The Subclass 408 visa, officially known as the Temporary Activity visa, allows individuals to come to Australia on a temporary basis to participate in specific, short-term activities. This versatile visa covers a wide range of pursuits, from entertainment and sports to research and religious work.
Unlike work visas tied to a specific employer (like the 482 or SID visas), the 408 visa is activity-focused. It is designed for individuals who have been invited or sponsored to participate in a particular event, program, or activity in Australia.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the various streams, eligibility requirements, length of stay, costs, and the application process.
Key Features of the Subclass 408 Visa
- Purpose: To participate in specific temporary activities in Australia.
- Streams: Multiple streams catering to different activities (entertainment, sport, research, religious work, etc.).
- Stay Period: Ranges from 3 months to 4 years, depending on the stream and activity.
- Work Rights: Permitted to undertake the specific activity for which the visa is granted.
- Location: Can apply onshore or offshore, depending on the stream.
- Cost: From AUD $430.
What Activities Are Covered by the 408 Visa?
The 408 visa is designed for a diverse range of temporary activities, including:
- Working in the entertainment industry (film, television, music, theatre).
- Participating in activities at the invitation of an Australian organisation.
- Participating in or observing an Australian research project.
- Working in a skilled position under a staff exchange arrangement.
- Participating in high-level sports competitions or sports training programs.
- Participating in a special programme approved by the Department of Home Affairs (e.g., youth exchange, cultural enrichment, community benefits).
- Undertaking full-time religious work.
- Employment as a superyacht crew member.
- Undertaking full-time domestic work in the household of certain senior foreign executives.
Who Can Apply for a 408 Visa?
You may be eligible to submit an application for a 408 Visa if you:
- Have the skills to undertake the nominated activity in Australia.
- Meet the stay requirements:
- For stays of 3 months or less:
- You must apply from outside Australia.
- You must have the support of an organisation or individual in Australia that has passed the ‘support test’ and has responsibility for the event or activity.
- For stays of more than 3 months:
- You must have an approved sponsor who has passed the sponsorship test.
- For stays of 3 months or less:
- Demonstrate financial capacity to support yourself and your family during your stay.
- Have adequate health insurance arrangements for your time in Australia.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Demonstrate genuine temporary stay intention (GTE requirement).
- Meet the additional requirements of your relevant 408 Visa stream.
408 Visa Streams
The Subclass 408 visa has several distinct streams, each tailored to a specific type of temporary activity. Below is a summary of the key streams and their characteristics.
| Stream | Typical Activities | Maximum Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Australian Government Endorsed Events | Major international events (e.g., festivals, conferences) endorsed by the Australian Government. | Up to 4 years |
| Entertainment Activities | Film production, television, music performances, theatre, and other entertainment industry work. | Up to 2 years |
| Sporting Activities | High-level sports competitions, training programs, coaching, and officiating. | Up to 2 years |
| Research Activities | Participating in or observing academic or scientific research projects at Australian institutions. | Up to 2 years |
| Religious Work | Full-time work as a religious worker (e.g., minister, nun, monk) for a religious institution. | Up to 2 years |
| Exchange Arrangements | Skilled workers participating in a staff exchange program to share knowledge and skills. | Up to 2 years |
| Domestic Work for Executives | Full-time domestic work (e.g., housekeeper, nanny) in the household of certain senior foreign executives. | Up to 2 years |
| Superyacht Crew | Employment as crew on a superyacht that is in Australian waters. | Up to the duration of the yacht’s stay |
| Special Program | Youth exchange, cultural enrichment, community programs, gap year volunteering (approved by DOHA). | Up to 12 months |
| Invited Participant | Participation in specific social and cultural activities at the invitation of an Australian organisation (e.g., community events). | Up to 3 months |
Length of Stay by Stream
The duration of your 408 visa will depend on the stream under which you apply and the nature of your activity:
| Stream Category | Maximum Stay Period |
|---|---|
| Australian Government-endorsed activities or events | Up to 4 years |
| Sporting, entertainment, research, or religious activities | Up to 2 years |
| Domestic work, staff exchange arrangements | Up to 2 years |
| DOHA-approved special programs (youth exchange, community programs, gap year volunteering) | Up to 12 months |
| Invited participation in other social and cultural activities (e.g., community events) | Up to 3 months |
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement is a critical integrity measure for the 408 visa. It ensures that the temporary visa program is used as intended and not as a way to maintain ongoing residency in Australia.
What the Department Assesses:
The assessing officer will consider whether your individual circumstances demonstrate that your intention is only to stay in Australia on a temporary basis. Factors considered include:
- Personal circumstances in your home country (employment, family, economic ties).
- Potential circumstances in Australia (ties that might encourage you to stay).
- Value of the proposed activity to your future.
- Immigration history (previous visa compliance, travel history).
- Purpose of stay and whether it aligns with the visa stream.
Important: Temporary residents are generally not permitted to use the 408 Visa to extend their stay in Australia beyond four years.
Financial Requirements
When applying for a Subclass 408 Visa, you must demonstrate the ability to financially support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Australia.
Acceptable evidence includes:
- Personal bank statements showing sufficient funds.
- An employment contract specifying salary and conditions.
- A letter from your sponsoring organisation detailing any financial assistance they are providing (e.g., accommodation, living allowance, travel allowances).
- Evidence of prepaid accommodation or expenses.
English Language Requirements
For most 408 visa streams, there is no mandatory English language test requirement. However, applicants must be able to undertake the activity effectively, which may require a reasonable level of English proficiency depending on the nature of the work.
Special Program Stream Requirement:
Applicants for the Special Program stream (youth exchange, cultural enrichment, gap year volunteering) must demonstrate functional English language skills. This is to ensure participants can fully experience the program’s cultural and social benefits and understand occupational health and safety standards.
- Functional English is generally defined as an IELTS score of 4.5 or equivalent.
Sponsor Information
The sponsorship requirements for a 408 visa depend on the length of your intended stay.
For Stays of More Than 3 Months (or applying from inside Australia)
If you intend to stay in Australia for more than three months, or if you are applying for a Subclass 408 Visa from within Australia, you must provide the following information from your sponsor:
- Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or Sponsorship Application ID.
- Sponsor approval letter or receipt for lodgement of their sponsorship application.
- A written statement from the sponsor confirming they will meet their sponsorship obligations for you and all dependent family members included in your application.
Sponsorship Obligations
Approved sponsors have specific obligations, including:
- Cooperating with Department inspectors.
- Keeping proper records.
- Ensuring you have equivalent workplace rights to Australians.
- Not recovering costs associated with the sponsorship from you.
- Paying for your travel to Australia if required by the sponsorship agreement.
Visa Cost
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Application Cost | From AUD $430 |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | Additional cost applies (check current fee schedule) |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | Additional cost applies (check current fee schedule) |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check the current Department of Home Affairs fee schedule before lodging.
Application Process
- Identify Your Stream: Determine which 408 visa stream applies to your activity.
- Secure Sponsorship/Support: Obtain an approved sponsor (for stays >3 months) or a supporting organisation (for stays ≤3 months).
- Gather Documents: Collect evidence of your skills, financial capacity, health insurance, and sponsorship.
- Lodge Application: Apply online via ImmiAccount. Ensure you meet location requirements (onshore/offshore as applicable).
- Provide Biometrics/Health: If requested, complete health examinations and provide biometrics.
- Wait for Decision: Processing times vary by stream and individual circumstances.
