Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows eligible individuals to enter and stay in Australia temporarily to participate in approved activities that are short-term, specialised, or endorsed by an Australian organisation or government body.

This visa is not a pathway to permanent residency. It is granted strictly for the approved activity and duration.

What This Visa Allows

You may be eligible to apply for this visa if you are coming to Australia to:

• Participate in events, conferences, or invited activities

• Take part in research, training, or cultural programs

• Work in entertainment, sports, or high-level athletic programs

• Participate in government-endorsed programs

• Undertake religious or community-based work

• Work as a crew member on a superyacht

• Perform full-time domestic work for approved foreign executives

• Engage in other approved temporary activities

Your activity must be genuine, temporary, and approved under the relevant stream.

Eligibility Requirements

You must:

• Have the skills, experience, or background required for the activity

• Be invited, endorsed, or sponsored where required

• Meet health and character requirements

• Have adequate financial support for your stay

• Intend to only perform the approved activity

• Meet the specific criteria of the stream under which you apply

Duration of Stay

The length of stay depends on the activity:

• Up to 3 months for short-term events or invitations

• Up to 2 years for approved longer-term activities

• Up to 4 years for certain government-related activities

The visa duration is granted only for the approved purpose.

Cost

• Visa application charge starts from AUD 405

• Some streams may be fee-exempt, depending on government policy

Additional costs may apply for health checks or police certificates.

Who Can Apply

You may be eligible if:

• You apply from outside Australia or within Australia

• You have a supporting organisation or sponsor, where required

• Your sponsor has completed the required sponsorship process

• You meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement

Genuine Temporary Participation

Applicants must show that:

• Their stay in Australia is temporary

• They intend to leave Australia after completing the activity

• They will not seek to remain long-term through this visa

• Their circumstances support a temporary stay

Decision-makers assess:

• Immigration history

• Personal and economic circumstances

• Purpose of the activity

• Any other relevant information

Financial Capacity

You must demonstrate you can support:

• Yourself during your stay

• Any eligible family members accompanying you

Evidence may include:

• Bank statements

• Sponsor support letters

• Employment contracts

• Accommodation arrangements

Sponsorship Requirements

Where sponsorship is required, your sponsor must provide:

• Sponsorship approval or transaction reference number

• Formal letter of support

• Written commitment to meet sponsorship obligations

• Evidence of the approved activity

Important Conditions

• You may only work or participate in the approved activity

• Changing activities requires a new visa application

• Breaching visa conditions may affect future visa applications

How Visa Aid Can Assist

Visa Aid provides support with:

• • Stream selection and eligibility assessment

  • Sponsor documentation checks

  • Application preparation and lodgement

  • Compliance guidance during your stay