408 - temporary activity visa

Step 1 – temporary activities sponsorship

To become a temporary activities sponsor, an employer must be able to show that the business:

● is a lawfully operating business; and

● has no relevant adverse information affecting suitability.

A sponsorship facility is granted for a period of five years with unlimited sponsorship places. Note that this sponsorship may also be used for Training Visa Subclass 407.

Step 2 – 408 visa

Currently, the following 408 visa streams are available to foreign nationals:

1. Special Program – this stream allows foreign nationals to undertake part of an approved special program or activity (e.g. youth exchange or gap year school volunteering)

2. Religious Work – this stream allows foreign nationals to undertake full time religious work within a religious institution for a period of up to two years

3. Research Activities – stream allows foreign nationals to observe or take part in research projects or tertiary activities within Australia for up to two years

4. Invited Participant – this stream allows foreign nationals to reside in Australia if they are invited to participate in a community-based event including sporting events

5. Sporting Activities – this stream allows foreign nationals to travel to Australia and play, coach or instruct an Australian sporting team for up to two years

6. Entertainment Activities – this stream allows individuals to enter Australia for up to 2 years to work in the entertainment industry on film, television or live productions. This visa is also suitable for support and crew staff

7. Superyacht Crew – this stream allows foreign nationals to work in Australia as a member of a superyacht for a period of up to 12 months

8. Exchange Arrangements – this stream lets you come to Australia as part of a staff exchange with an Australian organisation for a period of up to 2 years

9. Australian Government Endorsed Events – this stream is suitable for individuals who are invited to participate in Australian government events for a period of up to 4 years

10. Domestic Work Duties – This visa stream is suitable for those individuals who are brought to Australia to do full time domestic work for senior foreign executives for a period of up to 2 years

covid-19 response

Changes have been made for individuals impacted by the COVID19 pandemic who are unable to depart Australia as well as those who currently hold a Subclass 417 visa and are employed in critical sectors. In essence, this visa will allow working holiday makers to transition to a Subclass 408 visa and remain lawfully in the country while continuing to work. Holders of other temporary visas such as Subclass 482 and 457, may also be eligible for this visa. For further information, please contact us for an eligibility assessment. This visa does not attract a visa application charge.