Subclass 408 — Temporary Activity visa

Eligibility snapshot

General information only — not immigration assistance or legal advice. The subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa is a sponsorship- or invitation-based temporary visa that covers a defined set of specific activities organised through a number of separate streams. In broad terms, the streams group activities such as entertainment work, participation in sport, religious work, academic or scientific research, certain superyacht crew activities, invited activities supported by an Australian organisation, and other government-endorsed or special-program activities. Because each stream sits behind its own conditions, the requirements that must be met depend heavily on which stream applies to the proposed activity. Across the streams, a few common threads typically apply. An applicant is generally connected to a specific, time-limited activity rather than to open-ended work, and most pathways require some form of backing from an Australian party — for example a temporary activities sponsor, an inviting or endorsing organisation, or a relevant government body — depending on the stream. Applicants are usually expected to meet standard health and character requirements, to genuinely intend a temporary stay, and to hold or have access to adequate support for the period in Australia. The length of stay granted varies by stream and circumstances and is set on a case-by-case basis. The authoritative criteria, the current list of streams, and the precise conditions for each are maintained on the official Home Affairs page for the subclass 408 visa, and the detail changes from time to time. Always check the official page for current requirements. Because eligibility turns on which stream fits a particular activity and on individual facts, a registered migration practitioner can advise on which stream and conditions apply to your circumstances.

Costs and charges

General information only — not immigration assistance or legal advice. For the subclass 408 visa, the government's Visa Application Charge varies depending on the stream and the circumstances of the application, and some activities are connected with reduced or differing charge arrangements. Because there is no single fixed figure across all streams, the current amount should be confirmed using the official visa pricing estimator and the subclass 408 page rather than relied on from any third-party summary. Check the official page for current requirements before budgeting. Beyond the base charge for the main applicant, additional charges can apply for any family members included in the application, and these are calculated separately. Applicants commonly encounter further ancillary costs as well — for example health examinations where required, police or character clearances, biometrics where requested, document certification or translation, and any costs associated with arranging the underlying sponsorship, invitation or endorsement. These ancillary items are not part of the government charge and depend on individual circumstances. Importantly, the government Visa Application Charge is a charge payable to the Australian Government and is entirely separate from any fee charged by this platform or by a practitioner for professional assistance. Platform and practitioner fees, where they apply, are additional and distinct. A registered practitioner can give an estimate of total costs based on your stream and situation, and the official estimator should be used for the current government charge.

Frequently asked questions