Foreign Government Agency (subclass 415)

The Foreign Government Agency visa (subclass 415) is no longer accepting new applications. However, individuals who are interested in working in Australia under the International Relations category may be eligible to apply for the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403).

Visa Holders

If you have already been granted a Foreign Government Agency visa (subclass 415), it is important to understand your rights and obligations. You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check your visa details and entitlements free of charge.

What This Visa Allows You to Do

While you are in Australia, it is essential that you and your family comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. This includes:

• Complying with all visa conditions and Australian laws
• Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage during your stay
• Meeting Australian taxation obligations if you work in Australia

Your Obligations

As a visa holder, you and your family must adhere to all visa conditions and Australian laws. This includes:

• Complying with all visa conditions and Australian laws
• Maintaining adequate health insurance coverage during your stay
• Meeting Australian taxation obligations if you work in Australia

Working in Australia

When working in Australia under the Foreign Government Agency visa (subclass 415), there are certain restrictions and obligations that must be followed:

• You must not stop working for the employer who sponsored you
• You must not work in a position or occupation that was not nominated in your visa application
• You must not work for another person or for yourself while also working for your sponsoring employer

If your employment with your sponsor ends, you have two options:

• Find another employer who is willing to sponsor you
• Leave Australia within 28 days or before your visa expires, whichever comes first

Family Members

If you have included family members on your visa, they have specific requirements:

• They must enter Australia with you or after you
• They must leave Australia with you or before you
• They must continue to be a member of your family unit

Reporting Changes in Circumstances

If there are any changes in your circumstances after you have applied for the visa, it is important to notify the relevant authorities. This includes changes such as a new residential address, a new passport, or any significant family events.

You can use the following forms to report changes:

• Form 929 Change of address and/or passport details - if you move to a new address or change your passport
• Form 1022 Notification of changes in circumstances - if there are other changes in your circumstances

Sponsors

If you are a sponsor for a worker under the Foreign Government Agency visa (subclass 415), please note that this visa is no longer accepting new sponsorship applications. You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO for Organisations) to check the visa details and entitlements of the person you have sponsored.

Sponsor Obligations

As a sponsor, you have certain obligations that must be met. These include:

• Cooperating with inspectors appointed under the Migration Act 1958
• Providing records and information to the Minister
• Not recovering, transferring, or charging certain costs to another person
• Ensuring the visa holder participates in the nominated occupation, program, or activity

It is important to note that you are responsible for meeting all your obligations, even if you have authorized someone else to act on your behalf.

Cooperate With Inspectors

As a sponsor, you must cooperate with inspectors appointed under the Migration Act 1958. This includes providing access to premises, producing and providing documents within the requested timeframe, and allowing officers to interview any person on their premises.

Keep Records

As a sponsor, you are required to keep records that demonstrate compliance with your obligations. These records must be in a reproducible format and capable of verification by an independent person. Examples of records to keep include notifications made to the department and the date and method of notification.

Provide Records and Information to the Minister

If requested by a departmental officer, you must provide records or information that go towards determining whether sponsorship obligations have been complied with. This includes records or information that you are required to keep under Commonwealth, state, or territory law.

Tell Us When Certain Events Occur

As a sponsor, you must inform the relevant authorities in writing when certain events occur. This includes the cessation or expected cessation of a primary sponsored person's employment, as well as changes to the sponsor's application for approval, such as address and contact details.

Sanctions for Not Meeting Sponsor Obligations

If you fail to meet your obligations as a sponsor, various actions may be taken, including administrative actions, enforceable undertakings, and civil penalties. These actions may result in the suspension or cancellation of your sponsorship approvals, as well as the imposition of fines or other sanctions.

It is crucial to fulfill your responsibilities as a sponsor to avoid any negative consequences and ensure compliance with Australian immigration laws.