Indian students who complete a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics now have a chance to extend their stay in Australia beyond the usual two years. The India–Australia MATES Scheme adds a further two years to the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) for eligible STEM qualifiers, boosting the total period to four years. This extension was designed to tackle skill gaps in sectors such as renewable energy, medical research and advanced manufacturing. Professionals can deepen their expertise and build networks in Australian companies or research institutions, setting a solid foundation for future career growth.
What the MATES Scheme Offers
Announced in the 2023 federal budget, this initiative allows graduates of approved bachelor-level or higher STEM programmes to apply for a 24-month extension once their initial visa term ends. Projects in artificial intelligence, robotics, biotechnology and environmental science stand to benefit most. Host organisations gain continuity on significant undertakings, while graduates enjoy more time to master specialised techniques and work alongside leading experts. For assistance on course recognition or strategic advice about which sectors are expanding right now, consider contacting Sydney migration international.
Who Can Apply
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be citizens of India.
- Hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, honours or higher in an approved STEM discipline at an Australian institution.
- Have completed at least two academic years of full-time study.
- Maintain compliance with visa conditions, which include adequate health insurance and permitted work hours.
- Lodge the extension request before their current Temporary Graduate visa expires.
Non-STEM courses and vocational diplomas do not meet the criteria. Those seeking local support can search for immigration agents near me to find someone familiar with these requirements.
How to Submit Your Application
The extension application is completed via ImmiAccount on the Department of Home Affairs website. Key stages:
- Account preparation – Register or log in to ImmiAccount.
- Evidence of study – Upload certified degree certificates and academic transcripts.
- Language proof – If your qualification doesn’t waive the requirement, provide IELTS, PTE or TOEFL results.
- Health insurance – Secure cover for the extra two years and attach policy details.
- Fee payment – Pay the visa charge, which is non-refundable.
- Supplementary checks – Submit medical examination reports or police clearances if requested.
Typical processing runs between six and nine months. To ensure accuracy in form-filling and document handling, many applicants engage a migration agent Sydney for pre-submission review.
Processing Times and Fees
Fees for the subclass 485 extension sit at AUD 1,800 (as of mid-2025). Additional costs may include translation services, health checks (around AUD 300–500) and police certificates (AUD 50–100). Visa holders should apply no later than six months before expiry to allow time for any requests for further information. Tracking through ImmiAccount provides status updates; should processing exceed nine months, applicants may lodge an enquiry via the department’s web portal. Budgeting for all related expenses in advance can prevent last-minute issues.
Benefits of the Extension
Staying an extra two years brings tangible advantages:
- Deepened expertise – Longer involvement in complex projects hones technical skills.
- Enhanced employability – Local work history strengthens future sponsorship or residency applications.
- Networking – Time to build relationships with colleagues, mentors and industry leaders.
- Pathway to permanent residence – Accrued work experience underpins skilled migration points.
- Collaboration opportunities – Year-long research or development partnerships with universities or innovation hubs.
Graduates can transition into employer-sponsored visas or state-nomination programmes with a more competitive profile.
Common Pitfalls and Prevention
Applications may falter for reasons such as:
- Missing or mis-certified academic documents.
- Gaps in health insurance leaving days without coverage.
- Missed filing deadlines after the original visa lapses.
- Incomplete disclosure of any past convictions affecting character requirements.
To sidestep these, collate paperwork well ahead of your visa’s final date, use accredited translators and keep continuous insurance. For a thorough audit of your entire package, consider hiring a migration agent Sydney Australia who specialises in graduate visa streams.
Next Steps and Long-Term Pathways
Once your extension is granted, options include:
- Applying for an Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) if you secure suitable sponsorship.
- Seeking State Nomination (subclass 190 or 491) in regions that have demand for your skill set.
- Pursuing further study at postgraduate level to access additional graduate visas.
- Gaining membership in professional bodies to boost credibility with employers.
Planning ahead for each potential pathway ensures you can switch seamlessly once the extended visa nears its end.
The India–Australia MATES Scheme offers Indian STEM graduates an extended stay to make lasting contributions in fields that demand specialised skills. Proper preparation of documents, timely application and expert guidance can turn these extra two years into a springboard for permanent residency or advanced career options. With careful budgeting and a strategic plan for next-step visas, graduates stand to gain valuable international experience and build a rewarding professional future in Australia.
