Temporary activity visa
(subclass 408)
TEMPORARY ACTIVITY VISA (SUBCLASS 408)
Versatile Engagements with Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) is designed to facilitate temporary engagements in Australia across various domains. Individuals holding this visa can immerse themselves in diverse experiences, including working within the entertainment industry, participating in activities by invitation from Australian organizations, contributing to or observing Australian research projects, and occupying skilled positions under staff exchange arrangements.Â
Moreover, the visa allows engagement in high-level sports competitions or sports training programs, involvement in special programs approved by the department for youth exchange, cultural enrichment, or community benefits, and undertaking full-time religious work.Â
Additionally, individuals can be employed as superyacht crew members or undertake full-time domestic work in the households of specific senior foreign executives. This visa offers a versatile platform for temporary activities catering to different fields of interest. You can apply online for this Visa through the ImmiAccount.
To summarize, below is a list of the different streams available for the subclass 408 Visa:
- Australian Government Endorsed Events
- Special Program
- Religious Work
- Research Activities
- Invited for other social and cultural activities (Invited Participant)
- Sporting Activities
- Entertainment Activities
- Superyacht Crew
- Exchange Arrangements
- Domestic work for executives
Sponsorship Criteria for Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
Sponsorship type becomes a key consideration for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) under certain circumstances:
If applying within Australia: If you choose to apply within Australia, you must secure sponsorship from an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor, ensuring they pass the sponsorship test.
If applying from outside Australia: For those applying from outside Australia:
- For stays of three months or less, the Australian organization or individual overseeing your events/activities must pass the support test to become an eligible supporter.
- For stays exceeding three months, sponsorship is required from an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
Notably, there is no nomination requirement for this visa. Embracing a temporary nature, you have the flexibility to apply for this visa whether you are currently in or outside Australia.
Ensuring Eligibility for Temporary Activity Visa 408
To be eligible for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408 Visa), certain criteria must be met:
- Possess the necessary skills aligned with the intended activity in Australia.
- Secure support or sponsorship in accordance with the specific requirements of the relevant stream.
- Fulfill any additional stipulations pertinent to the chosen stream.
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408): Essential Information
Duration of Stay:
- Stay in Australia for the approved activity duration specified in your application, with maximum stay periods as follows:
- If invited for a specific social and cultural event: Up to 3 months
- Participating in a special program or superyacht crew activity: Up to 12 months
- All other activities: Up to 2 years
- Participating in Australian government activities: Up to 4 years
Additionally, temporary visa holders generally cannot extend their stay beyond four years for this visa.
Cost: From AUD $415
Who Can Apply: You may be eligible for this visa if you:
- Intend to stay for three months or less and apply from outside Australia with the support of an Australian organization or individual responsible for the events.
- Intend to stay for more than three months and are sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
- Meet the requirements for the specific activity type of the stream.
- Have adequate financial support and health insurance.
- Meet health and character requirements.
- Genuinely intend to remain temporarily in Australia for the specified work or activity.
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement:
The GTE requirement ensures temporary visas are used appropriately. Officers consider individual circumstances, immigration history, compliance with visa conditions, and other relevant factors. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention for a temporary stay in Australia.
Financial Support:
Applicants must support themselves and eligible dependents. Evidence may include employment contracts, bank statements, or a letter from a financial institution. Employer-provided allowances and accommodation are considered.
Sponsorship:
If applying in Australia or staying more than 3 months in Australia, approved eligible sponsors must provide Transaction Reference Number or Sponsorship Application ID, approval letter or lodgment receipt, and a written statement committing to meet sponsorship obligations for the applicant and dependents.Â
If the applicant was outside Australia and intends to stay in Australia for less than 3 months, then their sponsor who may be a person or organisation, passes as an eligible supporter.