Temporary Work Visa Support for Skilled Professionals
The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) facilitates Australia’s engagement in strategic international agreements, foreign government representation, diplomatic arrangements, and global mobility schemes. Designed for individuals working under formal international frameworks, this visa supports a range of diplomatic, governmental, and bilateral initiatives.
Choosing Your Temporary Work Pathway
Whether you are a foreign government official, a participant in a labour mobility arrangement, or a domestic worker supporting a diplomat, the 403 visa provides a lawful pathway to live and work in Australia while contributing to international relations and cooperation.
The 403 visa is available under the following streams:
Government Agreement Stream
- For foreign nationals working under a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government (or a state/territory government) and the government of another country.
- Must be engaged in an activity or employment governed by a formal international agreement.
Foreign Government Agency Stream
- Allows foreign government employees to engage in work such as foreign language teaching or representing agencies that do not have official status in Australia.
- Requires sponsorship and appropriate diplomatic endorsement.
Domestic Worker (Diplomatic Or Consular) Stream
- Permits individuals to undertake full-time domestic work in the household of a holder of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995).
- Applicants must be outside Australia at time of first application.
Privileges And Immunities Stream
- For international representatives entitled to privileges and immunities under Australian legislation, with support from DFAT.
- Must be engaged in work aligned with international representation and protected under law.
Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Stream
- Supports workers from participating Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste to work in agriculture, hospitality, aged-care and other sectors.
- Must be employed by an approved PALM scheme employer.
Mobility Arrangement For Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES)
- Facilitates entry for Indian graduates and early-career professionals selected through a ballot system.
- Must be selected under the MATES program ballot.