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Subclass 403 International Relations Visa Australia 2026: Streams and Work Rights
The Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) is a stream-based temporary visa for specific work and activities that support Australia's international relations. It does not have one uniform set of eligibility or stay rules.
Current subclass 403 streams
Home Affairs currently lists streams including Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular), Privileges and Immunities, Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM), and the Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES).
Official source: Department of Home Affairs — subclass 403.
Government Agreement stream
This stream covers work under a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government or an Australian state or territory government and another country. The stay can be up to four years depending on the agreement and grant. The support of the relevant signatories is required rather than ordinary employer sponsorship.
PALM stream
The PALM stream permits eligible citizens and residents of participating Pacific countries to work for an approved PALM scheme employer. Current Home Affairs information provides for up to nine months for a short-term contract or up to four years for a long-term contract.
MATES stream
The MATES stream is for selected Indian graduates and early-career professionals and can permit living and working in Australia for up to two years. Applicants must first be selected through the applicable ballot process before applying.
Other streams have different settings
Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker and Privileges and Immunities streams operate under their own criteria, supporting documents and stay periods. For example, the first Domestic Worker stream visa can allow up to 12 months, while Foreign Government Agency cases can allow up to four years.
For adjacent temporary-activity options, see Subclass 407 Training visa.
See also Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa.
