Australia•Oceania

Open

408 — Temporary Activity Visa

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

AUD $535

Stay Duration

Up to 2 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Living in Australia

Cost of Living

2% more than United States

Avg SalaryA$73,000

Quality of Life

187/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Temporary Activity Visa.

The Australian Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) lets foreign nationals enter Australia for specific short-term activities: research, entertainment, sports, staff exchange, and special programs. Sponsorship by an approved Australian organisation is required; work rights are restricted to the nominated activity.

Stay duration varies by stream: most allow up to 2 years, while Religious Worker and Research streams allow up to 4 years with extensions. The visa carries no direct pathway to permanent residence and dual intent is not permitted. Family members may accompany the holder.

This visa is ideal for performers, athletes, researchers, religious workers, and exchange participants invited by an Australian organisation for a defined temporary activity.

Curious about life in Australia?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be invited to participate in a specific event or activity

Must be supported or sponsored by an organization in Australia

Must meet health and character requirements

Must have adequate health insurance for the duration of stay

Must have sufficient financial support for self and any accompanying family

Must be a genuine temporary entrant

Must not have had a visa cancelled or an application refused

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport and identity documents

Evidence of support or sponsorship (invitation letter, sponsorship approval)

Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, employment contract)

Evidence of health insurance

Police certificates from countries lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years

Evidence of relationship for family members (marriage/birth certificates)

Specific activity-related documents (e.g., arts certificate, research project details)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Covers a wide range of temporary activities across multiple streams
Allows work and participation in stream-specific activities
Some streams permit stays of up to 4 years
Extensions may be available in certain streams
Pathway for performers, athletes, researchers, religious workers, and exchange participants

Worth Knowing

Sponsorship by an approved Australian organisation or individual is mandatory
Work rights are restricted to the nominated activity and sponsor
Each stream has its own specific qualification criteria and documentation requirements
Does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residence
Stay duration and conditions vary significantly by stream
COVID-19 pandemic event stream has ended