Relations) (subclass 403) visa. To be eligible, applicants must be ages 18-30, hold a valid Indian passport, and be outside of Australia at the time of application. Additionally, applicants must have graduated within the past two years from an approved foreign institution in an eligible field and hold a qualification in a specified industry, as determined by the Australian Minister. They must meet English language requirements and satisfy standard visa criteria, including health, character, and national security checks. The program uses a random ballot system, providing a fair and objective selection process for eligible individuals.

June 9, 2023: On May 24, 2023, the leaders of Australia and India signed a Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement to promote the mobility of students, graduates, academic researchers and professionals between the two countries.  According to the agreement, beginning July 1, 2023, Indian nationals graduating from Australian higher education institutions will be eligible for extended post-study work visa options of up to eight years.

Further, a new pilot program will be launched in Australia, called the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme, which will provide 3,000 places for Indian national early professionals in renewable energy, mining, engineering, information, communications, technology, artificial intelligence, FinTech, and AgriTech. The Indian government has not yet released any details on the programs they will implement, but such information is expected to be forthcoming.