Foreign Government Agency

The Foreign Government Agency stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) allows people to come to Australia to represent a foreign government agency that does not have official status in Australia — such as a trade, tourism or cultural office — or to teach a foreign language in an Australian school as an employee of a foreign government.

🌐 Who is this visa for?

This stream covers two main groups: representatives of foreign government agencies that are not entitled to diplomatic or official status in Australia, and foreign language teachers employed by a foreign government to teach in Australian schools. In both cases, the applicant continues to be employed and supported by the foreign government or its agency during their stay.

✅ Eligibility requirements

• Be employed by, or represent, a foreign government agency — or be employed by a foreign government to teach a foreign language in an Australian school
• Hold a letter of support for your role in Australia
• Be able to support yourself and any dependants during your stay
• Genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily
• Meet health and character requirements, with adequate health insurance for your stay

📅 How long can you stay?

This stream allows a stay of up to 4 years, depending on your role and the period requested in your letter of support.

👥 Can family members be included?

Yes — members of your immediate family can be included in your application. Each family member must meet health and character requirements, and you must be able to support them during your stay.

💲 Visa application charge

The visa application charge for the Foreign Government Agency stream is AUD $470 for the main applicant, with an additional charge for each family member aged 18 or over (fees are indexed on 1 July each year — check the current charge before applying).

🔀 Other subclass 403 streams

The subclass 403 visa also includes the Government Agreement stream, the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) stream, the MATES stream, the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream and the Privileges and Immunities stream. Learn more on our subclass 403 visa page.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Do I need an Australian employer or sponsor?
No. You remain employed by the foreign government or its agency — there is no requirement for an approved Australian business sponsor. A letter of support for your role is required instead.

I’m a language teacher — does my school employ me?
No. To qualify under this stream, you must be employed by a foreign government to teach a foreign language in an Australian school, rather than employed directly by the school.

Can I do other work in Australia?
No. You can only undertake the activity or work for which the visa was granted — representing the foreign government agency or teaching as approved.

Can my stay be extended?
A further application may be possible if your posting continues, subject to a new letter of support. Speak to a registered migration agent about your options before your visa expires.

📞 Speak to a Registered Migration Agent

If you are a foreign government agency posting staff to Australia or a language teacher taking up a school placement, our team can guide you through the application. Book a consultation with VisaEnvoy today.