Temporary Activity Subclass 408 Visa
The Temporary Activity Subclass 408 Visa allows individuals to enter Australia to engage in specific types of work on a short-term basis. This visa is designed for activities endorsed by the Australian Government, including events, religious, social, cultural, and research activities. It enables participants to contribute to Australia’s diverse landscape while fulfilling particular roles that support these initiatives.
Streams of the Subclass 408 Visa
The Subclass 408 Visa can be lodged under various streams, each tailored to different types of activities:
- Australian Government Endorsed Events: Participate in events sanctioned by the Australian Government.
- Special Program: Engage in approved special programs, such as cultural enrichment or youth exchanges.
- Religious Work: Conduct full-time religious duties for an accredited religious institution.
- Research Activities: Participate in research projects at Australian tertiary or research institutions.
- Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activities: Join community-based events upon invitation from an Australian organization.
- Sporting Activities: Engage in professional or amateur sporting events.
- Entertainment Activities: Participate in the entertainment sector, including film, television, and live performances.
- Superyacht Crew: Work on superyachts in Australia.
- Exchange Arrangements: Take part in approved cultural exchange programs.
- Domestic Work for Executives: Provide domestic support services for executive personnel.
Inclusion of Family Members
If you have a spouse or partner and children, they may be included in your Subclass 408 visa application either before or after your visa is granted.
Work Rights for Visa Holders
Holders of the Subclass 408 visa enjoy full work rights in Australia, with the requirement to continue working with their nominating employer.
Application Costs
- Base Application Charge: A$415
- Additional Applicant Charge (18 years and older): A$415
- Additional Applicant Charge (under 18 years): A$105
Visa Grant Duration
The duration of the visa varies depending on the stream:
- Australian Government Endorsed Events: Up to 4 years
- Special Program: Up to 12 months
- Religious Work: Up to 2 years
- Research Activities: Up to 2 years
- Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activities: Up to 3 months
- Sporting Activities: Up to 2 years
- Entertainment Activities: Up to 2 years
- Superyacht Crew: Up to 12 months
- Exchange Arrangements: Up to 2 years
- Domestic Work for Executives: Up to 2 years
Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 408 visa vary by stream:
- Australian Government Endorsed Events: 77 days to 8 months
- Special Program: 13 days to 23 months
- Religious Work: 60 days to 10 months
- Research Activities: 33 days to 20 months
- Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activities: 1 day to 12 months
- Sporting Activities: 4 days to 9 months
- Entertainment Activities: 1 day to 30 months
- Superyacht Crew: 8 days to 72 months
- Exchange Arrangements: Not available
- Domestic Work for Executives: Not available
Subclass 408 Visa for Australian Government Endorsed Events Stream
This visa stream allows you to participate in government-endorsed events, including initiatives aimed at addressing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic economic recovery.
- COVID-19 Pandemic Event: You may remain in Australia for 12 months if employed or offered employment in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, or hospitality.
- Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Event: A letter of endorsement from your employer is required, outlining your role in facilitating the relocation of their business to Australia.
- Supporting Innovation in South Australia Event: Participation requires a letter of endorsement from the South Australian Government and a supporting business plan.
Subclass 408 Visa Special Program Stream
This visa stream allows participation in approved special programs, including youth exchanges, cultural enrichment, or community service projects.
- Cultural Exchange: The program must focus on cultural exchange and sharing experiences.
- Supporter or Sponsor: While a sponsor is not needed for stays under 3 months if applying from outside Australia, a supporter is required.
Subclass 408 Visa Religious Worker Stream
This stream permits individuals to undertake full-time religious work for an eligible religious institution in Australia.
- Sponsorship Requirements: Sponsors must be approved and meet specific criteria to support the visa applicant.
Subclass 408 Visa Research Activities Stream
Eligibility for this stream requires an invitation to participate in research at an Australian institution.
- Research Student Activities: Must be invited to undertake research related to your field of study.
Subclass 408 Visa Invited for Other Social and Cultural Activity Stream
Individuals invited by an Australian organization to engage in community activities can apply under this stream.
- Supporter or Sponsor: A supporter is necessary for applications made outside Australia, with specific requirements for longer stays.
Additional Considerations
- Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement: Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to remain in Australia temporarily.
- Financial Capacity: Applicants must show they have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependents during their stay.
- Health Insurance: Adequate health insurance coverage is essential for the duration of your stay.
For those interested in the Subclass 408 visa, ensuring all requirements and documentation are meticulously prepared will enhance the chances of a successful application.
The Subclass 408 visa for temporary activities allows individuals to participate in various sports and entertainment activities in Australia. Here’s a summary of the key requirements and conditions for different streams of the Subclass 408 visa:
Subclass 408 Visa Requirements
Sports Activities Stream
- Current Competition: Must show current competition or adjudication at the Australian national level or be endorsed by a relevant peak sporting body.
- Elite Recognition: For elite players, coaches, instructors, or adjudicators, endorsement by an Australian national sporting body is required.
- Training: Engage in full-time structured sports training with an internationally recognized organization.
- Support/Sponsorship:
- No sponsor required if applying outside Australia for less than 3 months.
- A supporter is needed if applying in Australia.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): Must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia.
Entertainment Activities Stream
- Contract Proof: Must have a contract for performance or work in Australia.
- Eligible Activities: Engage in activities such as performing in film/television or working as production/support staff.
- Debt Payment: Any owed money to the Australian government must be paid.
- Australian Values Statement: Applicants aged 18 or older must sign this statement.
- GTE Requirement: Same as above.
Superyacht Crew Stream
- Employment Contract: Must have a contract or confirmation letter for crew employment on a superyacht.
- Superyacht Definition: Must be a high-value vessel, 24 meters or longer, used for sport/recreation.
- Support/Sponsorship:
- No sponsor required if applying outside Australia for less than 3 months.
- A supporter or sponsor is required if applying in Australia.
- Self-Support: Must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
Exchange Arrangements Stream
- Reciprocal Exchange: Must intend to work in a skilled position under a reciprocal staff exchange arrangement.
- Skills and Experience: Necessary skills/experience must be available.
- Support/Sponsorship: Similar requirements as in other streams.
- GTE Requirement: Same as above.
Domestic Work for Executives Stream
- Invitation to Work: Must be invited to work full-time in the household of a senior foreign executive.
- Employment Contract: Must meet necessary employment standards.
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
- Health Insurance: Must have adequate health insurance for the duration of the stay.
- Declaration of Sponsorship Payment: Must declare if you have ever paid for visa sponsorship.
- Previous Visa History: Must not have had a visa canceled or previous application refused.
Conditions of Subclass 408 Visa
- Work Limitations: Conditions regarding the type of work you can do in Australia (Condition 8106, 8107).
- Superyacht Crew: Limited to working on a superyacht (Condition 8114).
- Public Interest Criteria: Must satisfy public interest criteria after entering Australia (Condition 8301).
- Behavior Requirements: Must not engage in disruptive activities (Condition 8303).
- Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance for the stay (Condition 8501).
- Residence Notification: Notify the Department of your residence in Australia before the visa expires (Condition 8526).
Disclaimer: ‘Aussie Migration Services Pty Ltd’ and its associates are independent consulting entities which are not associated in anyway with the Australian ‘Department of Home Affairs’ (DOHA). Information on this website does not constitute personal migration advice. For a customized migration advice based on your personal circumstances, please call and talk to one of our Immigration Consultants or register your interest with our Associates.