Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity visa allows eligible applicants to undertake an approved short-term activity or specific type of work in Australia under the relevant Subclass 408 stream.
Subclass 408 is activity-specific. You must have the skills required for the proposed activity, appropriate support or sponsorship, and satisfy every requirement of the selected stream.
What is the Temporary Activity Visa?
Subclass 408 is designed for people invited, engaged or endorsed to undertake an approved temporary activity in Australia. It covers several distinct streams, including entertainment, sport, research, religious work, special programs and selected government-endorsed events.
The activity, organisation, proposed location and duration must match the visa stream and supporting arrangements. This visa is temporary and does not create a direct pathway to permanent residence.
Common Subclass 408 activity streams
Key eligibility considerations
You must be genuinely undertaking an eligible temporary activity and have the experience or skills needed to perform it. Depending on the stream, application location and proposed stay, you may need an approved temporary activities sponsor, a supporting organisation, an invitation, endorsement, contract or detailed activity program.
Applicants must also meet health and character requirements, maintain adequate health insurance where required, have sufficient funds for themselves and accompanying family, and satisfy the genuine temporary stay requirement.
How the Subclass 408 process works
Identify the correct activity stream
Match the proposed work or participation to the exact Subclass 408 stream and confirm its additional criteria.
Arrange support or sponsorship
Obtain the required sponsor approval, support, invitation or government endorsement before lodging where applicable.
Prepare activity evidence
Gather contracts, itinerary, role description, qualifications, experience and evidence of the organisation and proposed activity.
Lodge the visa application
Apply online through ImmiAccount with the correct stream, complete declarations, documents and application charge.
Complete checks and review the grant
Respond to requests for health, character or further evidence and check the approved activity, stay and conditions.
Sponsor or supporter requirements
The required arrangement depends on the stream and circumstances. Some overseas applicants proposing a stay of less than three months may need a supporter rather than a sponsor, while applicants in Australia or those planning a longer stay may require an approved temporary activities sponsor.
A sponsor or supporter must be eligible for the selected activity and provide evidence of its lawful operation, proposed engagement and capacity to meet its obligations. An invitation alone does not guarantee that the visa criteria are met.
Stay period, work and travel
The authorised stay is based on the approved activity and varies between streams. Some streams allow up to 12 months, some up to two years, and specified government-endorsed circumstances can allow a different period. The visa grant letter confirms the actual stay.
You may work only in the approved role or activity and must comply with all attached conditions. Multiple travel may be granted, but time outside Australia does not extend or restart the approved visa stay period.
Important Subclass 408 Conditions
- Undertake only the activity approved for your visa stream.
- Work only as permitted by the visa grant and conditions.
- Maintain required sponsorship or supporting arrangements.
- Do not change an approved role, itinerary or engagement without permission where required.
- Ensure the activity does not disadvantage Australian workers.
- Maintain adequate funds and health insurance where required.
- Check all conditions and the authorised stay in VEVO.
Including family members
Many Subclass 408 streams allow eligible members of the family unit to be included before a decision or to apply later as subsequent entrants. Family members must satisfy applicable health, character, financial and insurance requirements, and their work rights depend on the conditions granted.
Documents commonly required
Evidence may include passport and identity documents, sponsor or supporter references, invitation or endorsement letters, contracts, activity schedules, qualifications, employment history, proof of skills, funds, health insurance, family documents, police certificates, health examinations and certified English translations.
How Echoes Global Education can assist
Our migration team can help identify the relevant Subclass 408 stream, assess sponsor or supporter requirements, prepare a personalised evidence checklist, review the proposed activity and assist with a complete visa application.