Australia Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa - Subclass 403

What Is the Subclass 403 Visa?

The subclass 403 visa is designed for temporary work or activities that support or improve Australia's international relations. It is not a general temporary employment visa. The applicant must satisfy the requirements of one of the specified streams.

The visa can allow multiple travel to and from Australia while it remains valid. The permitted length of stay depends on the stream and the period specified in the visa grant notice.

Current Subclass 403 Visa Streams

Government Agreement Stream

The Government Agreement stream allows a person to work or undertake an activity in Australia under the terms of a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government, or an Australian state or territory government, and the government of another country.

The visa may be granted for the period specified in the grant notice, potentially for up to four years, unless the Australian signatory supports a shorter period.

Main eligibility requirements

• meet the terms and conditions of the relevant bilateral agreement;
• have the support of both the Australian and foreign signatories;
• meet any licensing or registration requirements for the proposed work;
• show that the employment or activity benefits Australia;
• have adequate financial capacity for the applicant and accompanying dependants;
• genuinely intend to stay temporarily and undertake the stated work or activity;
• meet health and character requirements; and
• comply with other applicable visa criteria.

Government Agreement supporting documents

A principal document is a letter of support from the Australian signatory. The letter should identify the relevant agreement, proposed work or activity, confirm support of both signatories, state the intended period of stay and address accompanying family where applicable.

Applicants should also provide relevant qualifications, curriculum vitae, and any licences or registrations necessary for the proposed work or engagement.

Foreign Government Agency Stream

This stream can allow an eligible person to work in Australia as a representative of a foreign government agency that does not enjoy official status in Australia. It can also cover an eligible foreign-language teacher employed by a foreign government to work in an Australian school.

The stay period specified by Home Affairs may be up to four years.

Supporting evidence

Depending on the applicant's role, supporting documents can include a letter of support from the relevant foreign government ministry and, for a foreign-language teacher, evidence or a support letter from the Australian school.

Privileges and Immunities Stream

This stream is for a person who has, or is expected to have, privileges and immunities under the International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1963 or the Overseas Missions (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1995.

The applicant must obtain a letter of support from the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) recommending the grant of the visa.

The visa is generally valid for the period the person works as an international representative and continues to hold the relevant privileges and immunities with DFAT support.

Visa application charge: Home Affairs currently lists this stream as free.

Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream

This stream allows a person aged 18 years or older to undertake temporary full-time domestic work in the Australian household of a holder of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995).

For a first application, the applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when Home Affairs makes the decision. A first visa generally permits a stay of up to 12 months. A person who already holds this stream may be able to apply in Australia for a further visa supported by DFAT.

Main requirements

• be at least 18 years old;
• have a written employment contract meeting Australian workplace-relations laws;
• have a DFAT support letter;
• intend to work full-time as a domestic worker in the relevant diplomatic household;
• have sufficient financial support;
• meet health and character requirements;
• maintain adequate health insurance; and
• attend an interview if required by Home Affairs.

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Stream

The PALM stream operates under subclass 403 for eligible workers from participating Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. The former Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme streams closed to new applications on 4 April 2022 and were consolidated into the PALM stream.

Applicants must participate in the PALM scheme in an endorsed position and be sponsored by an approved temporary activities sponsor that is approved as a PALM scheme employer.

Current Home Affairs information provides for work of up to:

• 9 months under an eligible short-term work contract; or
• 4 years under an eligible long-term work contract.

MATES Stream for Eligible Indian Graduates and Professionals

The Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES) is a subclass 403 stream for eligible Indian graduates and early-career professionals. It can allow eligible participants to live and work in Australia for up to two years.

The Australian Government allocates up to 3,000 primary applicant places per program year. An applicant cannot directly lodge a MATES visa application without first being selected in the pre-application ballot and receiving an invitation.

Ballot requirements

Current ballot requirements include holding a valid Indian passport and PAN card, being aged 18-30 inclusive at the beginning of the ballot registration period, providing a valid email address, registering through ImmiAccount and paying the ballot registration charge.

If selected, the applicant must then meet the separate MATES visa eligibility requirements, including applicable qualification, graduation-date and field-of-study requirements.

Subclass 403 Visa Cost

Home Affairs currently lists the application charge for several subclass 403 streams, including Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker and MATES, as starting from AUD 470. The Privileges and Immunities stream is listed as free.

From 1 July 2026, a lower visa cost applies in specified subclass 403 streams to eligible citizens of listed Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste who lodge a valid application. Family-member charges and other expenses can also apply.

Visa charges can change. Always check the current Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator immediately before lodging.

Subclass 403 Documents Checklist

The exact documents depend on the stream and personal circumstances. The current ImmiAccount checklist should always be followed.

Identity documents

• passport identity page showing photograph and personal details;
• passport issue and expiry details;
• national identity document where applicable;
• birth certificate or other civil-status records where requested; and
• evidence of any change of name.

Work or activity documents

• letter of support required for the relevant stream;
• bilateral government agreement evidence for Government Agreement applicants;
• foreign government ministry or Australian school support where applicable;
• DFAT support for streams requiring it;
• employment contract where required;
• curriculum vitae or resume;
• qualifications and relevant professional experience; and
• registration or professional licences required for the proposed activity.

Financial evidence

Where applicable, evidence can include bank statements, financial institution records, employment arrangements, or evidence of allowances, accommodation or stipends provided by the relevant employer, agency or organisation.

Translations and document preparation

All non-English documents must be translated into English and both the original and translation should be uploaded. Translators in Australia must be accredited by NAATI. Translators outside Australia should state their name, contact details, qualifications and experience in the language translated.

Partner, Children and Family Members

Whether family members can be included depends on the subclass 403 stream. For example, the Government Agreement stream permits family inclusion only where the agreement allows it and the Australian signatory's support letter specifies it.

Where family inclusion is available, supporting documents can include:

• marriage certificate or evidence of a de facto relationship;
• birth certificates for children;
• adoption, custody or guardianship documents where applicable;
• evidence of dependency where required; and
• parental consent for a child under 18 when applicable.

Form 1229 - Child Consent

Where a child under 18 is included and another person with parental responsibility is not applying with the child, Home Affairs may require consent evidence including Form 1229.

Official Form 1229 - Consent to grant an Australian visa to a child under 18 (PDF)

Health, Character and Health Insurance

Health requirements

Applicants must meet the applicable Australian health requirements. Home Affairs may require medical examinations and will advise through ImmiAccount where examinations are necessary.

Character requirements

Applicants and relevant family members must meet Australian character requirements. Depending on circumstances, Home Affairs can request:

• an Australian Federal Police National Police Certificate for qualifying periods of residence in Australia;
• overseas police certificates from countries where the required residence threshold is met; and
• military service records or discharge papers if the applicant served in the armed forces.

Adequate health insurance

Several subclass 403 streams require adequate health insurance for the period of stay. Temporary visa holders can be personally responsible for healthcare costs in Australia. Applicants should obtain cover that satisfies the requirements applicable to their stream and family circumstances.

Immigration Assistance and Authorised Recipients

If a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person is appointed, or if another person will receive correspondence, use the current Home Affairs procedures and forms when required.

How to Apply for a Subclass 403 Visa

1. Identify the subclass 403 stream that matches the proposed work or activity.
2. Check the stream-specific eligibility and location requirements.
3. Obtain the required government, DFAT, employer, PALM or other supporting approval or invitation.
4. Arrange health examinations if required or wait for Home Affairs instructions.
5. Prepare identity, work, financial, family and character documents.
6. Translate all non-English documents into English.
7. Create or sign in to ImmiAccount.
8. Complete the online subclass 403 application for the correct stream.
9. Attach clear supporting documents and pay the applicable visa application charge.
10. Record the transaction reference number and regularly check ImmiAccount for further requests.

After You Apply

Home Affairs may request additional documents, biometrics, health examinations or character evidence. Applicants should monitor ImmiAccount and respond within any specified deadline.

If the visa is granted, the decision is issued in writing and identifies the visa grant number, commencement date and visa conditions. The visa is digitally linked to the passport. Visa holders can use VEVO to confirm their visa status, work rights and conditions.