Temporary Work (International Relations) visa 403
Work under government agreements, for foreign government agencies, as a domestic worker for a diplomat, or with privileges and immunities. MATES and PALM are separate guides.
In force
Who it is for
People coming to work in Australia in roles linked to Australia's international relations. Streams covered here: Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) and Privileges and Immunities. The MATES and Pacific Australia Labour Mobility streams have their own guides.
Main requirements
- Government Agreement: engaged under a bilateral agreement between an Australian government and a foreign government, with the support of both signatories; licensing or registration met; the work benefits Australia. No sponsor needed.
- Foreign Government Agency: a letter of support from a foreign government agency, foreign national government or recognised international organisation; foreign language teachers also need support from an Australian school or education authority.
- Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular): aged 18 or over, a letter of support from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, a contract that meets Australian workplace law, full-time domestic work in the household of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa (subclass 995) holder, and an interview.
- Privileges and Immunities: hold, or expect to hold, privileges and immunities under the relevant Acts, with a DFAT letter recommending the grant.
- Enough money to support yourself and any family; health, character and a genuine temporary stay.
- If applying in Australia, hold (or recently have held) a temporary substantive visa other than a Domestic Worker stream 403, a Transit visa or a Special Purpose visa (Government Agreement: within 28 days; Foreign Government Agency and Privileges and Immunities: within 12 months).
Where you apply from
Government Agreement and Privileges and Immunities: in or outside Australia. Foreign Government Agency: in or outside Australia, not in immigration clearance. Domestic Worker: first visa outside Australia; a further Domestic Worker visa can be lodged in Australia (not in immigration clearance).
Streams
| Stream | Who it is for | Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Government Agreement | Work under a bilateral government agreement. | As in the grant notice, up to 4 years |
| Foreign Government Agency | Representatives of foreign government agencies without official status, and foreign language teachers employed by a foreign government in an Australian school. | As in the grant notice, up to 4 years |
| Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) | Full-time domestic workers in the household of a Diplomatic (Temporary) visa holder. Family cannot be included. | Up to 12 months on the first visa; further visas as in the DFAT support letter |
| Privileges and Immunities | International representatives with privileges and immunities, supported by DFAT. | As in the grant letter, usually while you remain an international representative |
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.
- First enquiry
You tell us your current visa, where you are, your family and any past refusals or cancellations.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent identifies your current visa, its conditions and expiry, and any early risk. - Confirm the stream and support
Identify the agreement, agency or DFAT support behind the role.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks which stream fits and what support letter is needed. - Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed. - Support letter and contract
Obtain the signatory, agency, school or DFAT letter and, for domestic workers, a lawful employment contract.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent checks the contract meets Australian workplace law. - Lodge
Lodge online from the correct location.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent lodges and tracks requests, including any interview. - Health, police and biometrics
Health examinations, police certificates and biometrics when the Department asks.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent tracks every request and deadline so nothing lapses. - Grant and stay
Work only as allowed by the stream. A further 403 in the same stream is possible where you still meet the criteria.
How a registered migration agent helpsA registered migration agent plans further applications before expiry.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
Paid to the Department of Home Affairs, not to us.
| Applicant or item | Charge (A$) |
|---|---|
| Government Agreement and Foreign Government Agency, main applicant | A$470 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$470 |
| Family member under 18 | A$120 |
| Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular), main applicant | A$470 |
| Privileges and Immunities | Nil |
The charge may be nil for holders of a diplomatic, official or service passport with a third person note of support from their government. A lower charge applies to eligible Pacific Island and Timor-Leste citizens. Check every charge in the Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.
Processing times
Home Affairs visa processing time guide. Privileges and Immunities: processing times not available. Read 22 October 2026. A guide only, not a promise.
| Government Agreement | 50% in 12 days, 90% in 45 days |
|---|---|
| Foreign Government Agency | 50% in 50 days, 90% in 4 months |
| Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) | 50% in 27 days, 90% in 78 days |
Common refusal reasons
- No valid support letter from the signatories, agency or DFAT.
- The role does not benefit Australia or does not fit the stream.
- Domestic worker contract below Australian legal standards.
- Applying in Australia on an excluded visa.
- Doubts about a genuine temporary stay.
Document checklist
Tick items as you gather them. Your ticks stay on this device only.
- Identity
- Support
- Other
Recent and upcoming changes
- 1 July 2026
Charges rose: main applicant A$470 for the Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency and Domestic Worker streams.
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.