Temporary Activity Visa – Subclass 408

How this visa works

This visa is for people who are required to be in Australia for a short-term temporary basis. They need to:

• have the skills to undertake the activity to be carried out in Australia
• be supported or sponsored
• meet additional requirements of the relevant stream

Visa 408 Eligibility

The 408 visa is eligible for those people that want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to:

• Attend a conference as an invited participant
• Work in the entertainment industry
• Participate in a non-ongoing cultural or social activity at the invitation of an Australian organisation
• Observe or participate as an academic in a research project
• Undertake fulltime religious work
• Participate in a special program to enhance international relations and cultural exchange
• Participate in sports at a high level (including training)
• Work in a skilled position under a staff exchange arrangement
• Participate in an Australian Government-endorsed event
• Work as a superyacht crew member
• Undertake fulltime domestic work in the household of certain senior foreign executives.

408 Visa Applicant Requirements

In-order to apply for the 408 visa, the visa applicant should have met the following conditions:

• When applying for the 408 visa outside of Australia, you must have plans to stay in Australia for less than 3 months and have the provision of the organisation/individual’s provision responsible for the event.
• Must be sponsored by an approved sponsor
• Must have sufficient financial support and health insurance to cover the cost for the duration of the stay
• Must have fulfilled the criteria of the activity under the 408 visa

Who Can Sponsor The 408 Visa?

An organisation or individual can only sponsor an applicant if they are:

• Australian organisation (business, corporate or non-profit organisation operating in Australia)
• Australian Government agency (state or territory agency)
• Foreign government agency operating a business in Australia (trade offices, diplomatic missions or media bureaus)
• Organisation or agency that is endorsing sports or a sports event in Australia
• Religious foundations recognised by the Australia Tax Office (ATO)
• Captain or proprietor of a superyacht

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a temporary activity visa?

The temporary activity visa (subclass 408) allows people that are sponsored to come to Australia on a temporary basis for a specific type of work or event. These specific type of work and events include: Australian government endorsed events, special cultural programs, religious work, research activity, social or cultural activity (community-based), sporting activities, entertainment activities, superyacht crew, exchange arrangements or domestic work for executives. Family members are also eligible to come as part of the visa application.

How long is the processing time for the 408 visa?

The processing time for the 408 visa can vary depending on the type of work and activity that it is applied for. The processing time can range from 6 days to 21 months. If you are unsure of the potential processing time, talk to our migration consultants for more information.

Where can I see my current visa status?

As a visa holder, you can use VEVO to check your current visa details and conditions.

What Are My Resident Return Visa Options?

If you have lived in Australia for at least 2 years (can be accumulated) in the last 5 years prior to lodging your visa, you will automatically be granted a new 5-year Permanent Residence Visa.

If you have spent less than 2 years in Australia, you may be eligible for a one-year RRV. You would need to present ties you have to Australia such as employment, investment, family or business ties.

If you are unsure, talk to us today on how to present your Resident Return Visa application, and what to do between the time of lodge and assessment.