From July 1, 2023, Australia has changed VISA criteria for Indian graduates studying in Australian academic institutions. According to the new guidelines, Indian students can now work without a visa for up to eight years. The adjustments were implemented in light of the bilateral agreement reached between India and Australia in May 2023.
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) allows Indian students to work in Australia without a visa for up to eight years, according to the bilateral agreement. Australia will let 3000 young professionals from India to work in Australia without a visa for up to eight years.
Aside from that, Indian students would be permitted to spend two years in Australia without the need for a visa sponsor. MATES is a short-term visa programme for Indian professionals working in industries such as engineering, information and communication technology, mining, financial technology, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy.
Details regarding the fee and visa processing time for the MATES visa are yet to be announced.
Australia had previously expressed its intentions to revamp its immigration system in order to expedite the entry of highly skilled workers into the country. The government aims to attract skilled migrants by streamlining the visa process for high-skilled professionals and implementing measures to retain international students,
Maximum 48 hours Work per Fortnight
Under the new visa rules, from July 1, the working hours for students increase to 48 hours per fortnight. Individuals employed in the aged care sector are exempt from this regulation and are permitted to work unlimited hours through December 31, 2023. Candidates below the age of 31 years and who have obtained their education from a recognized and verified university are eligible to avail the benefits under MATES visa programme.