The Temporary Work International Relations Visa (Subclass 403) facilitates international relations activities, diplomatic missions, cultural exchange, and Australia’s commitment to global connections in a globalized era.
Visa 403 is designed for individuals tasked by the Australian government to engage in specific international relations activities.
This visa allows temporary employment in Australia under beneficial international relations conditions, allowing limited stay up to the work or activity’s allocated time.
To apply for a Temporary Work International Relations Visa, specify your eligible stream and consider specific criteria. See the list of required documents for the Visa 403 application.
Types of Visa Streams Available for Temporary Work International Relations Visa
The Temporary Work International Relations Visa contains 5 different streams, each catering to a specific type of work or activity. The following are the streams covered by this visa subclass:
- Stream of Government Agreement
- Foreign Government Agency Stream
- Stream of Domestic Workers (Diplomatic or Consular)
- Stream of Privileges and Immunities
- Pacific Labor Scheme Stream
Now hang on tight while we dive right into these streams one after the other. Make sure you take your time to carefully go through the eligibility section!
Stream of Government Agreements
Foreign Government Agency stream allows a person to work in Australia under the provisions of a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government and another country’s government. You can stay for as long as we indicate in your visa grant notification, which might be up to two years.
This visa stream costs about AUD355.00 and the processing period lasts for about 24 days.
What makes you Eligible?
- Having the financial means to sustain yourself and any dependent family members accompanying you to Australia.
- You and any family members over the age of 16 who apply for a visa with you must meet our character requirements.
- You and any family members who apply for this visa with you must satisfy the Australian health requirements.
- To carry out the work or activity specified in your visa application, you must actually have a plan to visit Australia for a brief period of time.
- if you have previously had a visa canceled or an application refused, you may not be eligible for this visa.
- If you are applying in Australia, you must have a temporary functional visa or have held one within the last 28 days.
- Your stay in Australia must be approved by both signatories to the bilateral agreement under which you are working. You do not require a sponsor.
- Be involved under the provisions of a bilateral agreement between Australia or an Australian state or territory government and another country. For further information click here.
Stream of Foreign Government Agency
You are able to travel to Australia using this visa stream for specific objectives. As a representative of a foreign government agency or as a foreign government official, you could work in Australia. You may stay for up to four years, as stated in the notification we sent you when we granted your visa.
This visa stream costs about AUD355.00 and the processing period lasts for about 4 months.
What makes you Eligible?
- A letter of endorsement from a foreign government agency, ministry, mission, or international organization is required.
- If you applied as a foreign language teacher, you must additionally include a letter of recommendation from an Australian school or state or territory education body.
- You must be able to support yourself and any dependent family members who accompany you to Australia.
- Having the financial means to sustain yourself and any dependent family members accompanying you to Australia.
- You and any family members over the age of 16 who apply for a visa with you must meet our character requirements.
- You and any family members who apply for this visa with you must satisfy the Australian health requirements.
- To carry out the work or activity specified in your visa application, you must actually have a plan to visit Australia for a brief period of time.
- If you have previously had a visa canceled or an application refused, you may not be eligible for this visa.
- If you are applying in Australia, you must have a temporary functional visa or have held one within the last 28 days.
- Work as a representative of a foreign government agency who will not be granted official status in Australia by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), or as a foreign language instructor employed by a foreign government in an Australian school.
- To be granted this visa, you must have acceptable health coverage for the duration of your stay. Your insurance should cover medically necessary therapy, including transportation.
- Australia should benefit from your work there. Your work should not be detrimental to Australian residents and will help one of the following:
- Promotion and maintenance of good international trade relations.
- Introduction and transfer of new skills and technology.
- Enhanced job and training opportunities for Australians.
Stream of Domestic Workers (Diplomatic or Consular)
People with this visa type are able to work in Australia as temporary full-time domestic workers in the home of another individual who has a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995).
You must be at least 18 years old. Usually, your initial visa is valid for a maximum of 12 months. Usually, a second visa is still valid for as long as your employer is working there. Until the date listed in your visa approval notice, you are welcome to stay in Australia.
This visa stream costs about AUD355.00 and the processing period lasts for about 30 months.
What makes you Eligible?
- You must be 18 years old and above to participate.
- A letter expressing endorsement from the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is required.
- You must be able to afford the cost of supporting yourself while in Australia.
- We need to meet with you at your nearest Australian mission (if applying from outside Australia) or the Department of Home Affairs office (if applying from within Australia) to confirm your identification, employment details, and to review your documentation.
- You must already have a Temporary Work International Relations visa (subclass 403) in the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular Stream) if you apply from within Australia.
- To be granted this visa, you must have acceptable health coverage for the duration of your stay. Your insurance should cover medically necessary therapy, including transportation.
- Pay and working conditions must comply with appropriate Australian legislation and awards.
- You must intend to work full-time as a domestic worker in an Australian household with a Diplomatic visa (subclass 995).
- Anyone working in Australia is subject to standard Australian workplace laws.
- You and any family members over the age of 16 who apply for a visa with you must meet our character requirements.
- You and any family members who apply for this visa with you must satisfy the Australian health requirements.
- To carry out the work or activity specified in your visa application, you must actually have a plan to visit Australia for a brief period of time.
- If you have previously had a visa canceled or an application refused, you may not be eligible for this visa.
Stream of Privileges and Immunities
The privileges and Immunities stream allows you to visit Australia if you are granted or expect to be granted privileges and immunities under applicable legislation. This visa allows you to stay in Australia while working as an international agent. You may stay for the period of time specified in your visa grant letter. This is typically when you function as a diplomatic representative with the support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)).
This visa stream is given for FREE and the processing period lasts for about 69 days.
What makes you Eligible?
- You must have a letter of recommendation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to be awarded the visa.
- You must maintain your employment:
- By the employer for whom you were granted the visa to work in a position with the rights and immunities specified in the relevant legislation.
- You must carry out the work or activity that was mentioned in your visa application.
- Anyone working in Australia is subject to standard Australian workplace laws.
- You and any family members over the age of 16 who apply for a visa with you must meet our character requirements.
- You and any family members who apply for this visa with you must satisfy the Australian health requirements.
- To be granted this visa, you must have acceptable health coverage for the duration of your stay. Your insurance should cover medically necessary therapy, including transportation.
- You must have an actual plan to stay in Australia briefly to conduct the work or activity indicated in your visa application.
- If you have previously had a visa canceled or an application refused, you may not be eligible for this visa.
- enjoy or expect to enjoy privileges and immunities.
- These privileges and immunities must be listed under the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) Act of 1963.
Stream of Labor Mobility in Pacific Australia
This visa 403 authorizes you to come to Australia in order to take part in the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) initiative. You can stay for as long as we indicate in your visa grant notification, which might be up to four years.
This visa stream costs about AUD355.00 and the processing period lasts for about 22 days.
What makes you Eligible?
- You must have an actual plan to stay in Australia briefly to conduct the work or activity indicated in your visa application.
- If you have previously had a visa canceled or an application refused, you may not be eligible for this visa.
- You must satisfy our character requirements.
- You must satisfy the Australian health requirements.
- To be granted this visa, you must have acceptable health coverage for the duration of your stay. Your insurance should cover medically necessary therapy, including transportation.
- You must be a minimum of 21 years old before you can apply.
- You must be a citizen and resident of one of the Pacific Island countries listed.
- To participate in the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme, you must be supported by DFAT.
- Before you apply for a visa, you must meet DFAT’s eligibility standards for the PALM scheme, which include a minimum age requirement, acceptable abilities for the work, English language skills appropriate to the duties to be performed, and good character. In addition, you must have secured an Offer of Employment for a work placement. Your sponsor will give you a DFAT Recruitment endorsement number, which you will need to submit your online application.
- You need a sponsor and your sponsor needs:
- The DFAT approval to participate in the PALM scheme.
- Be a Temporary Activities Sponsor (TAS) that has been approved.
- You will also need your sponsor’s TAS application ID to submit your online application.
Charting the Temporary Work International Relations Visa Application Process
The journey towards securing the Temporary Work International Relations Visa (Subclass 403) is a strategic process that involves several crucial steps:
- Invitation or Sponsorship: The first step entails securing an invitation or sponsorship from an eligible entity, such as an Australian government agency or a foreign government agency.
- Visa Application: Upon receiving the invitation or sponsorship, the applicant submits a comprehensive visa application, substantiating their intent and providing comprehensive details about the proposed international relations activities.
Australia’s Position in Global Diplomacy
Through the Temporary Work International Relations Visa (Subclass 403), Australia positions itself as a proactive contributor to global diplomacy. By extending a warm welcome to skilled individuals engaging in international relations activities, Australia plays a pivotal role in fostering relationships, cultivating goodwill, and contributing to a more united world.
The Temporary Work International Relations Visa (subclass 403) presents a dynamic avenue for individuals and organizations to engage in international initiatives, furthering professional growth, fostering cross-cultural ties, and contributing to diplomatic pursuits. As you go on this journey, the world becomes your stage, enabling you to foster collaborations that surpass borders and create a chain of global cooperation
FAQs About Temporary Work International Relations Visa (subclass 403)
Q: Is it possible to apply for this visa without sponsorship?
A: No, the Temporary Work International Relations Visa (subclass 403) mandates sponsorship by an eligible organization or entity, ensuring that the intended activities align with the broader international relations goals.
Q: What is the duration of stay under this visa?
A: The duration of stay varies based on the nature of the activity and the specific stream under which you apply. It is essential to adhere to the conditions specified in your visa grant to ensure compliance.
Q: Can I apply for this visa while residing in Australia?
A: Yes, you can initiate the application process for the Temporary Work International Relations Visa (subclass 403) while you’re present in Australia, provided you satisfy the prescribed eligibility criteria.
Q: Is health insurance mandatory for this visa?
A: Yes, maintaining comprehensive health insurance coverage during your stay in Australia is obligatory, ensuring that you have access to necessary medical care as needed.
Q: Can my family accompany me on this visa?
A: Depending on the stream and your sponsoring organization, your family members may be eligible to apply for the visa under specific circumstances, fostering a cohesive family experience.
Q: Can I change my sponsor after obtaining this visa?
A: While changing sponsors is possible, it involves following the specific procedures outlined by the Department of Home Affairs, ensuring a seamless transition between affiliations.