It is proved a theorem providing necessary and sufficient conditions enabling one to map a nonlinear system of first order partial differential equations, polynomial in the derivatives, to an equivalent autonomous first order system polynomially homogeneous in the derivatives. The result is intimately related to the symmetry properties of the source system, and the proof, involving the use of the canonical variables associated to the admitted Lie point symmetries, is constructive. First order Monge-Ampère systems, either with constant coefficients or with coefficients depending on the field variables, where the theorem can be successfully applied, are considered.

23 pages, no figures