Subclass 408
The Subclass 408 visa is designed for professionals and participants contributing to specialised events, sports, productions, and religious activities.
The 408 Temporary Activity Visa
The Subclass 408 visa allows you to come to Australia for specific types of short-term work and activities. It is used by everyone from professional athletes and film crews to religious ministers and participants in major government-endorsed events.
At Immilex, we focus on the facts. We assist sponsors and applicants in defining the scope of the activity and ensuring the Sponsorship or Support benchmarks are met for a successful grant.
Key Factors:
- Sponsorship vs. Support: Stays under 3 months (applying offshore) only require a letter of support. All onshore applications or stays exceeding 3 months require an approved Temporary Activity Sponsor (TAS).
- Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE): You must demonstrate a genuine intention to stay in Australia only for the duration ofyour specified activity.
- Financial Capacity: You must prove you have access to sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay.
Australian Government Endorsed Events
What it is for: Participation in major events such as the Olympics, World Cups, or high-level summits endorsed by the Australian Government.
What it allows: Participation in the event and associated work; travel in and out of Australia.
Key Requirements:
- Be a participant, organiser, or support staff for a specific endorsed event.
- Hold an invitation from the relevant event organizing body.
Length of Stay: For the duration of the event (typically up to 4 years for long-term event planning).
NIL VAC Policy: Certain participating teams and officials for major endorsed events (such as the road to Brisbane 2032) are eligible for a NIL Visa Application Charge.
Entertainment Activities
What it is for: Professionals in film, television, and live productions (actors, directors, musicians, bloggers, and journalists).
What it allows: Work in a specific production; family inclusion; and multiple-entry travel facility.
Key Requirements:
- Provide a contract or letter of offer from an eligible Australian sponsor.
- Demonstrate that the production has a net benefit to the Australian entertainment industry.
- Evidence of Union consultation where required.
Length of Stay: Up to 2 years.
Religious Work
What it is for: For applicants invited to do full-time religious work (ministers, priests, or spiritual leaders).
What it allows: Full-time religious service; family inclusion; and travel rights.
Key Requirements:
- Be invited by a religious institution that is an approved TAS.
- The work must be full-time (minimum 38 hours per week).
- Provide a formal agreement detailing the religious duties.
Length of Stay: Up to 2 years.
Sporting Activities
What it is for: Players, coaches, instructors, or adjudicators for an Australian sporting team or organization.
What it allows: Participation in elite or national-level sports; family inclusion.
Key Requirements:
- Provide a contract and a letter of support from a national sporting body.
- The sponsoring sporting organisation must be an approved TAS.
- The activity must be at a national or international competition level.
Length of Stay: Up to 2 years.
Maintaining compliance
- Condition 8107 (ActivityLock): You must only participate in the activity for which your visa was granted. If you changeproductions, teams, or religious institutions, you must apply for a new visa.
- Sponsor Obligations: Approved Temporary Activity Sponsors (TAS) are legally responsible for ensuring the applicant complies with theirvisa conditions and must notify the Department if the activity ends early.
- Adequate Health Insurance: You must maintain health cover (OVHC) for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
The 408 Application Process
Sponsorship vs. Support
Confirm if your organisation needs to be an approved Temporary Activity Sponsor (TAS). If you are offshore and staying for 3 months or less, you generally only need a formal letter of support.
Document Gathering
Prepare your invitation letter, a detailed activity plan, your contract, and proof of adequate health insurance (OVHC).
Sponsorship Lodgement
If your host is not already a sponsor, they must lodge their TAS application. The visa cannot be granted until the sponsorship is approved.
Visa Lodgement
Submit your application via ImmiAccount. At this stage, we verify your eligibility for any fee exemptions, such as the NIL VAC for government-endorsed events.
Health & Character
Complete any required medical examinations or biometrics. Once the Department is satisfied with your GTE status and technical documentation, the visa is decided.
For 408 Visa Applicants
The Subclass 408 is a highly specific visa tied to a defined project or role. If your activity changes or your contract is terminated, your visa may be subject to cancellation.
At Immilex, we assess your activity agreements and sponsorship status to ensure your role is correctly classified. For those participating in government-endorsed events, we verify your eligibility for the NIL VAC (no application fee) to ensure your organisation remains cost-effective and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, there is no age limit for the 408 visa, making it an excellent option for senior coaches, religious leaders, and established entertainment professionals.
Yes, family members can usually be included. However, their work rights may be restricted depending on the specific stream you are applying for.
Manage Your Activity with Expert Oversight
The 408 visa requires coordination between the sponsor and the participant. Contact us at Immilex for a consultation to ensure your cultural, sporting, or religious contribution to Australia is successful.