Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows individuals to come to Australia to participate in specific activities on a short-term basis. This visa is designed for people involved in a wide range of activities, including working in critical sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic, sporting and entertainment events, religious work, research, and training programs.
Key Features of the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
- Stay in Australia: Depending on the stream, you can stay in Australia for up to 2 years.
- Work Rights: Allows you to work in Australia in the specified activity for which the visa is granted.
- Multiple Streams: The visa offers several streams for different activities, including working in critical sectors, cultural exchange, research, and more.
- Family Members: You can include eligible family members in your application.
Streams of the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
There are several streams under the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), each designed for different activities and purposes. Below is an overview:
1. Australian Government Endorsed Event
This stream applies to individuals working in critical sectors who are unable to leave Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Purpose: It allows visa holders to remain in Australia and continue working in essential sectors such as agriculture, health care, aged care, disability care, child care, and food processing.
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Stay Duration: You can stay for up to 12 months, depending on your role within a critical sector.
2. Invited Participant in an Event
This stream targets individuals invited to take part in an event in Australia—whether cultural, sporting, or religious.
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Purpose: It enables participants or supporters of such events to fulfill their roles during the course of the event.
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Stay Duration: Generally up to 3 months; however, in some cases, it can be extended up to 2 years.
3. Entertainment Industry Stream
This stream is meant for professionals in the entertainment sector, including actors, musicians, or technical crew members.
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Purpose: To provide access for those working on film, television, or live performance projects in Australia.
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Stay Duration: Up to 2 years, depending on the project and the applicant’s involvement.
4. Religious Work
This stream serves religious workers who intend to perform full-time religious duties in Australia.
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Purpose: It allows individuals to undertake tasks like teaching or leading religious services that serve a religious purpose.
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Stay Duration: Up to 2 years.
5. Research Activities
This stream caters to academics who plan to conduct research or work as visiting scholars at Australian institutions.
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Purpose: To enable academics and researchers to contribute to Australian research initiatives.
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Stay Duration: Typically, this stream allows a stay of up to 2 years.
6. Superyacht Crew
This stream is intended for those working as crew members on superyachts navigating Australian waters.
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Purpose: To allow superyacht staff to work legally in Australia while the yacht is docked or operating within the country.
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Stay Duration: Up to 12 months.
7. Domestic Work for Executives
This stream is for full-time domestic workers employed by senior executives holding temporary work visas.
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Purpose: It enables domestic staff to accompany their employer to Australia and perform duties within their household.
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Stay Duration: Up to 2 years.
Eligibility Requirements for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
To be eligible for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), both the applicant and the sponsoring organization (if required) must meet certain criteria.
For the Applicant:
- Genuine Temporary Stay: You must demonstrate that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily and return to your home country after your activity is completed.
- Relevant Activity: You must be participating in an eligible activity under one of the streams listed above.
- Sponsorship (if required): For certain streams, such as the entertainment or religious work streams, you must be sponsored by an approved organization or Australian government agency.
- Health and Character Requirements: You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may involve a medical examination and police clearance certificates.
- Adequate Health Insurance: You must have adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
For the Sponsoring Organization (if required):
- Approved Sponsor: The organization sponsoring you must be an approved sponsor under the Subclass 408 visa.
- Nomination: In some cases, the sponsoring organization must submit a nomination outlining the activity you will participate in.
Required Documentation for the Temporary Activity Visa
When applying for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), the following documents are typically required:
- Proof of Identity:
- Passport (certified copies of the bio-data pages).
- Proof of Activity or Event:
- Invitation letter, contract, or documentation outlining the activity or event you will be participating in.
- Sponsorship (if applicable):
- Sponsorship approval documents from the sponsoring organization (if required by the visa stream).
- Health and Character Documents:
- Medical examination results.
- Police clearance certificates from every country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the past 10 years.
- Health Insurance:
- Proof of adequate health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Australia.
Application Process for the Temporary Activity Visa
The application process for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) generally follows these steps:
- Sponsorship (if required)
If your visa stream requires sponsorship, the sponsoring organization must first apply for approval with the Department of Home Affairs.
- Lodge Your Visa Application
After the sponsorship (if applicable) is approved, you can apply for the visa online. Submit your application along with all the necessary documents, including proof of identity, details of the activity or event, health and character documents, and proof of health insurance.
- Visa Processing
The Department of Home Affairs will assess your application. Processing times vary depending on the stream and individual circumstances but typically take between 2 weeks to 4 months.
- Visa Decision
If your visa is approved, you will be granted permission to enter and stay in Australia for the duration of your specified activity.
Visa Costs
The visa application fee for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) varies depending on the stream. As a guide:
- Base Application Charge: From AUD 415 for most streams.
- Additional Applicant Charge: Costs vary for dependent family members included in the application.
Additional costs include:
- Health examinations and police checks: These costs vary based on location and provider.
- Sponsorship application charges (if applicable): Fees may apply for sponsoring organizations.
How We Can Help
At A Square Migration Services, we provide comprehensive support for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) application process. Our services include:
- Sponsorship Assistance: We help sponsoring organizations apply for approval and submit nomination documents.
- Visa Application Support: We assist applicants in preparing and lodging their visa applications, ensuring all documentation is complete and accurate.
- Health and Character Documentation: We guide you through obtaining medical examinations and police clearance certificates.
- Ongoing Support: We provide continuous updates and support throughout the visa application process.
Participate in Activities in Australia with the 408 Visa
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) provides an excellent opportunity to engage in professional, cultural, or other activities in Australia on a short-term basis. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to ensure your application is smooth and successful.
Contact us today to begin your 408 visa application or to learn more about your eligibility.