Australia’s “Lottery Visa” Explained
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a temporary visa pathway that allows Indian graduates and early-career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
Officially granted under the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403), the MATES stream has quickly gained attention in India and is often referred to informally as the “lottery visa.” This nickname comes from the way applicants are selected through a pre-application ballot, rather than a traditional points-tested or employer-sponsored process.
Eligibility rules are strict and only those who meet specific education, age and skill requirements can enter the ballot.
What Is the MATES Visa?
MATES is a temporary mobility pathway designed to strengthen ties between Australia and India while addressing skills shortages in key industries.
The visa allows eligible Indian nationals to:
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Live in Australia for up to 2 years
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Work for one or more Australian employers
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Gain international experience in high-demand sectors
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Bring eligible dependents (who do not count toward the annual cap)
Each year, the Australian Government will grant up to 3,000 MATES visas, selected through a ballot process.
Targeted Fields of Study
To be eligible, applicants must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher relevant to one of the following sectors:
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Renewable Energy
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Mining
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Engineering
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Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
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Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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Financial Technology (FinTech)
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Agricultural Technology (AgTech)
These sectors align with Australia’s current workforce needs and future economic priorities.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the MATES ballot and visa, applicants must:
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Be an Indian passport holder
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Be aged 18 to 30 years (inclusive) at the start of the ballot period
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Have graduated within the last 2 years
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Hold a degree from an eligible institution listed in the Top 100 of India’s National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) – Overall List
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Affiliated institutions not ranked in the Top 100 do not qualify
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Hold a qualification relevant to an eligible sector
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Have proficient English
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Have sufficient financial capacity
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Hold adequate health insurance
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Meet health and character requirements
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Not have previously participated in the MATES program
How the Application Process Works
1. Register in the Ballot
Applicants must first:
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Create an ImmiAccount
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Confirm eligibility
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Register in the MATES ballot during the open registration period
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Pay the ballot registration fee
After registration, applicants receive an email confirming their entry.
2. Ballot Selection
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The Department of Home Affairs conducts the ballot electronically
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Registrants are randomly selected
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Only selected applicants receive an Invitation to Apply
If you are not selected, you cannot apply for the visa during that program year.
3. Lodge the Visa Application
If selected:
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You’ll receive a Notification of Selection letter
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You must apply for the visa by the deadline stated in the letter
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Applications are submitted via ImmiAccount using the generated application link
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Supporting documents must be attached before submission
4. After You Apply
The Department will assess your application and notify you of the outcome. If granted, your visa grant notice will confirm:
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Visa conditions
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Entry date deadline
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Length of stay
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Visa expiry date
You can only travel to Australia after the visa has been granted.
Employment in Australia on a MATES Visa
The visa is intended to help young professionals build experience in their area of expertise.
Evidence of an Australian job offer can also help demonstrate financial capacity.
Common job search platforms include:
Life in Australia: Getting Ready
The Australian Government provides settlement resources covering:
These resources can help visa holders and their families prepare for life in Australia and make the most of their time here. You can find more information on living in Australia here.
Final Thoughts
The MATES (subclass 403) visa offers a rare and exciting opportunity for eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals to gain international work experience in Australia.
Because of the competitive nature of this program and the importance of meeting all requirements correctly, professional advice can make a significant difference.
If you’d like guidance on eligibility, ballot registration, or preparing a strong visa application, AVIE is here to help.