Apply for a Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408: Everything You Need to Know
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows individuals to enter Australia to undertake short-term work in specific fields or participate in activities such as cultural, social, research projects, or international events.
Highlights
- You can apply for this visa while inside or outside Australia.
- It permits participation in approved activities or temporary work in Australia.
- The Subclass 408 visa covers ten activity streams: Invited Participant in an Event, Sports, Religious Worker, Domestic Worker, Superyacht Crew, Research, Staff Exchange, Special Programs, Australian Government Endorsed Event (including COVID-19 response), and Entertainment.
- This is a temporary visa, with duration of stay ranging from 3 months to 4 years, depending on the type of activity and individual circumstances.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
- You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, demonstrating your intention to stay temporarily.
- You cannot hold a permanent visa or certain temporary visas as specified by the Minister.
- You must have adequate health insurance arrangements for the duration of your stay.
- You must satisfy Public Interest criteria and Special Return criteria.
- You must meet Australian health and character requirements.
- You must fulfill specific requirements for your chosen activity stream, including English language proficiency, sponsorship or support, and any other activity-specific criteria.
Process to Apply for Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
Step 1 — Check Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that you meet all requirements for your chosen activity stream (e.g., Sports, Research, Religious Work, Entertainment). Ensure you satisfy the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement, health, and character conditions.
Step 2 — Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare all necessary documents, including:
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Evidence of qualifications, skills, or experience relevant to your activity
- Letter of invitation or sponsorship from an Australian organisation or event host
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself
- Police clearance certificates and medical examinations, if required
Step 3 — Lodge the Visa Application
Submit your Subclass 408 visa application online via ImmiAccount. Attach all supporting documents and pay the visa application fee. Ensure documents are accurate and complete to avoid delays.
Step 4 — Health and Character Checks
Applicants (and included family members, if any) must undergo required medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates.
Step 5 — Track Your Application
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment email. Log in to your ImmiAccount regularly to monitor the progress of your application and respond to any requests for additional information.
Step 6 — Visa Decision
Once all assessments and checks are complete, the Department of Home Affairs will issue a decision. If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification, including conditions, start and end dates, and permissions related to your activity.
Processing Times for Subclass 408
- Processing typically ranges from 1 to 6 months, depending on your activity stream, nationality, and completeness of your application.
- Submitting a thorough and accurate application can help reduce delays.
Why Apical Immigration Experts?
At Apical Immigration Experts, we go beyond standard visa consultancy — we are your trusted partners in making your temporary activity plans in Australia a success. With experience, transparency, and a strong track record, we guide you through every step of the Subclass 408 visa process.
Affordable Processing Fees
We offer competitive and transparent pricing, ensuring you receive professional guidance without unnecessary costs.
Seven Days a Week Support
Our team is available every day to answer questions and provide assistance throughout your visa journey.
End-to-End Assistance
From eligibility assessment and document preparation to visa lodgement and post-arrival guidance, we handle the entire process for you.
No Visa, No Fee
You pay only when your visa is granted. If your application is unsuccessful, there are no charges, giving you complete peace of mind.
Complementary Services
In addition to visa applications, we provide support such as job or event assistance, resume guidance, and post-arrival help to ensure you settle smoothly in Australia.
High Success Rate
With years of experience in temporary activity visas, we maximize your chances of visa approval.
Tailored Solutions
We create customised strategies to match your skills or activity with Australian requirements, ensuring a smooth and successful visa process.
Book your consultation today and let Apical Immigration Experts manage your Subclass 408 visa application while you focus on your activity or work in Australia.
FAQs: Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408
The Subclass 408 visa allows individuals to participate in a range of short-term activities, such as cultural, social, research, sports, religious work, entertainment, superyacht crew roles, staff exchange programs, special programs, and government-endorsed events..
The length of stay depends on the activity you are applying for. It can range from 3 months to 4 years, depending on the specific stream and the sponsor’s or supporter’s requirements.
Yes, most activity streams under the Subclass 408 visa require a sponsor or supporter in Australia. For example, organizations, event organizers, or government agencies may need to sponsor or support your application.
Yes, you can include eligible family members, such as your spouse/partner and dependent children, in your Subclass 408 visa application. They must meet health and character requirements.
Processing times vary depending on the activity stream and the completeness of your application. On average, applications may take 1 to 4 months, but urgent or government-endorsed cases might be processed faster.