Australia Introduces MATES Ballot for Indian Nationals Seeking Subclass 403 Visa

December 9, 2024 — The Australian Government has launched the MATES pre-application ballot, offering eligible Indian nationals a transparent and equitable opportunity to apply for the Subclass 403 MATES stream visa.

The ballot allocates 3,000 temporary visa places for primary applicants annually, with accompanying family members excluded from this count. Only individuals randomly selected in the ballot will be eligible to apply for the visa.

Key Details of the MATES Ballot

• Registration: Indian nationals must register in the MATES ballot before applying for the visa.
• Fee: A ballot registration fee of AUD 25 applies.
• Process: Registrants are selected randomly, ensuring a fair process.
• Eligibility: Prospective applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria to register.

Ballot Status Categories

The status of the ballot changes throughout the program year based on registration and selection progress:

• PENDING: Awaiting commencement or opening.
• ACTIVE: Open for registrations.
• CLOSED: No new registrations; selection process pending.
• EXPIRED: Selections finalized, with no further selections from this ballot.

Program Year 2024-2025 Timeline

• Ballot Registration Period:

1. Open: December 9, 2024
2. Close: January 7, 2025
3. Status: ACTIVE

• Ballot Selection Period:

1. Open: January 8, 2025
2. Close: May 30, 2025

This system reflects the Australian Government’s commitment to providing equal access to the MATES visa stream while maintaining a fair and transparent selection process.

For more details, including eligibility criteria, visit the Ballot Eligibility page.