Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) Stream

The Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403) allows a person to come to Australia to work full time as a domestic worker in the household of a diplomatic or consular officer posted to Australia.

🏠 Who is this visa for?

This stream is for household staff — such as cooks, housekeepers, nannies and drivers — employed in the private residence of a foreign diplomat or consular officer serving in Australia. The arrangement must be approved by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) before the visa can be granted.

✅ Eligibility requirements

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have the approval of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
• Be employed full time as a domestic worker in the household of a diplomatic or consular officer
• Have an employment contract that meets Australian workplace laws and standards
• Genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily
• Meet health and character requirements, with adequate health insurance for your stay

📅 How long can you stay?

A first visa in this stream is generally granted for 12 months. Subsequent visas can align with the length of your employer’s diplomatic or consular posting to Australia.

👥 Can family members be included?

Family members generally cannot be included in an application under this stream — the visa is for the domestic worker taking up the full-time role. Check your circumstances with a registered migration agent before applying.

💼 Work conditions

Visa holders must work full time in the domestic role for the diplomatic or consular household specified in their application, under an employment contract that complies with Australian workplace laws. Australian workplace protections apply to domestic workers in diplomatic households.

💲 Visa application charge

The visa application charge for the Domestic Worker (Diplomatic or Consular) stream is AUD $470 for the main applicant (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 Foreign Government Agency stream and the Privileges and Immunities stream. Learn more on our subclass 403 visa page.

❓ Frequently asked questions

Who arranges the DFAT approval?
The diplomatic or consular mission employing you in their household normally liaises with DFAT’s Protocol Branch to obtain approval before the visa application is lodged.

Can I work for someone else while in Australia?
No. The visa only permits full-time domestic work in the household of the diplomatic or consular officer specified in your application.

What happens if my employer’s posting ends?
Your stay is tied to your employer’s posting. If the posting ends early, you should seek advice promptly about your visa options.

Am I protected by Australian workplace laws?
Yes. Your employment contract must meet Australian workplace laws and practices, including minimum pay and conditions.

📞 Speak to a Registered Migration Agent

If you are a diplomatic mission or consulate arranging a domestic worker’s visa, or a worker with questions about your eligibility, our team can help. Book a consultation with VisaEnvoy today.