Temporary Activity Visa | Subclass 408
Temporary Activity Visa
The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) is a versatile temporary visa that allows you to come to Australia to participate in specific cultural, social, or community activities. Whether you are an invited researcher, a religious worker, musician, or an elite athlete, this visa provides a structured legal pathway for your short-term stay and participation in Australia’s vibrant professional and social landscape.
The subclass 408 visa is designed for individuals invited by Australian organizations to participate in temporary activities such as research, entertainment, sporting events, or religious work. In 2026, this visa continues to support international collaboration and cultural exchange, offering multiple streams tailored to your specific professional or social engagement.
Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary Activity |
| Stay | Typically up to 2 years (varies by stream) |
| Cost | From $535 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | Processing timeframes approx 5 – 14 months2 |
| Key Requirement | Participation in an approved activity |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 408 visa, you must meet several key criteria set by the Department of Home Affairs, primarily centered around your participation in a structured and genuine activity.
1. Participation in an Approved Stream
You must be invited to Australia to participate in one of the approved activity streams. Common streams in 2026 include:
- Invited Participant: For social and cultural community activities (up to 3 months).
- Research Activities: For observing or participating in research projects at Australian tertiary or research institutions (up to 2 years).
- Religious Work: For ministers of religion invited by Australian religious institutions.
- Entertainment Activities: For performers and production crew in the film, TV, or live production industry.
- Australian Government Endorsed Events: Including a Nil VAC (zero visa fee) stream for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
2. Support or Sponsorship
If your stay is for 3 months or less, you generally only need the support of an Australian organisation. For stays longer than 3 months, you must be sponsored by an approved Temporary Activity Sponsor.
3. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) Requirement
You must satisfy the Department that you genuinely intend to stay in Australia only temporarily for the purpose of the activity. Officers will assess your personal situation, immigration history, and ties to your home country.
4. Health, Character, and Insurance
You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements, which may include medical exams and police clearances. Additionally, you must maintain adequate health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
How to Apply for the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Please note: Navigating the 408 process requires identifying the correct stream and ensuring your activity plan is structured legally.
Step 1: Identify the Correct Stream & Eligibility
The first step is a comprehensive assessment to ensure your activity fits the 408 framework rather than a training (407) or work (482) visa. We verify your eligibility against the specific stream requirements.
Step 2: Secure Your Sponsor or Supporter
If your stay exceeds 3 months, your host organisation must apply for or already hold an approved Temporary Activities Sponsorship. For shorter stays, a formal letter of invitation/support is required.
Step 3: Prepare Your Structured Activity Plan
A key cause for refusal is a vague activity description. A clearly drafted plan outlining duties, start/end dates, and financial arrangements is essential.
Step 4: Gather Health and Character Documents
Prepare medical insurance proof, AFP/police checks, and health exam results where required based on your intended length of stay.
Step 5: Lodge Your Decision-Ready Application
Submit your application via ImmiAccount. By ensuring all documents are front-loaded, you minimise processing delays and the risk of Departmental Requests for Information (RFIs).
Being on a Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa means…
As a subclass 408 holder, you are a temporary resident with rights and obligations tied strictly to your nominated activity.
What You Can Do on the 408 Visa
- Stay in Australia to participate in the approved activity for usually up to 2 years (varies by stream).
- Include eligible family unit members in your application.
- Travel to and from Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.
Your Visa Obligations
- Nominated Activity Only: You must only perform the activity approved in your visa grant and are prohibited from unrelated employment.
- Maintain Health Insurance: You must hold adequate health cover for your entire stay.
- Condition 8107: You must continue to meet the requirements of the stream you were granted under.
The Pathway to Australian Residency
The 408 visa is a temporary pathway and does not lead directly to permanent residency. However, the skills and cultural experience gained may support future points-tested migration or employer sponsorship.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
The 408 visa is heavily scrutinised to prevent disguised employment, and vague activity plans are a primary risk for refusal in 2026. Our Registered Migration Agents (RMAs) ensure your application is professionally structured.
Our Subclass 408 Services include:
Comprehensive Eligibility Assessment to ensure your activity fits the 408 framework rather than more expensive training or work visas.
Structured Activity Plan Drafting to provide the specific detail required to satisfy Departmental case officers.
Sponsor Compliance Support to guide your host organisation through their sponsorship and nomination obligations.
Decision-Ready Application Lodgement to maximise the speed of your grant and reduce the chance of RFIs.
Full Management of all communication with the Department of Home Affairs.
And much, much more.
Don’t risk a refusal on a vague application. Talk to an expert today.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa
Q: Can I include my family or partner on my 408 visa?
A: Yes, you can include members of your family unit (partner and dependent children) in your application.
Q: Can I work for other employers on a 408 visa?
A: No. You are generally limited to the activity and organisation specified in your visa grant. undertaking unrelated employment is a breach of conditions.
Q: How long is the 408 visa valid for?
A: The duration depends on the activity. Invited Participants are limited to 3 months, while Research and Religious Work can be up to 2 years.
Q: What happens if my visa is refused?
A: If your visa is refused, you may have rights to appeal the decision to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). Our firm is highly experienced in representing clients at the ART for partner visa matters. Our firm specialises in ART appeals – click here for further details.
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 05 May 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
