Temporary Work (International Relations)
Visa (Subclass 403)
Temporary stay for specific international objectives.
The Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 403) allows eligible individuals to temporarily live and work in Australia under specific international relations arrangements. The visa is designed for short-term assignments, diplomatic work, or domestic support for certain visa holders.
Streams of Subclass 403 Visa
The visa has several distinct streams — each with different eligibility and conditions:
- Government Agreement Stream — for individuals working under a formal bilateral agreement between Australia (or an Australian State/Territory) and a foreign government.
- Foreign Government Agency Stream — for persons employed by a recognised foreign government agency or international organisation; may include foreign‑language teachers employed by foreign governments in Australian schools.
- Domestic Worker (Diplomatic/Consular) Stream — for domestic workers employed by holders of temporary diplomatic/consular visas (for example staff in diplomatic households).
- Privileges and Immunities Stream — for individuals entitled to specified privileges or immunities under relevant international‑organisations or diplomatic/mission legislation.
- Other Labour‑Mobility / Seasonal / Migration‑Program Streams — where Australia and partner countries or territories operate schemes under the 403 framework (for example, certain seasonal‑worker or regional‑labour‑mobility programs, depending on agreements).
Each stream carries its own rules, conditions and eligibility requirements.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To apply for a 403 visa, depending on stream, you generally need to meet:
- Valid support or agreement under the relevant bilateral agreement, foreign government agency, diplomatic household, or authorised international organisation (not a standard job‑offer).
- For onshore applicants (if applying from within Australia), holding a valid substantive temporary visa (not a bridging, transit or previous 403 where prohibited) at time of application.
- Fulfilment of health, character, and identity requirements (medical checks, police certificates, etc.).
- Evidence of financial ability or support to sustain yourself (and any dependents, if allowed) while in Australia for the visa duration.
- Genuine intention to stay temporarily, undertaking only the approved work/activity under your visa grant.
Note: Not all streams permit dependents or family members. If family inclusion is relevant, ensure the grant letter or agreement explicitly allows it before promising to bring dependents.
FAQs About
Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403)
What is a Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403)?
The Subclass 403 visa allows individuals to temporarily live and work in Australia for specific purposes such as diplomatic assignments, international relations work, or domestic support. It includes several streams:
Government Agreement Stream – For temporary work under bilateral agreements.
Foreign Government Agency Stream – For representatives of foreign governments without official status.
Domestic Worker Stream – For domestic support of Diplomatic visa holders.
Privileges and Immunities Stream – For personnel enjoying certain diplomatic privileges.
Who is eligible for a Subclass 403 visa?
Eligibility requires:
Sponsorship from an approved organization or entity.
Meeting Australia’s health and character requirements.
Sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay.
How to apply for a Subclass 403 visa?
Applications are submitted online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Required documents typically include:
Valid passport and identity proof
Sponsorship documentation from the approving organization
Evidence of funds and health insurance
Other documents specific to the stream applied for
Processing times
Visa processing times vary depending on the stream, application completeness, and individual circumstances. Check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for up-to-date information.
