How do I apply for a PALM scheme visa?
- The Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa is a sponsored visa. This means workers must be invited to apply for the PALM scheme visa by an approved employer which is a temporary activities sponsor (TAS).
- A TAS is an employer that has applied and been approved to become a sponsor through the Department of Home Affairs. It must meet certain sponsorship obligations.
- Employers inviting workers to apply for the visa must also be an approved employer under the PALM scheme.
- The key steps in recruiting workers are:
- submit a recruitment request for PALM workers for endorsement by the LSU
- submit a recruitment application to the PLF (2-week processing period)
- LSUs identify workers according to recruitment requirements
- approved employers interview and select workers
- approved employer sends offers of employment and contracts to workers to be signed offshore before departure
- workers undertake police and health checks to meet visa requirements
- visa applications are submitted to Home Affairs to be assessed
- LSUs provide workers with pre-departure briefings (2 to 3 days) to educate workers on program requirements, Australian workplace laws and workers’ rights, Australian culture and life
- approved employers complete digital passenger declarations for workers before they arrive in Australia
- workers arrive in Australia by commercial or charter flight, and undertake briefing on arrival.
- For further information, please refer to the Department of Home Affairs PALM scheme visa website page.
- Workers who would like to register interest in participating in the scheme should contact the LSU in their country. Workers must be a minimum of 21 years of age to participate in the PALM scheme.
- To start the process, go to www.palmscheme.gov.au/apply. You will be supported by the PLF (enquiries@pacificlabourfacility.com.au) throughout the process.