Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
The Subclass 408 Visa allows short-term stays in Australia for specific activities, requiring sponsorship and a visa application. It can be applied for inside or outside Australia (excluding immigration clearance).
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About the 408 Visa
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is a short-stay visa allowing individuals to undertake various short-term activities in Australia. There are generally two stages in the application process—sponsorship and the visa application. You can apply for this visa in or outside of Australia (but not in immigration clearance).
Sponsorship: Sponsorship by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor is required unless you are outside Australia and seeking to stay for 3 months or less. If sponsorship is not required, you should be supported by an organisation or an Australian citizen/permanent resident who passes the support test.
Application Streams
To be eligible for a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), you must fall within one of the following streams:
Invited Participant
- You must be invited by an Australian organisation to take part in a social or cultural activity associated with a community-based event or series of events in Australia.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 3 months with multiple entry.
Sporting Activities
- Work as an elite player, coach, instructor, or adjudicator for an Australian team (with endorsement by an Australian national sporting body), or receive high-level sports training as a sports trainee.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 2 years with multiple entry.
- You cannot work outside your specified sporting activities.
Religious Work
- You can work full-time as a religious worker to serve an Australian religious institution.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 2 years with multiple entry.
Domestic Work for Executives
- You must be invited to work full-time in the household of a senior foreign executive who holds a qualifying temporary work visa (e.g. Subclass 403 in the Privileges and Immunities stream, 457, or 482).
- You must have a suitable employment contract that meets relevant Australian workplace standards.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 2 years with multiple entry.
Superyacht Crew
- This stream is for members of a superyacht crew to stay in Australia for up to 12 months.
- Your supporter or sponsor must be the captain, owner, or operator of the superyacht.
- You must have a contract (or a confirming letter) to work as a crew member on a superyacht in Australia.
Research Activities
- You may be a student invited to undertake research related to your field of study, or an academic invited to observe or take part in a research project at an Australian tertiary or research institution.
- You must be an established academic researcher, a research student, or a recent graduate.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 2 years with multiple entry.
Exchange Arrangements
- This stream applies if there is an agreement between an Australian organisation and an overseas organisation for staff exchange.
- You must have the necessary skills and experience to fill the position set out in the exchange arrangement.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 2 years with multiple entry.
Special Program
- This stream lets you take part in an approved special program (e.g. cultural enrichment, school language assistance, school-to-school interchange, youth exchange).
- Age requirements vary depending on the type of special program.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 12 months with multiple entry.
Australian Government Endorsed Events
- This visa allows you to come to or stay in Australia to take part in an Australian Government endorsed event.
- Unlike other streams, this does not require sponsorship and can allow you to stay for up to 4 years.
- The Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic event) visa closed to new applications on 1 February 2024.
Entertainment Activities
- This stream is for performer, production, or support staff. Specific criteria apply depending on whether you are working in film, TV, or non-profit engagements.
- You must have a contract for your performance or work in Australia.
- You (and any accompanying family members) can stay for up to 2 years with multiple entry.
Who can apply for the 408 Visa?
- Fall under one of the streams and meet the requirements.
- Hold adequate private health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Are supported or sponsored by an approved entity or individual who meets the support test.
- Genuinely intend to stay temporarily and satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement.
- Have access to sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants in Australia.
- Meet health and character requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- 408 sponsorship application fee – $420
- 400 Visa application fee (over 18) – $415, (under 18)- $105
- Subsequent Temporary Application Charge: $700 (may apply if you previously held certain temporary visas while in Australia)
- Other costs such as health examinations, police checks, translations, and credit card surcharges may apply.
- Professional fees for migration services are charged separately.
Processing times vary depending on the stream under which you apply and the number of applications with the Department of Home Affairs. For the most accurate information, refer to the Department’s website.
- Assessing your eligibility: We thoroughly assess your eligibility and advise you on the requirements.
- Document Preparation: Guiding you in gathering and organising all necessary documents for a complete application.
- Application Preparation and Lodgement: Preparing and lodging the application accurately and promptly.
- Ongoing Support: Providing continuous assistance and updates throughout the application process to ensure a smooth experience.
Benefits of the 408 visa
Temporary residence
Live in Australia while engaging in your approved activity. Your maximum stay depends on the chosen stream (from 3 months to up to 4 years).
Include Family
Include eligible family members in your application.
Travel
Travel in and out of Australia for the duration of the visa.
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