Maximum stay
Up to four years for workers employed under a long-term work contract.
Source: Home Affairs: Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403), PALM stream (retrieved 4 October 2026)
For employers hiring overseas
The PALM scheme and seasonal workers: information for employers
The Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme lets approved employers recruit workers from Pacific countries and Timor-Leste. Workers hold the PALM stream of the Temporary Work (International Relations) visa, subclass 403, which allows up to four years on a long-term contract. CrossNation does not run PALM placements. This page is information only.
By CrossNation Editorial Team. Sources checked 4 October 2026.
Official data
Key facts from official sources
Replaced scheme
The PALM stream replaced the Pacific Labour Scheme stream, which closed to new applications on 4 April 2022.
Source: Home Affairs: Temporary Work (International Relations) visa (subclass 403), PALM stream (retrieved 4 October 2026)
Contract types
Seasonal work of up to nine months, or longer-term roles of one to four years.
Source: OECD: Pacific Australia Labour Mobility scheme (retrieved 4 October 2026)
Employer guide
What you need to know
What is PALM?
The PALM stream of the subclass 403 visa replaced the Pacific Labour Scheme stream, which closed to new applications on 4 April 2022. Home Affairs describes the stay as up to four years for workers on a long-term work contract. The OECD describes the scheme as allowing eligible employers to recruit for seasonal work of up to nine months or for longer roles of one to four years in unskilled, low-skilled and semi-skilled positions across sectors including agriculture, meat processing, tourism and aged care.
How do employers take part?
Participation is through the scheme's own approval process run by the Australian Government, not through a recruitment agency. The official PALM website is the place to check how employers apply and what an approved employer must provide. If you are considering PALM, start there and speak to your industry association. The arrangement has its own employer obligations, so get the official requirements before you commit.
Where does a recruitment agency fit?
Few roles suit PALM. It is designed for specific sectors and for lower-skilled positions. Many employers run PALM for part of the workforce and recruit skilled or supervisory roles separately. CrossNation can recruit for roles where a candidate already has work rights in Australia, and for sponsorship-ready overseas candidates for skilled roles. We do not recruit PALM workers, approve PALM employers or advise on the scheme.
Points to settle before you choose a route
Compare the contract length and the type of work to your actual demand. A seasonal harvest and a year-round aged care roster are different problems. Check whether your sector is eligible and what the scheme requires of employers, and compare that with the obligations of a standard business sponsor. The Home Affairs and PALM pages are the authorities, and your industry body or registered migration agent can explain how the schemes compare for your business.
Tell us the role, location and start date
The fee is 12% of the candidate's annual salary, charged only when a placement succeeds.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Does CrossNation supply PALM workers?
No. PALM is run through the Australian Government's own approval process. CrossNation does not recruit PALM workers or approve employers.
Which countries are part of PALM?
The PALM website lists the participating countries. Check it for the current list.
How long can a PALM worker stay?
Home Affairs says up to four years on a long-term work contract. Seasonal contracts are shorter.
Is PALM only for farms?
No. The OECD describes sectors including agriculture, meat processing, tourism and aged care. Check the official site for eligibility.
What should a business compare before choosing PALM?
Compare the contract length, sector eligibility, the scheme's employer obligations and whether your roles are skilled. A registered migration agent or your industry body can help.