About the Subclass 403 Visa
The Temporary (International Relations) Visa (Subclass 403) allows individuals to come to Australia for specific types of work or activities that strengthen Australia’s international relations. This visa is generally used for diplomatic work, government agreements, or seasonal labour programs.
Available Streams
The Subclass 403 visa is divided into several streams, each with specific requirements:
- Government Agreement Stream: For work under a bilateral agreement between the Australian Government and a foreign government.
- Foreign Government Agency Stream: For representatives of foreign governments who do not have official status in Australia.
- Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream: For domestic workers in the households of diplomats or consular officers.
- Privileges and Immunities Stream: For individuals with privileges and immunities under relevant Australian legislation.
- Seasonal Worker Program Stream: For workers participating in approved seasonal work programs.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- Be invited or sponsored by an approved organisation (where applicable).
- Meet the specific requirements of your chosen stream.
- Provide evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Hold adequate health insurance for the duration of your visit.
- Meet Australia’s strict health and character requirements.
2026 Cost of Application
As of April 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has updated the Base Application Charges. Fees vary by stream; however, the standard costs are outlined below:
| Applicant Type | Base Application Charge (AUD) |
| Primary Applicant | $375 |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | $375 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | $95 |
Note: Surcharges apply for payments made via Mobile wallets or credit cards. Current rates include 1.40% for Visa/Mastercard and 1.01% for PayPal.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 403 visa depend on the specific stream and the volume of applications. Based on the 2026 percentile benchmarks, current estimates are:
- 50% of applications: Processed within 14 days.
- 90% of applications: Processed within 33 days.
Highly complete applications with front-loaded medical and character checks typically see faster results. Ensure your application is "decision-ready" to avoid delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include my family on a Subclass 403 visa?
This depends on the stream. Most streams allow you to include members of the family unit, such as partners and dependent children, provided the relevant international agreement or program permits it.
Is health insurance mandatory?
Yes. You must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia. Failure to do so can result in visa cancellation.
Can I work for other employers?
No. You are generally restricted to the work or activity specified in your visa application and must continue to meet the requirements of the stream under which your visa was granted.
Do I need to provide biometrics?
Applicants from certain locations may be required to provide biometrics (fingerprints and a digital photo) at a designated collection point.
