Australian Professionals Visa Without Employer Sponsorship

Australia, known for its diverse cultural experience and excellent education, has always been a famous destination for professionals all across the globe seeking better career opportunities. However, a lot of people believe that it is only possible to work after studying in Australia when you have employer sponsorship, but this is not the case. If you are a skilled professional, then there are so many other options to move to Australia without getting a sponsorship from an employer. These include the Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), Global Talent Visa (Subclass 858), and Business Innovation and Investment Visa (Subclass 188 & 888).

This Story also Contains

1. What does MATES Australia Work Permit Offer?
2. Who can apply for the MATES Visa Program?
3. MATES Visa Australia Requirements
4. Mates Visa of Australia VS Other Visa Options
5. MATES Working Visa Australia Cost
6. How to Apply for PR from Mates Australia Visa?

Even if you are an Indian graduate or an early professional, the Australian government has a lot to offer. You can make use of a special scheme known as the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES). The MATES visa program is a golden opportunity exclusively for encouraging the exchange of mutually beneficial skills and knowledge transfer between Australia and India. In this article, we will explore this Australian professionals visa without employer sponsorship.

What does MATES Australia Work Permit Offer?

Following are the things that the MATES visa program offers to graduates from Indian institutions and early professionals:

• 2-years residency and work opportunity in Australia

• 12 months to make the first entry in Australia

• Multiple entries to Australia within the two-year period

• No requirement for employer sponsorship

• MATES participants may extend their stay by applying for temporary visa or permanent residency in Australia

• Can bring dependents (spouse and children) to Australia and spouse will get work rights in Australia

Who can apply for the MATES Visa Program?

Indian nationals who wish to apply for the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early Professionals Scheme (MATES) must:

1. Be 30 years of age or below at the time of applying

2. Be applying for the first time

3. Hold a bachelor’s degree in any of these disciplines: renewable energy, mining, engineering, information communication technology, artificial intelligence, financial technology, or agricultural technology.

4. Be proficient in the English language and secure desired scores in tests like TOEFL (at least 64), IELTS (at least an overall band score of 6 with not less than 5 in each of the four components), and PTE (at least 50).

5. Have completed their graduation within 2 years at the time of applying from a reputed educational institution.

MATES Visa Australia Requirements

Following are the documents that are mandatory when applying for a MATES visa:

• Identity documents: A valid passport, PAN card, and national ID cards.

• Dependant documents: proof of relationship with the applicant, character documents, and consent form for minors.

• Educational documents: Academic transcripts, resumes, and qualification certificates.

• Financial documents: Evidence of employment offers or bank statements showing sufficient funds (around 5000 AUD).

• English proficiency: proof of English test results

Mates Visa of Australia VS Other Visa Options

MATES Working Visa Australia Cost

To apply for an Australian work permit visa, you will be required to pay two primary fees, which are as follows:

Pre-application cost

Also known as the ballot registration fee, the pre-application cost is approximately AUD 25.

Visa application cost

The visa application cost is approximately AUD 365. In addition to the application fee, if you are bringing dependents with you, then you will need to pay additional charges. If the dependent is below the age of 18 years, then the fee is AUD 95, while it is AUD 365 for the dependent above the age of 18.

How to Apply for PR from Mates Australia Visa?

With the MATES temporary visa, Indian university graduates and early professionals are allowed to study and work in Australia up to two years. However, transitioning from MATES to a permanent residency (PR) in Australia is only possible when applicants take further steps:

Extension of stay

MATES visa holders are allowed to extend their stay by again applying for a temporary visa or a PR. For this, the applicants must meet all the requirements for the new visa type.

Skilled Migration Pathway

Once a MATES visa holder completes the program, they can then apply for a Skilled Migration visa (subclass 189 or 190) based on their work experience. Applicants might be required to clear a skill assessment or other visa-specific requirements.

Employer sponsorship

There are a few cases wherein the MATES visa holders get a job offer from an Australian employer. In that case, they become eligible for employer-sponsored visas that can give them PR in the future too.

Note: MATES visa holders are not eligible to apply for reapplying to the program; however, their work experience can help them strengthen their PR application through other skilled migration routes.