subclass 408
Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
A flexible short-term visa for people coming to Australia to participate in specific defined activities. No formal Standard Business Sponsorship required — suitable for entertainment, sport, research, religious work and specialist short-term engagements.
- 🏷️ Temporary — activity-specific duration
- Processing: weeks to months
- Govt fee: ~$365
- No formal SBS required
What Is the Temporary Activity Visa (408)?
The Subclass 408 is a flexible temporary visa for people travelling to Australia to take part in a specific, defined activity. Unlike the Subclass 482 or 186, it does not require the full Standard Business Sponsorship process — instead, an approved Australian organisation acting as the proposer supports or invites the visa holder for the duration of the activity.Â
It is commonly used for performing artists, athletes, researchers, religious workers, domestic workers accompanying overseas diplomatic staff, and participants in approved exchange programs. For businesses that need to bring in overseas talent or specialists for a defined purpose — without the administrative burden of a full employer sponsorship arrangement — the 408 is often the most practical option.
Key Activity Streams Available to Employers
| Stream | Who It Covers | Max Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment stream | Performing artists, film crew, production staff | Up to 2 years |
| Exchange stream | Participants in approved exchange programs | Varies |
| Sports stream | Athletes and support staff for specific events/seasons | Up to 2 years |
| Invited participant stream | People invited by Australian organisations for specific activities | Up to 3 months |
| Religious worker stream | Ministers of religion, religious instructors | Up to 2 years |
| Research stream | Academic/research collaboration | Up to 2 years |
When Should Employers Consider a 408?
- Bringing in a specialist trainer or consultant for a one-off project (where a 400 is not appropriate due to duration)
- Hosting international exchange participants or researchers
- Entertainment or event productions requiring overseas talent for a defined period
- Religious organisations needing overseas ministers or workers for a period
- When a full 482 sponsorship is disproportionate for the length or nature of the engagement
Proposer Obligations
While the 408 does not require full employer sponsorship, the proposer — the Australian organisation hosting the activity — carries its own set of obligations:Â
- Ensuring the visa holder only undertakes the activity that was approvedÂ
- Notifying the Department of Home Affairs if the activity concludes early or changes significantlyÂ
- Meeting any undertakings provided at the time of proposer approvalÂ
- Ensuring appropriate remuneration is provided for performing artists and sports stream participants