The Australia Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is a flexible temporary visa covering a wide range of short-term activities in Australia, including…
The Australia Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is a flexible temporary visa covering a wide range of short-term activities in Australia, including entertainment, sport, religious work, superyacht crew, and other approved activities. It consolidates several former temporary visas into one streamlined subclass.
The 408 visa replaced several former temporary visas (including Subclasses 410, 420, 421, 423, 428, 430, 436, 437, 442, 459, 476) to simplify Australia’s temporary visa framework. It allows you to participate in a specific approved activity for a temporary period, with visa length depending on your stream and activity type.
Film, TV, music, live events and entertainment industry activities
Crew members of superyachts visiting Australian waters
Ministers of religion and members of religious orders
Athletes, coaches, support staff and sporting events
For performers, production crew, and support personnel for film, television, music, theatre, and entertainment events. Usually requires a sponsor in the entertainment industry.
For athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff participating in or facilitating Australian sporting competitions or events.
For ministers of religion or members of a religious order performing duties in Australia. Must be sponsored by an approved religious body.
For crew of superyachts visiting Australian territorial waters. The yacht owner or operator acts as sponsor.
For domestic workers employed by diplomatic or consular staff or senior executives of overseas organisations.
For distinguished academics invited by an Australian higher education institution or research body to contribute to research or teaching.
Determine which activity stream applies to your situation — entertainment, sport, religious work, superyacht, domestic worker, or academic.
Many streams require an approved Australian sponsor. Confirm your sponsor is eligible and willing to nominate you for the 408 visa.
Gather identity documents, evidence of your activity/role, sponsor details, English test results, and health/character documents.
Submit your application online. Pay the visa application charge and upload all required documents.
Complete any required health examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Once approved, travel to Australia and participate in your approved activity within the visa conditions.
Varies by stream — typically up to 2 years, or the duration of the approved activity
Typically 2–6 weeks depending on stream and individual circumstances
Work rights are limited to the approved activity. Cannot work in unrelated employment.
No. The 408 visa restricts you to the approved activity specified in your visa. You cannot take on unrelated employment. For general skilled work, consider the Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482).
Yes, eligible family members can be included as secondary applicants on your 408 visa application, allowing them to travel to Australia with you for the duration of your approved activity.
The 408 visa is purely a temporary activity visa and does not directly lead to permanent residency. However, skills and experience gained may support future skilled migration applications.
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa replaced numerous former temporary visas including Subclasses 410, 420, 421, 423, 428, 430, 436, 437, 442, 459, and 476, consolidating them under one streamlined visa subclass.
The Victoria Immigrations team can help you identify the right activity stream, find an approved sponsor, and lodge a strong 408 visa application.
Book a free consultation with our immigration experts today.
