Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa
Short-Term Work, Events, Projects and Activities in Australia
The Subclass 408 visa allows approved individuals to travel to Australia for a variety of temporary activities, including entertainment, sports, cultural exchange, religious work, research, seasonal programs, special events, and more.
Visa Streams / Activity Types
Entertainment & Media
Actors, crew, production staff for film, television, and theatre.
Sports
Athletes, coaches, and support staff for sporting events.
Research & Academic
Visiting scholars, researchers, and exchange staff for projects.
Religious Work
Clergy and volunteers for religious organisations.
Special Events
Participants in specific government-endorsed events.
Seasonal Work
Agriculture, hospitality under relevant labour-mobility programs.
Key Features
Short-Term Stay
Usually valid for the duration of the nominated activity (typically 3 to 12 months, depending on stream).
Temporary Nature
No pathway to permanent residency — strictly temporary visa.
Sponsorship
Applicant must be sponsored or invited by an approved organisation or employer depending on activity stream.
Eligibility Criteria
- Valid sponsorship or invitation from an approved organisation or eligible host in Australia
- Clear purpose for the temporary activity with supporting documentation (e.g. event letter, contract, proof of skills or role)
- Genuine temporary stay and intention to leave before visa expiry
- Compliance with health and character requirements
Application Process
Step 1
Sponsoring organisation confirms or obtains approval for the relevant activity stream.
Step 2
Candidate lodges visa application including sponsorship/invitation, identity documents, activity justification, and other required paperwork.
Step 3
Department assesses genuineness of activity, sponsorship validity, applicant eligibility, health/character.
Step 4
Visa grant for the specified activity duration.
Conditions
- Work/stay is only permitted for the specified activity — general employment outside this scope is not allowed.
- Extending stay or changing activity requires fresh application or a different visa.
- No permanent residency pathway under 408.
- Film, television, theatre productions
- Touring musicians, performers, artists
- Visiting sports teams, coaches, sports professionals
- Academic or research placements / collaborations / fellowships
- Religious missions / volunteer work / NGO assignments
- Seasonal work under authorised labour mobility programs
- Short-term contractual or project-based specialised tasks requiring overseas expertise
Common Questions (FAQ — 408 Visa)
Can family come along?
Yes — partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants (subject to health/character clearance).
Can I convert a 408 visa to a longer-term or permanent visa?
No. 408 is a temporary visa tied to a specific activity. Long-term or permanent stay would require qualification under another visa subclass.
Is work permitted for any other job besides the specified activity?
No. Only work directly related to the approved activity or sponsorship is allowed.
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