Temporary Working
(International Relations) Visa
Visa Subclass 403
- Overview
- Overview
- Overview
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If you want to travel to Australia under specific international agreements or arrangements, the Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa might be the right option. This visa allows individuals to work in Australia temporarily under various streams, including government agreements, foreign government agencies, and special international programs.
Below, we provide a complete guide on the Visa Subclass 403, including its streams, eligibility criteria, and how our expert team can assist you throughout the application process. The temporary work international relations visa subclass 403 is an Australian visa that allows individuals to come to Australia under specific international agreements or arrangements. This visa has several streams, each with its own purpose and eligibility criteria.
Overview of Visa Subclass 403

Streams of 403 Temporary Working Visa
The Subclass 403 Visa has several streams, each designed for specific international work or agreements. For each stream, subclass 403 eligible countries (India, Canada, UAE, and Sri Lanka) vary.
Government Agreement Stream
For individuals working in Australia under a formal agreement between the Australian Government and another country. This includes government-sponsored workers, researchers, and professionals.
To avail this stream of subclass 403 visa:
- You must be working in Australia under a formal agreement between the Australian Government and another country.
- You must be sponsored by an approved organisation.
- Processing time: Typically 4 to 6 weeks.
Foreign Government Agency Stream
For employees of foreign government agencies who are not diplomats but need to work in Australia. Covers roles such as trade officers, cultural representatives, and government advisers.
- Here are subclass 403 visa conditions for this stream:
- You must be employed by a foreign government agency (not as a diplomat).
- Your role must contribute to the bilateral relationship between Australia and your home country.
- Processing Time: Around 4 to 6 weeks.
Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream
This visa subclass 403 stream is for domestic workers (such as housekeepers or nannies) employed by eligible diplomatic or consular officials in Australia.
- The expected criteria to avail this visa are as follows
- You must be employed as a domestic worker by an eligible diplomatic or consular official in Australia.
- Your employer must sponsor you and comply with Fair Work regulations.
- Processing Time: 2 to 4 weeks.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Stream
PALM Scheme Visa also known as agriculture visa subclass 403 is for workers from participating Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste. This visa allows temporary work in agriculture, hospitality, aged care, and other industries where there is a labour shortage.
- To avail this stream of subclass 403 visa:
- You must be a citizen of a participating Pacific Island country or Timor-Leste.
- You must have an approved employer who is registered under the PALM scheme.
- You must meet the skill and health requirements specified by the scheme.
- Processing Time: 6 to 12 weeks or more.
International Relations Stream
International relations subclass 403 visa is for individuals involved in special programs that support Australia’s international relations. This may include cultural exchange programs, humanitarian programs, or official visits.
- Here are the requirements for this stream of subclass 403 visa:
- You must be involved in a program that supports Australia’s international relations.
- This may include roles in humanitarian or cultural exchange programs.
- Processing Time: 4 to 8 weeks.
Subclass 403 Application Cost
The subclass 403 visa Australia cost depends on the specific stream you are applying under. Here are the general fees for each stream:
Visa Application Fee (Base Fees):
-
Government Agreement Stream Cost: AUD 325 -
Foreign Government Agency Stream Cost: AUD 325 -
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme Stream Cost: AUD 325 -
International Relations Stream Cost: AUD 325
Benefits of Subclass 403 Visa
Here are the benefits of subclass 403 visa:
- Work in Australia Legally – Allows individuals to work in Australia under specific international agreements or arrangements.
- Multiple Streams to Suit Different Needs – Provides options for government workers, foreign agencies, diplomatic staff, labor mobility programs, and international relations programs.
- Gain International Work Experience – Offers the opportunity to enhance career prospects by working in an international setting.
- Strengthen Diplomatic & Cultural Ties – Supports global cooperation through government and cultural exchange programs.
- Flexible Stay Duration – Allows a temporary stay based on the nature of the work or agreement, offering flexibility.
- Opportunity for Skill Development – Enables professionals and workers to develop new skills and contribute to international programs.
- Support for Pacific & Timor-Leste Workers – Provides employment opportunities through the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.
- Pathway to Other Visas – While not a direct pathway to permanent residency, it may help gain Australian work experience that can support future visa applications.
- Family Inclusion (In Some Streams) – Certain streams may allow visa holders to bring eligible family members as dependents.
- Compliance with Australian Work Rights – Protects workers under Australian labour laws, ensuring fair working conditions.