Australia has opened ballot registrations for its MATES visa, a new pathway that allows young Indian graduates to live and work in the country for up to two years, without needing an employer to sponsor them.

Under the scheme, Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 with degrees from eligible top-ranked institutions can register for the ballot until 14 December 2025. Registration began on November 1, 2025. Only those selected through the random draw, up to 3,000 primary applicants each year, will be invited to apply for the visa. The registration fee is AUD 25. Advertisement

The move has drawn strong interest from early-career professionals seeking to gain Australian work experience as the 2025–26 ballot window officially opens.

Candidates do not need a job offer before entering the ballot. If

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