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THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT VISA 403

Visa 403: Essential Information for Those Interested in Working in Australia

Visa 403 is crucial for those considering working abroad in Australia. This visa determines whether you can enter Australia to work. In this article, GECVN provides comprehensive information about Visa 403. Let's explore it together!

1. Overview of Visa 403: What It Is, Advantages and Disadvantages, and Requirements

What is Visa 403?

Visa 403 - International Relations is a visa based on a memorandum of understanding signed between Vietnam and Australia on March 7, 2024, in Canberra. This visa program allows individuals to enter Australia to work in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and mechanics. Visa 403 is part of the PALM (Pacific Australia Labour Mobility) scheme and other visa categories as specified by the Australian government.

This visa permits entry into Australia to work for an approved employer under the PALM scheme, allowing for short-term work (up to 9 months) or long-term work (up to 4 years) with less stringent requirements and strict regulations to protect workers.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Visa 403

Advantages:

  • Salary and Benefits:

    • Full-time employment

    • Salaries as per Australian regulations (around AUD 25/hour, approximately AUD 200/day)

    • Coverage under Workcover insurance (paid by the employer)

  • Visa and Settlement:

    • 2-year visa

    • Possibility to extend the visa (if the employer continues to sponsor)

    • Eligibility to apply for permanent residency (no age limit)

  • Social Security:

    • Ability to apply for bank loans in Australia

    • Full salary compensation for workplace accidents until visa expiry

    • Low-pressure work environment with friendly people and a comfortable, clean living space

Disadvantages:

  • Applicants must go through a licensed recruitment agency authorized by the Vietnamese government (including GECVN).

  • Requires an invitation letter from an employer in Australia, which GECVN will provide.

Despite some disadvantages, Visa 403 remains a top choice due to its numerous benefits for working abroad in Australia.

Visa 403 Application Requirements

  • Skills, Qualifications, and Experience: Employers, Vietnamese businesses, and/or public entities must ensure that applicants have the necessary skills, qualifications, and/or experience as required by the employer.

  • Positive Attitude: Applicants should show a positive attitude towards the job and a willingness to learn and commit to the employer’s values.

  • Age: Applicants must be over 18 years old at the time of application.

  • Good Character: Applicants must meet character requirements and provide proof of good character.

  • Citizenship: Applicants must be Vietnamese citizens (not Australian) and must reside in Vietnam when applying.

  • Identity Verification: Vietnamese businesses and/or public entities must verify the applicant's identity with sufficient evidence.

  • English Proficiency: No formal English certification required (though preferred). Basic English skills are necessary for daily life and work safety. Applicants must meet English proficiency requirements before receiving a job offer, with minimum scores in:

    • IELTS overall score of 4.0 (unless higher requirements are specified by Australian licensing regulations)

    • Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) - minimum total score of 30 across four test components

    • Cambridge English Advanced (CAE) - minimum total score of 147 across four test components

If you don’t have an English certificate, don't worry. When applying through GEC, training will be provided within 2 weeks after receiving an invitation letter from an Australian employer.

  • Health and Fitness: Applicants must be in good health, fit for the designated job, and free from infectious diseases or specific medical conditions.

2. Latest Information on Visa 403: Diverse Job Opportunities

Visa 403 is not limited to agriculture, despite its prominence in this sector. It also offers opportunities in construction, mechanics, driving, and more. Here are the details of available industries:

  • Agriculture:

    • No experience required; experience with machinery is a plus. Must meet other requirements such as age (18+), being a Vietnamese citizen, and good health.

    • The Australian Minister of Agriculture reported a shortage of 30,000 workers in agriculture alone in March 2022. Other sectors like livestock, meat processing, and dairy are also facing severe labor shortages. Hence, the agriculture visa was introduced to recruit workers in agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

  • Construction:

    • Requires at least 2 years of professional experience and English communication skills.

  • Mechanics:

    • Requires at least 2 years of professional experience and a diploma or higher qualification, along with English communication skills.

  • Transport:

    • Requires a truck driver’s license in Vietnam, over 3 years of experience, a safe driving history, English communication skills, and a proactive attitude.

Which industry should you choose?

3. Visa 403 Application Procedure: Documents, Forms, Timeframe, Guidelines, and Costs

Required Documents for Visa 403:

  • Full-body photo (no hat, no glasses, standing straight, facing the camera)

  • Passport and ID card with at least 6 months validity

  • CV detailing skills, qualifications, and experience; signed and sent via email

  • Certificates and awards

  • English language proficiency certificate and a video introduction of yourself, family, and current job

  • Statement explaining family circumstances and financial support needs (signed by family members: spouse and parents)

  • Statement specifying desired working period in Australia and future goals; include repayment schedule (minimum 3 months); deductions from weekly salary.

Processing Time and Procedure:

Processing time for Visa 403 varies by case and reviewing authority but generally involves the following steps:

  1. Receive Application:

  2. Waiting List for Review: 30 days

  3. Immigration Application Submission:

  4. Invitation for Fingerprints and Health Check:

  5. Visa Issuance: 2 - 6 weeks

  6. Travel to Australia for Work:

Total processing time is approximately 4 - 8 weeks. Early application submission is recommended for a faster process.

Costs:

  • Registration fee

  • Consultation and document translation fee

  • Immigration application fee

  • Legal fees

  • Customer service fee

  • Training fee

  • Other expenses

Self-paid costs include:

  • Flight ticket: around 10 million VND

  • Living expenses in Vietnam and Australia: around 5 million VND

  • Passport fee: around 1 million VND

  • Personal health insurance in Australia: around AUD 1,500

  • Fingerprints, health check, and X-rays (if needed): Fingerprints: 400,000 VND; Health check: 2.5 million VND

  • Document fees (e.g., criminal background check, if needed): free

  • English language course (if needed): approximately 10 million VND

  • Work tools (if needed): around AUD 500

Financial Support:

You can receive up to 50% financial support in Vietnam and the remaining 50% through weekly salary payments over 2 years while working in Australia.

4. Challenges and Difficulties in Agricultural Work with Visa 403

Visa 403 is popular among Vietnamese workers for agricultural jobs in Australia. However, like any visa, it comes with common challenges and difficulties.

5. Australia to Welcome 1,000 Vietnamese Workers for Agriculture

Australia will accept 1,000 Vietnamese workers for agricultural work in the near future. This was confirmed following Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh's visit to Australia in March 2024. This cooperation program will begin in 2024, promoting labor relations between Vietnam and Australia.

6. Can I Apply for Visa 403 Myself? Reputable Visa Consulting Companies

Applying for Visa 403 involves securing sponsorship from an Australian employer and approval from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), making it challenging to apply independently.

Few entities are authorized to recruit for Visa 403. GECVN is a leading choice for reliable visa consulting. The company is one of the six approved entities for recruiting 100 workers to Australia under the new agreement signed in March 2024.

GECVN has over 30 years of experience in immigration and education services in Australia, with offices in both Ho Chi Minh City and Australia. They offer comprehensive support, ensuring a high success rate for visa applications.

Contact GECVN:

Offices:

  • Ho Chi Minh City: 18 Đường Số 5, Xã Bình Hưng, Huyện Bình Chánh, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

  • Australia: 176 Roberts Rd Greenacre, Sydney (NSW 2190)

7. Warning About Scams Related to Agricultural Work Programs in Australia

Recently, some individuals and organizations have been promoting the agricultural visa program in Australia with very high fees. Be cautious and ensure you choose a reputable consulting firm.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the quota for Vietnamese applicants for Visa 403?

    • Australia will accept 1,000 Vietnamese workers for agriculture. Exact quotas will be announced later.

  2. How long is Visa 403 valid? Can it be extended?

    • The visa is valid for 2 years and can be extended depending on the employment contract.

  3. What are the working hours in Australia on this visa?

    • Working hours are 8 to 10 hours/day, 48 hours/week.

  4. What is the salary for Visa 403 holders?

    • The minimum salary is around AUD 25/hour (pre-tax), over 70 million VND/month.

  5. **When can I start preparing my application for Visa 403?

© 2024 by GEC Corp

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