Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) stream 403
Short and long-term work for Pacific and Timor-Leste workers recruited by approved employers.
In force
Who it is for
Citizens and residents of participating Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste recruited by an approved PALM employer, mainly in agriculture, meat processing, care and tourism.
Main requirements
- Approved to take part in PALM, with an offer of a PALM placement and a recruitment approval letter.
- Sponsor approved as a temporary activities sponsor and a PALM employer.
- Health insurance, genuine temporary stay, health and character.
Where you apply from
Outside Australia, with limited exceptions for current PALM workers.
Your journey, step by step
From the first enquiry to the decision and after, with how a registered migration agent helps at each step. No step promises an outcome.
- Recruitment
Through your home country's labour-sending unit and the employer.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains workers' rights and free government support. - Visa application
Lodge with the recruitment approval and pay the charge.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent advises employers on sponsorship. - Work and return
Work only under the PALM contract and return home at the end.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent explains later visa options.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$365 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$355 |
| Family member under 18 | A$85 |
Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| PALM | 50% in 15 days, 90% in 30 days |
|---|
Common refusal reasons
- Missing endorsement or sponsor details.
- Genuine temporary stay concerns.
- Health or character.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Application
Recent and upcoming changes
No recent changes are listed for this visa. Check the Home Affairs page for the latest information.
Talk it through before you apply.
The first 15 minutes are free and general. Personal advice starts after a written service agreement.
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice for your situation. Rules and charges change; check the official sources before you act.