Immigration experts in Australia and NZ
Temporary Activity Visa 408

408 Temporary Activity Visa

The Australia Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) serves as a versatile pathway for individuals to engage in a range of short-term activities within the country. This visa category recognizes the importance of cultural exchange, collaboration, and specialized expertise across diverse fields.

The Subclass 408 visa requires sponsorship or endorsement by an eligible organization or institution in Australia. Applicants must meet specific criteria related to the activity they intend to undertake, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

Temporary Activity Visa 408

408 Temporary Activity Visa

The Australia Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) serves as a versatile pathway for individuals to engage in a range of short-term activities within the country. This visa category recognizes the importance of cultural exchange, collaboration, and specialized expertise across diverse fields.

The Subclass 408 visa requires sponsorship or endorsement by an eligible organization or institution in Australia. Applicants must meet specific criteria related to the activity they intend to undertake, including skills, qualifications, and experience.

Requirements  to apply for a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

  • The applicant must have the required skills to complete the intended work type.
  • They need to be supported or sponsored by an approved sponsor.
  • They must have sufficient finances and health insurance to support themselves  and their family while in Australia
  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Meet additional requirements of specific visa streams 

Types of 408 visas

The 408 temporary visa allows people to enter and stay in Australia temporarily.  Depending on the visa, this can range from three months and up to four years, depending on the type of work they intend to complete. There are ten subcategories under the 408 Temporary Visa:

Special Program

This allows someone to stay in Australia to participate in an approved special program, such as youth exchange, cultural enrichment or other community programs. It is a visa that is eligible for up to 12 months.

Religious Work

This subclass allows the applicant to stay in Australia for up to 2 years to work full-time in a religious institution. They can apply for this visa subclass and include their family.

Research Activities

An applicant may observe or take part in a research project at a research or tertiary institution in Australia. This visa may be granted a stay of up to 2 years.

Invited Participant

If someone is invited to come to Australia to participate in a community-based event, including a sporting event. They may apply for this visa subclass that is valid for 3 months.

Sporting
Activities

An applicant may play, coach, instruct or adjudicate for an Australian team or participate in high-calibre training with a sporting organisation. This is a 2-year sub-visa.

Entertainment Activities

This temporary visa of up to 2 years allows a person to work in the entertainment industry of film, stage or television, as a performer, production or support staff. Family members are allowed to be included with this visa type.

Superyacht
Crew

This visa allows a person to work in Australia as a member of a superyacht crew. It is a 12-month visa type.

Exchange
Arrangements

An applicant and their family can come to Australia as part of a staff exchange program. This visa allows you to stay for up to 2 years.

Domestic
Work for
Executives

This visa allows applicants to come to Australia for full-time domestic work in the household of specific foreign executives. It allows family members to come as well and is valid for up to 2 years.

Australian Government Endorsed Activities

This visa allows a participant to come to Australia to participate in events that are endorsed by the Australian Government. The visa is valid for the duration of the event and can be used within 4 years of being granted.

Our 408 Visa Services

If you are a business who requires  a temporary workforce  for only 3 months, or a longer stay of up to 4 years, and cannot find the skills in the local labour market, Absolute Immigration will partner with your organisation to develop a migration strategy to address your temporary workforce requirements. 

How To Apply For A Temporary Activity Visa

Step 1

Once you reach out to Absolute Immigration, we set up a discovery call to understand what your needs are and what Visa best suits you.

Step 2

From there, we will send you a Strategy proposal outlining the steps we will take to assist you in getting a Visa for you to sign off on.

Step 3

Now our team leaps into action, following immigration pathways, taking care of the paperwork and helping you through the entire application process.

Take the first step and schedule a call

Call us

You can get in touch with the team on our support lines: 1300 227 658 or +61 (03) 9827 3721. Alternatively, you can book a free 10 minute consultation through our Acuity Portal.

Email us

You can get in touch with the team through our support email: aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. You can study in Australia while your temporary activity visa subclass 408 is valid.

While you can not extend this visa after arriving in Australia, you may be eligible for alternative visas if you wish to extend your stay. Get in touch with our friendly team to discuss other visa options. 

While there isn’t a direct pathway from the 408 visas to permanent residency(PR), it does offer a gateway to apply for PR in Australia. Gaining skilled employment while on your temporary visa may help with your application process. 

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you don’t miss an update.

Recent articles

This article explains New Zealand’s Straight to Residence and Work to Residence Visas for individuals with Green List occupations. Both require specific roles, qualifications, income or registration with the latter
From 27 Nov 2023, NZ’s AEWV program changes include a new ‘maximum stay’ and extended visa lengths, affecting application and extension processes.
From 25 November 2023, the Australian Government will be making changes to the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and Temporary Residence Transition stream of the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
The States and Territories nomination programs have been revised for the 2023-24 program year, with varying criteria for each status.
An essential update from The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and the Department of Home Affairs, launching a comprehensive data matching program spanning from 2023-24 to 2025-26 for Australian businesses hiring
The Jobs and Skills Report 2023 offers insights into Australia’s evolving workforce, addressing skill shortages and guiding job seekers, migrants, and businesses.