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. 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. 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.
Applicant Criteria for Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) caters to individuals aspiring to engage in diverse temporary activities in Australia. The eligible activities encompass various domains, such as:
Sponsorship becomes a key consideration for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) under certain circumstances:
- If your intended stay in Australia extends beyond three months.
- When you choose to submit your application from within Australia.
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 (Subclass 408)
To be eligible for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), 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
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. 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. 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.
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408): Essential Information
Duration of Stay:
- If invited for a specific event: 3 months
- Participating in Australian government activities: 4 years
- All other activities: 2 years
Cost: From AUD 405
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 sponsor.
- Meet requirements for the specific activity type.
- 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.
English Language Requirements:
Participants in special programs should have functional English (IELTS 4.5 or equivalent) for cultural, social, and occupational health and safety standards.
Sponsorship:
If applying in Australia or staying more than 3 months, sponsors must provide Transaction Reference Number or Sponsorship Application ID, approval letter or lodgement receipt, and a written statement committing to meet sponsorship obligations for the applicant and dependents.
Note: The information provided is subject to change, and applicants should refer to the latest guidelines.
Applying in Australia: If you choose to apply within Australia, you must secure sponsorship from an approved temporary activities sponsor, ensuring they pass the sponsorship test.
Applying 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.
- For stays exceeding three months, sponsorship is required from an approved temporary activities sponsor or sponsor passing the sponsorship test.
Note: Ensure you follow the relevant process based on your intended duration of stay and location of application.
Authorized Activities on Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
This visa permits you to:
- Stay in Australia for the approved activity duration specified in your application, with maximum stay periods as follows:
- Invited participant activity type: Up to three months
- Australian Government-endorsed event activity type: Up to four years
- Any other activity type: Up to two years
- Engage in the designated work or activity outlined in your application
- Bring eligible family members with you to Australia
- Freely enter and exit Australia as many times as needed throughout the visa validity.
Note: Certain activity types, like superyacht crew members and special program participants, typically have a maximum stay period of no more than 12 months. Additionally, temporary visa holders generally cannot extend their stay beyond four years via this visa.