Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa
(Subclass 403)
The Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa is for individuals seeking entry into Australia for specific activities related to international relations. This encompasses diplomatic work, participation in government-sponsored programs, or fulfilling other international obligations.
The visa provides a temporary stay in Australia, allowing individuals to actively contribute to international relations efforts during their time in the country.
To apply for a Subclass 403 Visa, you will first require a formal invitation, nomination, or sponsorship from either the Australian government or a foreign government agency.
The invitation may pertain to diplomatic missions, government programs, or international relations activities, including programs under Free Trade Agreements.
The Subclass 403 Visa comprises various streams, each with its distinctive eligibility criteria.
Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP)
Created by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement, the IECSEP provides two new pathways for UK citizens to access a short-term working visa for Australia.
The pilot program is currently open until 30 June 2025. There are two available pathways; the Early Careers stream and the Innovation stream.
Early Careers
To be eligible under this stream, applicants must:
- Be between 21-45 years of age
- Have completed a tertiary qualification (this can include trades)
- Demonstrate at least 3 months’ work experience that is relevant to the prospective occupation in Australia, at ANZSCO Skill level 1-3.
- Prove they have a legitimate job offer
- Evidence at least AU$5,000 in savings
Visas under this stream can be granted for up to 12 months.
Innovation Stream
To be eligible under this stream, applicants must show that they are highly skilled and experienced, with a demonstrated contribution to innovation. They must also:
- Have a firm job offer in an occupation at ANZSCO Skill level 1.
- Be able to show $5,000 in savings
- Provide evidence of their work experience, accolades, and innovation in their field.
There is no age limit for the Innovation stream.
Visas granted under this stream can be valid for up to 3 years.
Benefits and Restrictions
- Applicants can be inside or outside of Australia to apply for a visa under the IECSEP program
- There is no limit on occupation, as long as it falls into the ANZSCO skill level classifications required
- Part-time work is acceptable
- Employing businesses do not need a Standard Business Sponsorship, undertake labour market testing, incur the Skilling Australia Fund levy, or pay a wage equivalent to TSMIT. No employer sponsorship is required.
- This visa cannot be renewed, and only one visa can be granted per applicant under the pilot program.
- It is not possible to include family members in the application. Adult family members can apply for their own visa under the pilot, if eligible.
Skills Development Exchange Pilot (SDE Pilot)
Developed by DFAT in line with the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, this pilot program is for Indonesian and Australian organisations to send employees for work placements in the other country of up to 12 months at a time.
The SDE Pilot program is currently open to 30 June 2028.
Workplace Requirements
Businesses in Australia can access workers from a related Indonesian business to undertake a work placement in the following sectors:
- Agribusiness and food processing
- Creative economy
- Financial and insurance services
- Green economy
- Information media and telecommunications services
- Mining, engineering and related technical services
- Tourism and travel related services
Businesses can be related via shared ownership, as a branch of the same organisation, established partnership arrangements, or within certain Australian-Indonesian membership groups.
The role on offer must be defined as ANZSCO Skill level 1-3.
Applicant Requirements
To be eligible to apply under the SDE Pilot, applicants must:
- be located outside Australia
- be over 18 years of age (there is no maximum age)
- evidence current employment on a full-time basis with the sending organisation
- have sufficient skills and experience for the role
- satisfy any licensing, registration, or certification requirements, if in a regulated occupation
- demonstrate adequate language proficiency
- provide supporting letters from the Indonesian and Australian organisations
Family members cannot be included in the application.
It is possible to obtain a further 403 visa under this program, however, Indonesian applicants must first return to their original place of employment before re-applying. It is not possible to renew a visa under this pilot while still in Australia.
Host Company Obligations
Employing businesses do not need a Standard Business Sponsorship, undertake labour market testing, incur the Skilling Australia Fund levy, or pay a wage equivalent to TSMIT.
However, they are responsible for organising and paying certain costs, including:
- travel costs
- fees for formal training to be undertaken during the placement
- a salary consistant with local workers
- private health insurance
- workplace insurance, where applicable
A declaration that the business will meet the above is required as part of the application process.