Temporary Work (International Relations) visa, subclass 403

What is the PALM stream?

The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme now runs through a 403 stream, which has taken over the older Seasonal Worker Program and Pacific Labour Scheme arrangements.

• Short-term placements: up to 9 months. The Australian Taxation Office says some short-term workers hold a 403 valid for up to 4 years but must leave after each 9-month contract.
• Long-term placements: 1 to 4 years. Total consecutive time under the older seasonal and Pacific Labour schemes together is capped at 4 years, and a worker moving to a long-term placement must lodge a new 403 PALM application in Australia.
• Who is eligible: a citizen and resident of a specified Pacific country or Timor-Leste, sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and approved to take part by the Australian Government.
• Tax: the ATO says foreign-resident short-term workers usually have a flat 15% withheld, while long-term workers who become Australian residents are taxed at resident rates and must lodge a return.

Conditions

Most streams share standard conditions such as work limitation, health cover, character, no further stay and departure arrangements.

Fee

The page above lists from A$285 for the main applicant (A$285 for a sub-applicant 18+, A$75 under 18). A 2022 PALM fact sheet gives A$315 for the PALM stream, and a migration site updated in September 2026 says from A$365. Fees change each 1 July, so check the current charge. See fee changes.