Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) – Work, Train or Participate in Events in Australia

Two travelers with a backpack and suitcase, one holding a tablet displaying a travel itinerary with an airplane and map route in the background, symbolising the exciting opportunities to work, train, or participate in events in Australia through the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), supported by IME Advisors, Sydney.

Unlock Short-Term Work Opportunities in Australia

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) provides a unique pathway for individuals looking to engage in specific temporary work, participate in events or cultural programs, or undertake training and research activities in Australia.
At IME Advisors, we are leading Subclass 408 Visa Consultants in Sydney, with expert guidance across all 408 streams — helping you secure legal entry and maximize every opportunity in Australia.

From sporting events to entertainment, training to research — the 408 visa lets you live your short-term goals in Australia.

What is the 408 Visa?

The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa allows overseas individuals to live and work temporarily in Australia for a specific purpose. This can include:

Invited participation in cultural or sporting events

Full-time religious work

Research or academic exchange

Training and workplace-based programs

Entertainment industry work

Government-approved events

Domestic work for senior executives

Unlike standard work visas, this visa is purpose-specific and stream-based, meaning eligibility and duration depend on your nominated activity.

Key Features

Stay in Australia for up to 2 years (depending on stream)

Include eligible family members in your application

Work in approved roles or events

Participate in research, cultural, entertainment or sports activities

Temporary stay with flexible stream options

Open to both sponsored and unsponsored pathways (depending on the stream)

Popular Streams Under Subclass 408

1. Entertainment Industry

Work in film, television, or live performance as an artist or behind-the-scenes talent.

2. Invited Participant

Participation in a special event, competition, or cultural program (e.g., sporting teams, international delegations).

3. Religious Work

Undertake full-time religious duties such as clergy, missionaries, or faith-based community support.

4. Research Activities

Collaborate with Australian institutions in academic or scientific research.

5. Sporting Activities

Play, coach or officiate in competitive sporting events. Often used by elite athletes.

6. Staff Exchange

Participate in structured staff exchange programs between organisations.

7. Superyacht Crew

Work aboard superyachts operating in Australian waters.

8. Domestic Work for Executives

Support senior foreign executives with full-time domestic responsibilities.

9. Australian Government-Endorsed Events

Special stream used during major government-declared events or crisis (e.g. COVID-19 pandemic).

Not sure which stream applies to you? Our Subclass 408 Advisors in Sydney will help you find the right fit.

Subclass 408 Visa Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible, you must

Be sponsored (for most streams) or invited for a specific event or activity

Demonstrate skills, experience or talent relevant to the stream

Have functional English (for some categories)

Provide evidence of health insurance

Meet health and character requirements

Genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia

Have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents

Required Documents

Valid passport

Evidence of the event, training or activity

Employment contract or letter of invitation

Proof of English proficiency (if applicable)

Health insurance documentation

Police clearance certificates

Resume/CV and qualifications

Sponsorship approval (if applicable)

408 Visa Processing Time

1 to 3 months for most streams

Fast-tracked options available for time-sensitive events

Our expert Temporary Activity Visa Consultants ensure your application is prepared and submitted accurately — speeding up your approval chances.

Why IME Advisors for Your 408 Visa?

Sydney-based Subclass 408 Visa Experts with years of experience

Personalised stream selection for your unique activity

Assistance with sponsorship and event coordination

End-to-end support from application to visa outcome

Ongoing advisory on transitions to other visa types, if eligible

Whether you’re an artist, athlete, academic or volunteer — we help you stay focused on your purpose while we handle the paperwork.

Book Visa Consultation

Planning short-term training, professional development, or participating in an approved exchange program? The Training Visa (Subclass 407) and Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

Other Visa you might be
interested in

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Subclass 408

How long can I stay on a 408 visa?

Duration depends on the stream, ranging from a few months up to 2 years.

Do I need a sponsor for the 408 visa?

Most streams require sponsorship, but some (e.g., government-endorsed or invited participant) do not.

Can I include my family members?

Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children in your application.

What type of work is allowed under this visa?

Only work directly related to your approved activity. Working outside your stream may breach visa conditions.

Can I apply from inside Australia?

Yes, if you hold a valid visa without the ‘No Further Stay’ condition.

Is the 408 visa a pathway to permanent residency?

Not directly, but it can lead to other work or skilled visas depending on your circumstances.

Can this visa be extended?

Extensions are not generally granted. You must apply for a new visa if you wish to continue your stay.

Do I need a medical check-up for this visa?

It depends on your country of origin, length of stay, and stream. We’ll advise you based on your case.

How much does the 408 visa cost?

The base application charge is generally low. Additional charges may apply for dependents and health checks.

Can IME Advisors help with sponsorship arrangements?

Yes. We assist both applicants and organisations with Temporary Activity Sponsorship processes.

How long can I stay on a 408 visa?

Duration depends on the stream, ranging from a few months up to 2 years.

Do I need a sponsor for the 408 visa?

Most streams require sponsorship, but some (e.g., government-endorsed or invited participant) do not.

Can I include my family members?

Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children in your application.

What type of work is allowed under this visa?

Only work directly related to your approved activity. Working outside your stream may breach visa conditions.

Can I apply from inside Australia?

Yes, if you hold a valid visa without the ‘No Further Stay’ condition.

Is the 408 visa a pathway to permanent residency?

Not directly, but it can lead to other work or skilled visas depending on your circumstances.

Can this visa be extended?

Extensions are not generally granted. You must apply for a new visa if you wish to continue your stay.

Do I need a medical check-up for this visa?

It depends on your country of origin, length of stay, and stream. We’ll advise you based on your case.

How much does the 408 visa cost?

The base application charge is generally low. Additional charges may apply for dependents and health checks.

Can IME Advisors help with sponsorship arrangements?

Yes. We assist both applicants and organisations with Temporary Activity Sponsorship processes.

Find the Right Visa For You

Not sure where to start? Make an Enquiry – We’ll Contact You Within 24 Hours

Contact Info

Blue location pin icon for Immigration & Education Advisors in Australia. This highlights the commitment and expertise of IME Advisors in providing bespoked migration and visa services.

Visit Us

→ Suite 1, Ground Level, 80 Phillip St, Parramatta, NSW 2150
→ Suite 10.02, Level 10/46 Market St, Sydney NSW 2000
→ Level 5/15 Moore St, Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Icon of a blue phone receiver, representing contact for Immigration & Education Advisors in Australia. This highlights the commitment and expertise of IME Advisors in providing bespoked migration and visa services.

Call Us

02 90631618
+61 422101699

Icon of an email, representing IME Advisors’ communication channels for visa and migration inquiries in Australia. This highlights the commitment and expertise of IME Advisors in providing bespoked migration and visa services.

Email Address

info@imeadvisors.com

Your trusted migration consultant is just one form away

Whether you’re a skilled worker, student, partner, or business sponsor, we’ll help map out the most direct path to your migration success.

Make Your Short-Term Australian Stay Count

From training programs and cultural exchange to entertainment gigs and sports contracts — the Subclass 408 Visa opens doors for global talent in Australia. Let IME Advisors be your trusted Temporary Activity Visa Consultant in Sydney, ensuring your application is fast, compliant and successful.

Book a Consultation for Subclass 408 Visa Today

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)