Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408): Complete Guide, Streams & Requirements

The Temporary Activity visa (Subclass 408) allows eligible people to come to Australia temporarily to participate in specific approved activities, including entertainment, sporting activities, cultural programmes, religious work, research, staff exchange arrangements, training and certain invited events.

The Subclass 408 is designed for specific temporary activities, rather than unrestricted employment in Australia. The requirements depend on the activity being undertaken, the applicant's circumstances and whether sponsorship or other supporting arrangements are required.

The Department of Home Affairs advises organisations bringing people to Australia for temporary activities to consider the appropriate visa based on the person's intended activities. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

What Is the Subclass 408 Visa?

The Temporary Activity visa (Subclass 408) is a temporary Australian visa for eligible people participating in approved activities for a limited period.

It can cover a range of specialised activities, including:

• Entertainment activities

• Sporting activities

• Religious work

• Research activities

• Staff exchange arrangements

• Certain social and cultural activities

• Invited participation in approved events

• Certain other activities specified under the relevant visa framework

The correct pathway depends on the nature of the proposed activity.

Subclass 408 Activities

Entertainment Activities

The Subclass 408 can be used by eligible people involved in Australia's entertainment industry.

This can include performers and other entertainment professionals participating in approved productions or activities.

Home Affairs distinguishes entertainment workers from event attendees and other participants because the appropriate visa depends on the actual purpose of the person's visit. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Sporting Activities

Eligible professional or high-level sporting participants may be able to use the Subclass 408 for approved sporting activities.

Depending on the circumstances, this can include:

• Competing in sporting events

• Coaching

• Training

• Participating in sporting competitions

• Other approved sporting activities

The applicant must satisfy the requirements applicable to the relevant sporting activity.

Religious Work

The visa may be available to eligible applicants undertaking approved religious work in Australia.

Applicants should demonstrate their role, the organisation involved and the nature and duration of the proposed religious activity.

Research Activities

The Subclass 408 can apply to certain research-related activities where the applicant is participating in an eligible Australian research project or arrangement.

Supporting evidence should explain:

• The research project

• The Australian research organisation

• The applicant's role

• The proposed period of participation

• Relevant qualifications or experience

Staff Exchange Arrangements

Eligible workers may participate in approved staff exchange arrangements between Australian and overseas organisations.

The exchange must meet the relevant requirements, and applicants should provide evidence of the participating organisations and the proposed exchange arrangement.

Invited Participants

The Subclass 408 may also be relevant to eligible people invited to participate in certain events or activities in Australia.

This can include invited speakers and other participants where the proposed activity satisfies the applicable requirements.

Home Affairs notes that invited participants and speakers whose principal purpose is to impart information or facts may potentially be eligible for a Subclass 408 visa for an event. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Other Approved Temporary Activities

The Subclass 408 framework has historically covered a range of temporary activities, and the exact requirements can change through legislation and policy settings.

Applicants should therefore assess their proposed activity against the current Subclass 408 requirements, rather than relying on old lists of streams or activities.

A temporary activity that does not fit Subclass 408 may require another visa, such as Subclass 400, Subclass 403, Subclass 407 or an appropriate Visitor visa, depending on the circumstances.

Subclass 408 Sponsorship and Support

Whether sponsorship or another form of support is required depends on the particular application and circumstances.

The Department of Home Affairs states that an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor can sponsor applicants for a Subclass 408 visa. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Applicants should not assume that every Subclass 408 application follows the same sponsorship process.

The organisation involved may need to provide supporting documentation, such as:

• Invitation letter

• Event registration or confirmation

• Employment or engagement details

• Activity description

• Contract or agreement

• Organisation details

• Evidence of the applicant's role

• Details of the proposed dates and location

Eligibility Requirements

The exact requirements depend on the Subclass 408 activity.

However, applicants may need to demonstrate:

Genuine Temporary Activity

You should have a genuine intention to participate in the approved temporary activity and comply with the conditions of the visa.

Relevant Skills and Experience

Depending on the activity, you may need to demonstrate relevant qualifications, skills, professional experience or expertise.

Appropriate Supporting Organisation

Where required, you must have the appropriate Australian organisation, sponsor, supporter or invitation connected with the proposed activity.

Health Requirements

You may need to meet Australia's health requirements.

Character Requirements

You may need to satisfy Australia's character requirements and provide police certificates or other evidence where requested.

Financial Capacity

You may need to demonstrate that you have adequate financial arrangements for your stay in Australia, depending on the visa requirements and your circumstances.

Visa Conditions

You must comply with the conditions attached to your Subclass 408 visa and only undertake activities permitted by the visa.

English Language Requirements

There is no single English-language requirement that applies to every Subclass 408 applicant.

English requirements, if any, depend on the particular activity and applicable visa requirements.

The previous practice of publishing a blanket IELTS 4.5 requirement for all Subclass 408 applicants is therefore not appropriate.

Applicants should check the requirements applicable to their specific stream or activity before lodging an application.

How Long Can You Stay on a Subclass 408?

The permitted stay depends on the particular Subclass 408 activity and the circumstances of the visa grant.

Applicants should not assume that every Subclass 408 visa provides a standard two-year or four-year stay.

The visa grant notification will specify the period of stay and applicable conditions.

The duration should generally correspond with the temporary activity for which the visa is granted.

Applying From Inside or Outside Australia

Whether an applicant can apply in Australia or must apply from outside Australia depends on the applicable visa requirements and the applicant's current visa circumstances.

Some Subclass 408 applications can be made in Australia where the relevant requirements are met.

Applicants should check whether their current visa allows them to make a valid onshore application and whether any applicable condition restricts a further visa application.

Subclass 408 Visa Cost

The visa application charge can change, and the amount payable depends on the application circumstances.

For this reason, an old fixed figure such as AUD 535 should not be published as the universal current Subclass 408 visa fee.

Home Affairs states that visa costs can change and recommends using its current Visa Pricing Table or Visa Pricing Estimator when determining the applicable charge. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Additional costs may include:

• Health examinations

• Police certificates

• Document translation

• Biometrics where applicable

• Professional or migration advice

Processing Time

There is no single guaranteed processing period for every Subclass 408 application.

Processing can vary depending on:

• The type of activity

• Application completeness

• Supporting documentation

• Health checks

• Character checks

• Requests for additional information

• Application volumes

• Individual circumstances

Home Affairs states that its processing-time guide provides an indication based on recently decided applications and does not guarantee that an application will be decided within that timeframe. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Applicants should lodge their application sufficiently early to allow for processing before the planned activity begins.

Required Documents

Documents vary depending on the activity and applicant.

Common supporting documents may include:

• Valid passport

• Identity documents

• Recent photographs where required

• CV or résumé

• Qualifications

• Evidence of relevant experience

• Employment contract or engagement agreement

• Invitation letter

• Event registration or confirmation

• Sponsorship documentation where required

• Activity itinerary

• Details of the Australian organisation

• Evidence of financial capacity where required

• Health documents where requested

• Police certificates where requested

• Family relationship documents where applicable

The Department may request additional information during assessment.

Subclass 408 for Entertainment Workers

Entertainment professionals may use Subclass 408 where the proposed activity satisfies the relevant requirements.

Possible applicants can include:

• Performers

• Actors

• Musicians

• Production personnel

• Directors

• Producers

• Other eligible entertainment professionals

The Australian organisation or production should provide appropriate evidence of the proposed engagement.

Home Affairs specifically identifies performers, entertainers, directors and producers as examples of people who may potentially use the Subclass 408 entertainment activity pathway. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Subclass 408 for Sporting Activities

The visa may be suitable for eligible people participating in approved sporting activities.

Depending on the circumstances, this may include:

• Athletes

• Coaches

• Sporting professionals

• High-level competitors

• Sporting support personnel

The applicant must meet the requirements associated with the relevant sporting activity.

Subclass 408 for Religious Work

Applicants undertaking eligible religious work may be able to apply under the relevant Subclass 408 pathway.

Supporting documentation should establish:

• The religious organisation

• The applicant's position

• The nature of the religious work

• The proposed period

• The terms of the engagement

Subclass 408 for Research

Researchers participating in eligible Australian research activities may be able to use the Subclass 408 visa.

The application should clearly establish the research project and the applicant's role.

Evidence may include:

• Research project documentation

• Letter from the Australian research organisation

• Academic qualifications

• Research experience

• Project timeline

• Details of the applicant's responsibilities

Subclass 408 and Special Programmes

The Subclass 408 framework can cover certain approved social and cultural programmes.

However, applicants should use the current Home Affairs requirements rather than relying on older descriptions of specific special-programme categories.

The nature of the programme, participating organisation and applicant's role must satisfy the relevant requirements.

Subclass 408 and Events

The correct visa depends on what the person will actually do at the event.

For example:

• A visitor attending an event may potentially use a Visitor visa.

• An invited speaker or participant may potentially use Subclass 408.

• A performer or entertainer may potentially use Subclass 408 under the entertainment activity.

• An event worker carrying out specialist technical work may potentially require Subclass 400.

Home Affairs specifically recommends determining the visa according to the person's actual activities in Australia. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Subclass 408 Family Members

Eligible members of the applicant's family unit may be able to accompany the primary applicant where the applicable requirements are satisfied.

Family members must meet the relevant visa requirements and may be subject to their own visa conditions.

Applicants should not assume that accompanying family members automatically receive unrestricted work or study rights.

Health Insurance

Applicants should consider Australia's healthcare costs and maintain appropriate health insurance where required or advisable.

Any health insurance requirement should be assessed according to the particular visa circumstances and conditions rather than presented as an identical requirement for every Subclass 408 applicant.

Does Subclass 408 Lead to Permanent Residency?

The Subclass 408 is a temporary activity visa and is not itself a permanent residency visa.

Holding Subclass 408 does not automatically provide permanent residency.

If your long-term objective is to remain in Australia permanently, you may need to explore another visa pathway based on your:

• Occupation

• Qualifications

• Work experience

• Age

• English ability

• Employer sponsorship

• Family circumstances

• Relationship status

• Other visa history

Potential pathways may include skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas, partner visas or other options, depending on eligibility.

Subclass 408 vs Subclass 400

These two visas can sometimes be confused because both may be used for temporary work-related activities.

Subclass 408

The Temporary Activity visa covers specific approved activities such as:

• Entertainment

• Sport

• Religious work

• Research

• Staff exchange

• Certain invited events

• Other specified temporary activities

Subclass 400

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400) is designed for eligible people undertaking highly specialised, short-term, non-ongoing work.

For example, a specialist technician coming to Australia temporarily to install or repair specialised equipment may potentially require Subclass 400 rather than Subclass 408.

The correct visa depends on the actual activity and circumstances.

Subclass 408 vs Subclass 482

The Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482) is an employer-sponsored skilled visa.

The current 482 framework has:

• Core Skills stream

• Specialist Skills stream

• Labour Agreement stream

It is designed for eligible skilled workers sponsored by an approved Australian employer and may, depending on circumstances, form part of a longer-term employer-sponsored migration strategy.

Subclass 408 serves a different purpose and should not be used simply as a substitute for a skilled employer-sponsored visa.

Important: COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream

The former COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream of Subclass 408 is closed and should not be presented as a current pathway for new applicants.

The Pandemic Event visa closed to new applications from 2 September 2023, with the final closure occurring on 1 February 2024. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

This is particularly important when updating older Subclass 408 website content, as many historical articles still describe the COVID-19 stream.

Important Considerations Before Applying

Before applying for a Subclass 408 visa, consider:

• What exact activity will you undertake in Australia?

• Which Subclass 408 pathway applies?

• Do you have the required sponsor, supporter or invitation?

• Is your proposed activity genuinely temporary?

• Do your qualifications and experience support the activity?

• Can you provide sufficient supporting documents?

• Do you meet the relevant health and character requirements?

• Can you make the application from Australia, or must you apply offshore?

• What visa conditions will apply?

• Is Subclass 408 actually more appropriate than Subclass 400, 403, 407, 482 or another visa?

Selecting the correct visa based on the actual purpose of the Australian visit is essential.

Get Professional Australian Migration Advice

The Subclass 408 visa covers several different temporary activities, so the requirements can vary considerably from one applicant to another.

A professional assessment can help determine whether the proposed activity fits the Subclass 408 framework and whether another Australian visa may be more appropriate.

The Visa and Education Services Pty Ltd provides Australian migration assistance through Registered Migration Agent Navneet Kaur (MARN 2318181).

Contact our team to discuss your proposed activity in Australia and understand the visa options available for your circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Temporary Activity visa Subclass 408?

The Subclass 408 is an Australian temporary visa for eligible people participating in specific approved activities, including entertainment, sport, religious work, research, staff exchange and certain invited events. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 408?

You can undertake the approved activity for which the visa is granted, subject to the applicable visa conditions. It is not unrestricted Australian work permission.

Do I need a sponsor for Subclass 408?

Sponsorship requirements depend on the application and activity. An approved Temporary Activities Sponsor can sponsor applicants for Subclass 408 where the applicable requirements are met. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Can I apply for Subclass 408 from Australia?

Some Subclass 408 applications may be lodged in Australia if the relevant requirements are satisfied. Your current visa conditions and circumstances should be checked before lodging an onshore application.

How long can I stay in Australia on Subclass 408?

The permitted stay depends on the activity and visa grant. There is no single maximum period that applies identically to every Subclass 408 applicant.

How much does the Subclass 408 visa cost?

Visa application charges can change. The applicable charge should be checked using the current Home Affairs Visa Pricing Table or Visa Pricing Estimator before lodging the application. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

How long does Subclass 408 processing take?

Processing times vary depending on the application and circumstances. Home Affairs' processing-time guide is an indication only and does not guarantee a decision within a particular timeframe. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Does Subclass 408 provide Australian PR?

No. Subclass 408 is a temporary activity visa and does not itself provide permanent residency.

Is the COVID-19 Pandemic Event Subclass 408 still available?

No. The COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream closed to new applications in September 2023 and was finally closed in February 2024. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Can entertainers use Subclass 408?

Potentially, yes. Eligible entertainers and other entertainment professionals may use the Subclass 408 entertainment activity pathway where the relevant requirements are met. (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au)

Can athletes or coaches apply for Subclass 408?

Potentially. Eligible people participating in approved sporting activities may be able to use Subclass 408, subject to the applicable requirements.

Is Subclass 408 the same as Subclass 400?

No. Subclass 408 covers specified temporary activities, while Subclass 400 is designed for eligible people undertaking highly specialised, short-term work. The correct visa depends on the actual proposed activity.