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Subclass 403 · Work and skilled visas

Temporary Work (International Relations) visa

Work under a government agreement, most commonly the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, plus domestic workers for diplomats and people with privileges and immunities.

A temporary visa to work in specific circumstances that improve Australia’s international relations.

Stay: Up to 4 years
Government charge: From A$470
Visa type: Temporary

Official information from the Department of Home Affairs

The material below reproduces English-language information from the Department of Home Affairs about this visa. Requirements may have changed since it was added to this website. Use the source link to check the latest information; I can explain relevant provisions in Vietnamese or English during a consultation.

Choose a stream

This visa has several streams, each with its own criteria and charge. Open the one that matches your situation to read the complete official information.

Temporary work (International relations) visa (subclass 403)

Government Agreement stream

This visa stream allows a person to work in Australia under the terms and conditions of a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government or a state/territory government and a government of another country.

Stay: You can stay until the time we specify in your visa grant notice. This may be up to 4 years.
Government charge: From AUD470.00 (Concessions apply in limited circumstances)

Key points

Be employed or engaged under the terms and conditions of a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government or a state/territory government and another country
Stay in Australia for up to 4 years
Apply for the visa in or outside Australia.

Open this stream

Temporary work (International relations) visa (subclass 403)

Foreign Government Agency stream

This visa stream lets you come to Australia for specific activities. You could work in Australia as a representative of a foreign government agency, or employed by a foreign government as a foreign language teacher in an Australian school.

Stay: You can stay until the time we specify in your visa grant notice, which may be up to 4 years.
Government charge: From AUD470.00 (Concessions apply in limited circumstances)

Key points

You can work as a representative of a foreign government agency that does not enjoy official status in Australia (provided that you would not, as a representative of that agency, enjoy official status in Australia)
You can work as a foreign language teacher employed by a foreign government in an Australian school
You can apply for the visa in or outside Australia, but not from immigration clearance

Open this stream

Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)

Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream

This visa stream lets a person aged 18 years or older do temporary full-time domestic work in Australia in the household of someone who holds a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995).

Stay: Up to 12 months on your first visa.
Government charge: From AUD470.00 (Concessions apply in limited circumstances)

Key points

You can do full-time domestic work in the household of someone who holds a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995)
You must be outside Australia the first time you apply and when we decide on your application.

Open this stream

Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)

Privileges and Immunities stream

This visa stream lets you come to Australia if you have, or expect to have, privileges and immunities under relevant legislation. You can stay in Australia on this visa while you are working as an international representative.

Stay: You can stay for the time we specify in your visa grant letter. This is usually the time you are an international representative with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
Government charge: Free

Key points

You can stay in Australia while you are working as an international representative
Your position must have, or expect to have, privileges and immunities under relevant legislation
You need a letter of support from the DFAT

Open this stream

Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility stream

This visa stream lets you come to Australia to participate in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Stay: You can stay until the time we specify in your visa grant notice. This may be up to 4 years.
Government charge: From AUD365.00

Key points

9 months if you are employed under a short-term work contract
4 years if you are employed under a long-term work contract.

Open this stream

Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403)

Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES)

This visa stream allows Indian graduates and early career professionals to live and work in Australia for up to 2 years. Applicants must be selected in a ballot to apply.

Stay: You can stay in Australia for up to 2 years.
Government charge: From AUD470.00

Open this stream

Basic eligibility

Each stream has specific eligibility requirements.

Official source: Department of Home Affairs, immi.homeaffairs.gov.au. © Commonwealth of Australia. Refer to the source website for its copyright and conditions of use.

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