Know these facts cold before the first client conversation - they are also what the exam below tests. No (temporary) - international-relations streams (including PALM).
Visa typeTemporary
LodgementOnshore or offshore
StayVaries by stream (up to 4 years for some)
Work rightsAs specified by the stream
Study rightsIncidental only
Government charge~$415
Processing time~1-2 months
2. Process flow
The handling sequence for a 403 file, from first consultation to decision. Each step assumes the one before it is genuinely finished - not "mostly done".
Identify the stream
PALM scheme, Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker (Diplomatic) - eligibility is stream-specific and mostly employer- or agreement-driven.
Confirm the agreement or sponsor
The underlying bilateral agreement, approved PALM employer or diplomatic arrangement must be in place first.
Lodge with stream evidence
Support letters, agreement references and role details.
Decision and briefing
Brief on the stream's specific work limits and duration.
3. Eligibility checklist
Every box must be confirmable with evidence, not the client's say-so, before you advise that the 403 is viable.
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4. Document checklist
The lodgement pack. Aim for decision-ready: a case officer should be able to grant without asking for anything further.
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5. Cost checklist
Quote the full stack, in writing, before the client signs. Surprise costs are the fastest way to lose a client's trust (and earn a complaint).
Item
Indicative amount
Base visa application charge (2025-26, indicative)
~$415
Skilling Australians Fund levy (paid by the employer, not the client)
Per your agency's schedule - quote in writing before Form 956
Rule of thumb
Government charges usually change every 1 July - re-quote any file that lodges after 30 June
6. Qualification checklist
Run this in the first consultation, before taking a retainer. It screens the client, not the visa: history, hard stops and honesty come first.
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7. Case studies - eligible cases
Illustrative composites showing what a grantable 403 file looks like in practice.
Grant: Anya from Egypt
Background
Anya, a chef from Egypt. People working under a bilateral agreement, for a foreign government, as domestic staff of a diplomat, or in the Pacific/seasonal labour streams.
Why it qualified
(1) Eligibility under a specific stream (e.g. PALM, Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker). (2) Sponsorship or invitation where required. (3) Genuine purpose and adequate support.
What made the file strong
Dates, names and figures matched across every document - no internal inconsistencies to trigger checks.
Outcome
Granted within the indicative processing window (~1-2 months).
Grant: Farid from Brazil
Background
Farid, an ICT business analyst from Brazil. People working under a bilateral agreement, for a foreign government, as domestic staff of a diplomat, or in the Pacific/seasonal labour streams.
Why it qualified
(1) Eligibility under a specific stream (e.g. PALM, Government Agreement, Foreign Government Agency, Domestic Worker). (2) Sponsorship or invitation where required. (3) Genuine purpose and adequate support.
What made the file strong
Every claim was evidenced before lodgement - nothing was left 'to follow'.
Outcome
Granted within the indicative processing window (~1-2 months).
8. Case studies - refusal cases
The same visa, handled badly. Every one of these failure modes is screenable at the first consultation.
Refusal: Sofia from South Africa
Background
Sofia, a diesel motor mechanic from South Africa, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 403.
What went wrong
Applying under the wrong stream
Outcome
The refusal went to review: another year, more cost, and no certainty the outcome changes.
Lesson for the agent
Apply the decision-ready test: if you cannot evidence the claim today, the application is not ready to lodge.
Refusal: Sipho from Mexico
Background
Sipho, a construction project manager from Mexico, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 403.
What went wrong
Sponsorship/agreement not in place
Outcome
The application was refused, and the refusal must now be declared on every future application, for any country.
Lesson for the agent
Front-load the file - address the weakness squarely in a submission instead of hoping the case officer will not notice.
9. Self-exam
10 questions drawn from this manual. Pass mark 80%. Answers are graded on the server and your result is recorded against your agent profile - retakes are unlimited and your best score is kept. Log in to the agent portal first so your result is saved to My trainings.