VISA FOR TEMPORARY WORK

International Relations Visa (Subclass 403)

Overview

The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (Subclass 403) allows eligible individuals to work in Australia on a short-term basis under specific international agreements or arrangements.

This visa is suitable for applicants entering Australia under:

• Government-to-government agreements

• Diplomatic or consular arrangements

• Foreign government or international organisation roles

• Seasonal worker programs

Visa Aid provides structured guidance to ensure applications meet Australian immigration and compliance requirements.

Key Characteristics

With this visa, you may:

• Work temporarily in Australia under an approved stream

• Participate in international relations or government-supported programs

• Undertake approved work only for the sponsoring organisation

• Stay in Australia for the period approved under your specific stream

This is a temporary visa and does not provide an automatic pathway to permanent residency.

Streams Under Subclass 403

You may be eligible under one of the following streams:

Government Agreement Stream

For applicants entering Australia under a bilateral agreement between:

• The Australian Government, or

• A State or Territory Government, and

• A foreign government

Foreign Government Agency Stream

For individuals:

• Working for a foreign government agency

• Holding official DFAT-recognised status

• Including foreign language instructors in Australian schools

Privileges and Immunities Stream

For persons granted privileges and immunities under:

• Overseas Missions (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1995

• International Organisations (Privileges and Immunities) Act 1963

Seasonal Worker Programme Stream

For approved seasonal workers invited by an authorised Australian sponsor to work in eligible industries where local labour shortages exist.

Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible if:

• You meet the requirements of an approved Subclass 403 stream

• You have a valid nomination, sponsorship, or invitation where required

• You intend to stay temporarily and comply with visa conditions

Eligibility varies significantly depending on the stream.

Application Location Rules

• If applying in Australia, you must be in Australia when the visa is granted

• If applying outside Australia, you must be offshore at the time of grant

Only specific streams allow offshore applications.

Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream

To hire a domestic worker under Subclass 403:

• The employer must hold a Diplomatic (Subclass 995) visa

• Approval must be obtained from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)

• The worker must perform domestic duties only

• Employment contracts must comply with Australian workplace laws

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:

• Ensure the worker performs only approved duties

• Comply with Australian workplace and employment laws

• Notify DFAT of arrival and departure dates

• Ensure the worker leaves Australia when employment ends

Failure to meet obligations may affect future sponsorship eligibility.

Important Notes

• This is a short-term visa

• Visa conditions are strict and stream-specific

• Non-compliance can result in visa cancellation

Professional advice is strongly recommended before applying.

How Visa Aid Can Help

Visa Aid assists with:

• Eligibility assessment for the correct Subclass 403 stream

• Sponsorship and documentation review

• Compliance guidance for employers and applicants

• Application preparation and submission

Book a Consultation

Speak with Visa Aid to confirm eligibility and ensure your application meets Australian immigration requirements.