What is a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

The temporary activity visa (Subclass 408) is a visa granted to individuals temporarily by the Australian government. The visa is granted to an individual to undertake a temporary activity such as: attending a conference, participating in a cultural activity, participating as an academic in a research project, or working in the entertainment industry, among others. Also, the visa is available for a duration of 4 years and costs approximately AUD405.00. Keep reading to learn more about the temporary activity visa (subclass 408).

Visa Name	Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
Validity	1-4 years
Fee	AUD 405.00
Processing Time	14 days

What is a Temporary Activity Visa?

A temporary activity visa is a visa granted by the Australian government to international applicants. The visa allows the visitor to undertake an activity in Australia. The following activities can be undertaken under a temporary activity visa (subclass 408).

• Sporting Activities
• Attend Australian Government-Endorsed Events
• Approved Special Program
• Religious Work
• Invited for other social and cultural activities (Invited Participant)
• Research activities
• Entertainment Activities
• Exchange Arrangements
• Superyacht Crew
• Domestic work for executives

Also Read: Study in Australia: Comprehensive Guide 2023

Temporary Activity Visa Eligibility 

The following are the eligibility requirements for a temporary activity visa. The applicant must meet these basic requirements to be eligible for the visa.

• Must have the skills necessary to undertake the activity to be carried out in Australia
• Additionally, the applicant must meet the additional requirements of the relevant stream
• The applicant must be supported or sponsored

Types and Purpose of Temporary Activity Visa 

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) can be divided into 10 different categories. The types of the visa and the purpose of the attaining the visa are mentioned below:

Temporary Activity Visa Steam	Purpose
Sporting Activities
Australian Government-Endorsed Events	To participate in events endorsed by the Australian Government.
Approved Special Program	Take part in an approved special program. For example, youth exchange, cultural enrichment, or community programs
Religious Work	Take up full-time religious work for a religious institution in Australia.
Invited for other social and cultural activities (Invited Participant)	To participate in community-based events, For example, sporting events
Research activities	To take part in a research project at a research or tertiary institution in Australia
Entertainment Activities	To work in the entertainment industry on film, television, or live productions as a performer/production/ support staff.
Exchange Arrangements	visit Australia as part of a staff exchange with an Australian organization
Superyacht Crew	To work in Australia as a crew member of a superyacht.
Domestic work for executives	To do full-time domestic work in the household of certain senior foreign executives.

Also Read: Australia Work Visa: Types, Requirements, Cost

Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408 Document Checklist 

The following are the documents required for a temporary activity visa. 

• Application form
• Copy of valid passport
• Copy of alien registration certificate (both sides)
• A copy of your marriage certificate or independent evidence that you are in a de facto relationship (if applicable). For example, bank statements
• Documentary evidence that you have the legal right to include a child in your application (if applicable). For example, a court-issued custody
• Proof of financial support
• Letter of invitation from the inviting organization in Australia (if applicable)
• A letter of endorsement by the event organizer (if applicable)

Click here to download the document Checklist for a temporary activity visa (Subclass 408).

Application Process 

The step-by-step application process to attain a temporary visa is as follows:

• Gather the necessary documents. For example, Identity documents, Character documents, Financial documents, Additional documents for applicants under 18, etc
• Next, create an ImmiAccount or log in to an already existing account 
• Also, attach the relevant documents, and pay the required fee
• It is important to note down the transaction reference number (TRN).
• Each family member must pay the application fee and must have the relevant documents attached to complete the application form 
• Additionally, conduct health examinations, provide biometrics, and attach more information after the application has been received 
• Lastly, the decision regarding the visa application will be provided to the applicant. Successful applicants will be notified of the visa grant number, date of visa starting, and the visa conditions.

Can I Bring My Family on a Temporary Activity Visa?

Yes. It is possible to bring family members along with a temporary activity visa subclass 408. However, it might depend on the purpose of the temporary activity visa. Therefore, we have provided the visa type in the table below.

Temporary Activity Visa Stream	Can family members apply?
Sporting Activities	Yes
Australian Government-Endorsed Events	No
Approved Special Program	No
Religious Work	No
Invited for other social and cultural activities (Invited Participant)	Yes
Research activities	Yes
Entertainment Activities	Yes
Exchange Arrangements	Yes
Superyacht Crew	No
Domestic work for executives	Yes

Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408 Duration of Stay

The duration of stay granted for a temporary activity visa varies on the basis of the visa purpose. Hence, the duration of stay for each visa purpose is provided below:

Temporary Activity Visa Stream	Duration of Stay
Sporting Activities	Up to 2 years
Australian Government-Endorsed Events	For the duration of the event (up to 4 years)
Approved Special Program	Up to 12 months
Religious Work	Up to 2 years
Invited for other social and cultural activities (Invited Participant)	Up to 3 months
Research activities	Up to 2 years
Entertainment Activities	Up to 2 years
Exchange Arrangements	Up to 2 years
Superyacht Crew	Up to 12 months
Domestic work for executives	Up to 2 years

Also Read: Post Study Work Permit in Australia

Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408 Fee

The cost of a temporary activity visa is the same for all visa types. The temporary activity visa fee starts from AUD405.00. It visa fee would be the same regardless of the visa type. 

Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408 Visa Processing Time 

So, the visa processing time for every temporary activity visa stream is precisely 14 days. It can be noted that 50% of the visas are processed within 8 days.

Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408 rejection

In case, the visa is rejected the applicant will be informed of the following. Note: even in case of a visa rejection, the applicant will not be refunded the fees.

• The reason for the visa refusal
• Whether the applicant has a right to review the decision 

FAQs

We hope you now understand what a Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is, its requirements, the application process, etc. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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