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Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
(subclass 403)
The Subclass 403 Visa – Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa allows individuals to temporarily work in specific situations contributing to the enhancement of Australia’s international relations. It enables an individual to engage in employment in Australia based on the terms outlined in a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government and another country.
The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) has several visa streams, each tailored to specific purposes and conditions for working in Australia. Here’s a summary of each stream and its requirements:
Government Agreement Stream
- Purpose: Allows you to work in Australia under a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government (or a state/territory government) and another country.
- Stay: Up to 4 years, as specified in your visa grant notice which is aligned with your tenure as an international representative supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Cost: AUD $375.00
- Processing Time: Varies; to estimate the processing times for this visa, refer to the visa processing time guide tool. It provides an overview of recent application processing durations.
- Eligibility:
- Employment or engagement must be under the terms of the bilateral agreement.
- Can apply from inside or outside Australia.
Foreign Government Agency Stream
- Purpose: Allows you to work in Australia as a representative of a foreign government agency or as a foreign language teacher employed by a foreign government.
- Stay: Up to 4 years, as specified in your visa grant notice which is aligned with your tenure as an international representative supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Cost: AUD $375.00
- Processing Time: Varies; to estimate the processing times for this visa, refer to the visa processing time guide tool. It provides an overview of recent application processing durations.
- Eligibility:
- Work as a representative of a foreign government agency (without official status) or as a foreign language teacher employed by a foreign government in an Australian school.
- Can apply from inside or outside Australia, but not from immigration clearance.
Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream
- Purpose: Allows you to do full-time domestic work in the household of someone holding a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995).
- Stay: Up to 12 months on your first visa, with the possibility of a further visa based on DFAT support which is aligned with your tenure as an international representative supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Cost: AUD $375.00
- Processing Time: Varies; to estimate the processing times for this visa, refer to the visa processing time guide tool. It provides an overview of recent application processing durations.
- Eligibility:
- Must be 18 years or older and do full-time domestic work for someone with a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa.
- Must be outside Australia at the time of application and decision.
Privileges and Immunities Stream
This visa category allows entry to Australia for individuals expecting or currently possessing privileges and immunities according to relevant legislation. While holding this visa, you can work as an international representative in Australia. To qualify, your position must entail or anticipate privileges and immunities, and you’ll need a letter of support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Purpose: For individuals with privileges and immunities under relevant legislation, allowing you to work as an international representative.
- Stay: For the duration of your international representation role, as supported by DFAT which is aligned with your tenure as an international representative supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
- Cost: Free
- Processing Time: Varies; to estimate the processing times for this visa, refer to the visa processing time guide tool. It provides an overview of recent application processing durations.
- Eligibility:
- Must be working as an international representative with expected privileges and immunities.
- Requires a letter of support from DFAT.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Stream
This visa category enables individuals to visit Australia as part of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. To qualify, you must be a citizen of a specified Pacific Island country or Timor-Leste, sponsored by a Temporary Activities Sponsor approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) for PALM participation. Employment is possible under a short-term work contract for up to 9 months or a long-term work contract for up to 4 years.
- Purpose: Allows citizens and residents of participating PALM scheme countries to work in Australia under the PALM scheme.
- Stay: Up to 9 months for short-term work contracts or up to 4 years for long-term work contracts, as specified in the visa grant notice, based on the employment contract duration.
- Cost: AUD $355.00
- Processing Time: Varies; use the visa processing time guide tool to estimate the processing times for this visa, refer to the visa processing time guide tool. It provides an overview of recent application processing durations.
- Eligibility:
- Must be a citizen and resident of a participating PALM scheme country.
- Must be sponsored by a DEWR-approved PALM scheme employer.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Stream
The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a pilot visa stream launched in late 2024, which aims to promote skills and knowledge exchange between Australia and India by allowing up to 3,000 Indian nationals per year to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years in targeted sectors.
- Purpose: The MATES visa allows Indian graduates and early-career professionals to contribute to and gain experience in Australia’s priority industries such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, AI, FinTech, and AgriTech.
- Stay: Visa holders can stay in Australia for up to 2 years from their first entry. Entry must occur within 12 months of the visa grant. The visa permits multiple entries, but it can only be held once. Subsequent stays may be possible through other visa pathways if eligibility is met.
- Cost: AUD $375.00
- Processing Time: Varies; use the visa processing time guide tool to estimate the processing times for this visa.
- Eligibility:
Must be an Indian national, aged 18–30 at the time of application.
Must have graduated within 2 years with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in an eligible field.
Proficient English required (IELTS 6 overall, no band below 5 or equivalent).
Must be selected via a ballot system.
No employer sponsorship is needed.
Must not have participated in MATES previously.