403 Visa (Temporary Work)

About the 403 Visa Australia

The 403 visa is a temporary visa allowing individuals to come to Australia under one of five streams to engage in work or activities that benefit Australia.

The five (5) streams are:

• Government Agreement
• Foreign Government Agency
• Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular)
• Privileges and Immunities
• Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM)

Government Agreement Stream

For individuals coming to Australia under a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government and another government. This stream ensures that you can work here according to the terms of the agreement. Among the requirements are:

• Proof of engagement under a bilateral agreement between Australia and another country
• Hold a temporary substantive visa except a transit visa or special purpose visa
• No need for a sponsor, but you must have the support of the agreement’s signatories

Foreign Government Agency Stream

If you’re to be employed by a foreign government agency, this stream allows you to work in Australia as a foreign language teacher or as a foreign government representative but with no official status. Its key conditions are:

• A letter of support from a foreign government agency or an Australian school, if applying as a foreign language teacher
• Hold a temporary substantive visa except a transit visa or special purpose visa
• Your employment must be of benefit to Australia, such as local business expansion, employment generation, training opportunities, etc.

Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream

This is for domestic workers intending to work in the private household of an individual who’s a Diplomatic visa holder under subclass 995. You must fulfil the following requirements:

• Secure a letter of support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Have a contract of employment that satisfies Australian labour laws
• Requires an interview with the Department regarding your qualifications

Privileges and Immunities Stream

Designed for individuals with privileges and immunities under Australia’s International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act or the Overseas Missions (Privileges and Immunities) Act. Its core criteria include:

• Obtain a letter of support and recommendation from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Continuous employment from an employer in a position listed in a relevant legislations for privileges immunities
• Must have held a temporary substantive visa except a transit visa, special purpose visa, and 403 visa under the domestic worker stream

Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Stream

Supports Australia’s economic links with Pacific and Timor-Leste, allowing citizens from these regions to take up low and semi-skilled work opportunities in regional and rural Australia. Specific requirements are:

• Applicants must have a Temporary Activity Sponsor approved by the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations
• Must be a citizen/resident of Timor Leste and other Pacific island countries such as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Samoa
• Be at least 21 years of age and skilled in the specific occupation applying for

Subclass 403 Visa Conditions Applicable to All Streams

Each 403 subclass visa has their individual eligibility criteria, but there are also certain 403 visa Australia requirements that are applicable to all streams, which are the following:

• Satisfy the specific criteria and conditions of your visa subclass 403 stream
• Meet the health and character checks
• You must have sufficient 403 visa health insurance coverage for the entirety of your stay
• You must be a genuine temporary entrant who only intends to remain in Australia only for the purpose of your visa and its specified length of stay
• You must not have visa refusal or cancellation history and must have paid debt to AU Government, if any
• Application must be lodged online and can be done so in or outside Australia, except under the Domestic Worker stream, which should be lodged online but outside Australia

Visa 403 Australia Processing Time, Fees, & Length of Stay

Subclass 403 visa Australia cost and processing time vary per stream. The table below represents 75 to 90 percent of applications processed. Not needless to say, these are all subject to change. Refer to the Department’s official website or contact us for up-to-date advice.

Parish Patience as Your Immigration Partner

Why choose Parish Patience for your 403 visa application? Here’s what virtually sets us apart:

Expert Guidance

Our immigration experts have a deep understanding of the 403 visa requirements and processes for tailored advice that aligns with your specific situation.

Comprehensive Support

From paperwork to preparation for your visa interview, we provide end-to-end support throughout your application journey.

Transparent Communication

We keep you informed at every step and aim to demystify the complexities of immigration law with clear, understandable language.

Proven Success

Our track record of successful visa lodgements speaks volumes about our persistence and dedication to achieving the best outcomes for our clients.

Personal Touch

You’re not just another case to us. We take the time to understand your needs and aspirations and strive to deliver personalised service that makes all the difference.