Australia Temporary Work Visa 2024 – Application process

The holder of this visa is authorized to perform non-permanent, short-term, highly specialized work in Australia. The visa holder may, under certain conditions, engage in work or participation in an activity that furthers Australia’s interests.

403 Visa Streams

Six sources are accessible via a 403 visa:

• Government Agreement Stream
• Foreign Government Agency Stream
• Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream
• Privileges and Immunities Stream
• Seasonal Worker Program Stream
• Pacific Labour Scheme Stream

Requirements for a 403 Visa

A list of required documents for a 403 visa application is as follows:

• Passport and identification: The following items are mandatory: a copy of your passport, proof of your name change in the documents, and, if applicable, a national identification card.
• Evidence of virtuous character: You must provide evidence absolving you of any criminal involvement or prior conviction.
• Financial records: You must provide proof that you have the financial means to support yourself and your family while in Australia.
• Partners’ records: Please provide the following documentation if accompanying your partner: proof of identity, character, marriage certificate, and evidence of a registered relationship, if applicable.
• Documents for children under the age of 18: You are required to present a copy of the child’s birth certificate, a parental consent form 1229, or a statutory declaration for individuals under the age of 18.
• Forms for dependent minors older than 18: If you have any dependent offspring older than 18, you must submit documentation of dependency and a completed Form 47a.
• Assist with documents: If application assistance is provided, please submit either  form 956 or form 956a

403 Visa Requirements According to the Specific Visa Stream

Documents required for the visa stream for which you are applying include the following:

• For the government agreement stream:
  • Work documents. Documentation demonstrating that you intend to operate by the bilateral agreement and specifics regarding the duration of your stay in Australia are required.
• For the foreign government agency stream:
  • Work documents. To secure employment in Australia, you are required to provide the following: a letter of support from your foreign ministry; a statement demonstrating the potential benefits that your employment in Australia could bring to the country; and a statement of support from an Australian educational institution, if you wish to work as an educator.
• For the domestic worker stream:
  • Work Confirmation. Please ensure that you include the confirmation letter from your supporter attesting to your intention to work in Australia with your application.
• For the seasonal worker program stream:
  • Sponsor documents. A transaction reference number or the application ID for your sponsor activity sponsorship is required.
• For the Pacific labor scheme stream:
  • PLS endorsement number. You will be endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs to register for a labor scheme; the DFAT will require you to submit the endorsement number.
  • Sponsor documents. You are required to provide a transaction reference number or the sponsor’s temporary activity sponsorship application ID.

Check Also: Australia Carer Visas Subclass 116 And Subclass 836 – Complete Guide

Document Checklist for Your Sponsor

To obtain a 403 visa for a Pacific Labor Scheme stream or a seasonal worker program, sponsorship is required; your sponsor must submit the following when nominating you:

• Evidence that they are the designated sponsor.
• Provide proof that they are a duly established legal organization or a government agency.

Benefits of Australia Temporary Work Visa:

• Employment Opportunities: Temporary work visas grant authorization for individuals to engage in employment within Australia for a designated duration. This allows them to acquire global work experience and become acquainted with the Australian labor market.
• Skill Enhancement: A temporary work visa that allows for employment in Australia may facilitate both professional and personal development. Opportunities may arise for individuals to gain fresh proficiencies, gain experience in varied work settings, and augment their overall marketability.
• Securing employment stability: Work visas temporarily ensure a degree of employment stability throughout the visa’s term. Individuals in search of project-based employment or specialized work experience may find this advantageous.
• Contribution to the economy of Australia: By filling labor gaps, temporary laborers contribute to the Australian economy, especially in sectors experiencing skill shortages. This scenario has the potential to benefit both the employee and the Australian employer.
• Promotion of Networking Opportunities: Working in Australia offers the opportunity to establish and maintain professional connections within the domestic sector. Through collaborations and prospective career opportunities, networking can be extremely beneficial.
• Cultural Involvement: Working and residing in Australia provides the opportunity to acquire a deeper understanding of the country and its people through cultural immersion. Individually, this cultural exposure may be enlightening.
• Possible Routes to Permanent Residency: Certain temporary work visas might act as avenues for obtaining permanent residency. The Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa, for instance, enables skilled workers to transition to permanent residency following a minimum employment period.
• Healthcare Accessibility: Temporary visa holders in Australia are frequently granted coverage for essential medical services through the country’s healthcare system.
• Travel Possibilities: Those in possession of a transient work visa are allowed to travel to various regions and experience the varied landscapes of Australia in their spare time.
• Ancestral Family Reunion: Certain temporary work visas permit the visa holder’s family members to accompany them to Australia. For those who want to travel with their family members, this may be advantageous.
• Diverse Places of Employment: Australia boasts a multifaceted economy, wherein transitory work visas might be accessible in healthcare, information technology, agriculture, and other sectors. This variety enables people to select a profession that corresponds with their particular abilities and passions.

Government Agreement Stream

Application for this stream is contingent upon the existence of a bilateral agreement between your nation and Australia. A government agreement stream permits employment on the condition that you adhere to particular terms and conditions, and this visa is valid for a maximum of two years in Australia.

Processing Times for Government Agreement Stream

The duration of processing for this visa stream is from 71 days to 5 months. Within five months, the majority of applications are completed.

Foreign Government Agency Stream

This visa 403 pathway enables employment in Australia within particular industries. One could, for instance, pursue employment as a foreign language instructor or a diplomatic envoy for an overseas government. This visa 403 stream permits a maximum four-year stay in Australia.

Processing Times for Foreign Government Agency Stream

The processing time for a foreign government agency stream visa 403 is between seven and three months.

Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream

A 403 visa variety known as the “domestic worker stream” grants authorization to perform domestic duties on behalf of an employer who possesses a Diplomatic visa–subclass 995. You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for this visa stream.

Upon issuance, your domestic stream is valid for 12 months; thereafter, its validity is extended until your employer completes their assignment in Australia.

Processing Times for Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream

Processing timeframes are currently unavailable for the visa 403 stream. However, bear in mind that if you fail to submit all the necessary documents, your application process will be delayed.

Privileges and Immunities Stream

Applicants who qualify for this visa stream possess specific legal privileges and immunities. A privileges and immunities stream enables individuals to remain in Australia until their posting as an international representative, with the backing and assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Processing Times for Privileges and Immunities Stream

Processing time for a privileges and immunities stream visa can range from 65 days to four months; the majority of applications are completed within four months.

Seasonal Worker Program Stream

Applying for a work visa 403, which is a seasonal worker program stream, is possible if you intend to engage in temporary employment in Australia. You must be sponsored by an individual participating in the transitory activities sponsorship program to obtain this visa.

One may remain in Australia for a maximum of nine months on a seasonal labor visa.

Processing Times for Seasonal Worker Program Stream

Typically, a seasonal labor stream is processed within twenty days. Certain applications might be processed in a few days less than the typical twenty.

Pacific Labour Scheme Stream

Those who will be working in rural and regional areas of Australia and have an eligible sponsor are eligible to register for a Pacific Labour Scheme stream. A Pacific labor stream permits a maximum three-year stay in Australia.

Processing Times for Pacific Labour Scheme Stream

In most cases, a Pacific labor scheme is processed within nine to thirteen days. If an element is omitted from your application, however, the processing time could be extended.

Application Process for Visa 403

An online application for a 403 visa is required through the ImmiAccount. After logging into your existing account or creating a new one, the necessary documents can be attached. It is important to note that the application fee must be paid before the application is processed.

In the case of a Pacific Labor Stream or seasonal worker visa, an invitation and nomination from your sponsor are prerequisites before visa application. When submitting your application, the transaction reference number will be necessary.

How Much Does a 403 Visa Cost?

Visa 403 expenses are AUD315. The privileges and immunities stream, on the other hand, is provided at no cost. Kindly note that additional fees are applicable for each family member who applies in conjunction with you.

Can I Bring My Family Members With a 403 Visa?

Family members are only permitted when an applicant is pursuing one of the following visa 403 streams:

1. Government agreement stream.
2. Foreign government agency stream.
3. Privileges and immunities stream.

Is Visa 403 Permanent?

No, this visa is transitory; its duration is contingent upon the stream for which you applied.

Can I Get Permanent Residency With a 403 Visa?

A 403 visa is ineligible for permanent resident visa applications. Visa 403 is granted exclusively temporarily to foster and fortify diplomatic ties. International representatives depart Australia to return to their home countries once their visa 403 has expired.

To apply for a permanent visa, one must do so individually, specifically for either a permanent family visa or a permanent labor visa.

Frequently Asked Questions: