The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) permits certain people to come to Australia temporarily in circumstances connected with Australia’s international relations, diplomatic arrangements or approved labour mobility programs.
Unlike a general skilled work visa, the subclass 403 visa is available only where an applicant qualifies under a specified stream. Each stream has distinct eligibility, sponsorship or support, and employment requirements.
What is the Subclass 403 visa?
The Subclass 403 visa allows a person to work temporarily in Australia under the terms of a relevant agreement between an Australian signatory (a Commonwealth, State or Territory department or agency) and a foreign signatory (a foreign government). It also extends to representatives of foreign government agencies, domestic workers employed by diplomatic staff, individuals covered by privileges and immunities legislation, participants in the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme, and workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
Who may be eligible?
The subclass 403 visa may be relevant to:
- workers entering Australia under an agreement between the Australian Government and another country;
- representatives of foreign governments or persons undertaking approved activities for a foreign government;
- domestic workers employed by eligible diplomatic or consular officials;
- persons entitled to privileges and immunities under Australian legislation; and
- workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme.
Applicants must satisfy the requirements of the stream under which they apply.
Available streams
1. Government Agreement stream
This stream is for applicants entering Australia under a bilateral agreement between Australia and another country.
The relevant agreement generally determines:
- the activities the applicant may undertake;
- the duration of the applicant’s stay;
- whether family members may accompany the applicant;
- the employment and workplace arrangements; and
- any support or endorsement required from an Australian or foreign government authority.
The proposed activity must directly relate to the relevant government agreement.
2. Foreign Government Agency stream
This stream may be available to:
- representatives of a foreign government agency who will undertake official activities in Australia; and
- certain foreign-language teachers employed by a foreign government in an Australian school.
Applicants generally require support from the relevant foreign government agency. Additional requirements may apply to foreign-language teachers, including qualifications and evidence of the proposed employment.
3. Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream
This stream allows a person to undertake full-time domestic work in the household of an eligible diplomatic or consular visa holder (subclass 995).
Applicants may need to demonstrate:
- a genuine employer–employee relationship;
- appropriate employment terms and conditions;
- an understanding of Australian workplace rights;
- an employment contract that satisfies applicable requirements; and
- support or approval from the relevant government authority.
Australian employment laws apply to domestic workers, including laws concerning minimum employment standards and workplace protections.
4. Privileges and Immunities stream
This stream is for persons who are entitled to privileges and immunities under relevant Australian legislation (International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1963 or the Overseas Missions (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1995).
As with the Domestic Worker stream, the application must be supported in writing by the Foreign Minister. Eligibility usually depends on confirmation from the Australian Government that the applicant’s role attracts the required privileges and immunities. This stream may apply to certain representatives, officials or employees of recognised international organisations.
5. Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) stream
This stream, commonly referred to as MATES, is more recent and is designed around individual merit rather than sponsorship by an agency or agreement.
To qualify, an applicant must have:
- a qualification of a kind specified by the Minister, relating to an industry specified by the Minister, and conferred by a foreign educational institution the Minister has specified; and
- any language test requirements set by the Minister and demonstrate English language proficiency in the manner the Minister specifies, where required.
6. Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme stream
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme, commonly known as the PALM scheme, allows eligible workers from participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste to work temporarily in Australia with an approved employer.
Workers must generally:
- be citizens of a participating country;
- be selected through the relevant participating-country arrangements;
- have an employment offer from a PALM scheme approved employer; and
- satisfy applicable health, character and other visa requirements.
Employment is generally linked to the approved employer and the arrangements authorised under the PALM scheme. Workers should ensure that proposed changes to their employer, occupation or work location are permitted before making any change.
Common criteria across all streams
Requirements differ between streams, but applicants may need to provide:
- a valid passport and identity documents;
- evidence of government support, endorsement or approval;
- an employment contract or evidence of the proposed activity;
- evidence of relevant qualifications or experience;
- health examinations;
- police clearances and other character documents;
- evidence of adequate health insurance; and
- documents for any accompanying family members.
Applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs that they genuinely intend to stay temporarily and comply with the conditions attached to the visa.
In assessing genuine temporary intent, the Department will have regard to the applicant’s compliance history with prior visa conditions, their intention to comply with Subclass 403 conditions, and any other relevant matter.
Can family members be included?
Some subclass 403 applicants may be able to include eligible family members, such as a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. Availability depends on the relevant stream and supporting arrangements.
Family members may have different work or study rights from the primary visa holder. Their individual visa conditions should be checked carefully.
What are the visa duration and conditions?
Visa duration varies by stream. Most Subclass 403 visas permit the holder to travel to and enter Australia by a date specified by the Minister, and to remain for a period likewise specified, with the ability to travel to and re-enter Australia during that period.
The MATES stream is treated differently, permitting entry within 12 months of grant and a stay of 24 months from first entry.
A subclass 403 visa holder must comply with all conditions imposed on the visa. Depending on the stream, conditions may restrict:
- the employer for whom the holder may work;
- the type of work that may be performed;
- the location of employment;
- the period in which work may be undertaken; and
- the holder’s ability to change roles or employers.
Important reminder
The subclass 403 visa is designed for specific international relations and labour mobility arrangements. It is not an unrestricted pathway for temporary employment in Australia and does not, by itself, provide permanent residence.
Eligibility, processing arrangements, visa charges and documentary requirements may change. Current requirements should be confirmed at the time of application.
Need assistance with a Subclass 403 visa?
If you are considering an application under this visa or need guidance on how a particular agreement or scheme applies to your circumstances, our team at Migration Affairs is happy to assist.
📧 info@migrationaffairs.com.au
🌐 migrationaffairs.com.au/contact
📞 +61 2 8226 8777