Do you want to attend or participate in special events or activities in Australia for a limited time? The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) allows you to do that for a short period to participate in a cultural exchange program, film or television production, research project, or sporting event.
The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) is not appropriate for people who want to work or study in Australia for an extended period of time. There is no 408 visa to permanent residency pathway in Australia. It strictly allows individuals to travel to Australia for a short period of time for a specific purpose.
I will guide you through a Temporary Activity Visa in Australia in this article.
The Immigration and Education Services (IES) Portal represents licensed immigration lawyers in Australia with a lot of experience in handling complex immigration cases. I have migrated to Australia, so I have my own migration experience.
What is a 408 Visa in Australia?
This temporary visa permits you to travel to Australia for a short time to engage in a certain activity or employment. It is not appropriate for you if you intend to work or study in Australia for an extended period.
You can bring your spouse and children if you have a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408). They will receive the same visa subclass and be permitted to stay in Australia for the same duration as you.
The Benefits of Subclass 408 Visa
Obtaining a 408 Temporary Activity Visa in Australia has various advantages, including:
- The visa permits you to visit Australia for a short period for work-related purposes.
- Certain family members, like your spouse and children, will be able to follow you to Australia.
- The visa allows you to take on full-time religious work, including conducting worship or providing pastoral care.
- The visa allows you to take on religious work on a full-time basis.
- The visa lets you participate in research projects or academic activities.
- The visa permits you to remain in Australia for a certain period, generally up to a year.
- In my experience, I’ve seen people apply for a second visa as long as they are eligible.
Visa 408 Eligibility Requirements
You must fulfill the following conditions to be eligible for visa 408 in Australia:
- An organization must invite you to engage in a permitted activity in Australia. The visa allows you to take part in activities like cultural exchanges, making movies or TV shows, research projects, and sports events.
- To engage in the allowed activity, you must have the needed skills or experience. As an experienced and licensed academic counselor, I have seen the need for applicants to possess a certain level of education or training, licenses, credentials, or work experience to benefit from this Visa fully.
- You must have enough money to take care of yourself and any family members that follow you to Australia. This might include bank statements or a letter from your employer as proof of your status.
- You must be of excellent character and pass health and security screenings. I advise you to obtain a police clearance certificate from your native country and a health check. This is because, over the years, I’ve seen applicants that require it.
- It would be best if you had medical insurance to support your stay in Australia. This is to make sure you have coverage for any medical care you might need while you are in the country.
- You must also fulfill any extra conditions imposed by the Australian Government. This could mean following Australian laws and rules, like paying fees or charges.
You also must have a person, group, or a government agency, that the Australian Government permits sponsor your temporary visa for certain activities in the country.
Requirements for Temporary Activities Visa Sponsor
You must meet the following standards if you want to identify as a sponsor:
- You must have a real need to sponsor someone for a subclass 408 visa. This might include a need for the sponsored person’s talents or knowledge to engage in an authorized activity in Australia. I would advise you to ensure the person you are inviting is qualified to avoid rejection.
- You must have a proven record of adhering to Australian immigration rules and regulations.
- You must also fulfill any extra conditions imposed by the Australian Government. This could mean showing that you have enough money to help the person you are sponsoring while they are in Australia.
- It will also be up to you to meet your sponsorship requirements, which include helping the person you are sponsoring while they are in Australia.
How to Apply for Visa Subclass 408
To apply for a Temporary Activity Visa (408 visa Australia), you must follow the steps below:
- Check that you meet the eligibility requirements for the subclass 408 visa. This means that someone or some group needs you to do something legal in Australia, and you have the skills, credentials, or experience to do it.
- Some types of the subclass 408 visa need sponsorship from an approved sponsor, while others only need support from an eligible organization. Make sure to check the exact requirements for the type of visa you’re applying for.
- Gather all required documents and information. These include evidence of your invitation to participate in an activity, proof of your skills, qualifications, or experience, and evidence of your financial resources.
- Complete the online visa application form and pay the application fee.
- Submit your application form to the Australian Government with any papers and information they need.
- Wait for a decision on your application. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on your circumstances.
It’s worth noting that the 408 visa for Australia is temporary and is not suitable for people who want to work or study in Australia on a longer-term basis. If you’re going to work or study in Australia on a longer-term basis, you need to apply for a different visa.
408 Temporary Activity Visa Application Checklist
In my experience as the CEO of IES Portal, we’ve helped countless people obtain Temporary Activity Visas (408 visas in Australia). The following documents and information are all they used for their application. I suggest you consider it a checklist or 408 visa conditions for your application.
- A completed online visa application form.
- A valid passport or other travel documents.
- Evidence of your invitation to take part in an approved activity in Australia. These include a letter of invitation from your sponsor or a contract for your employment.
- Proof of your skills, qualifications, or experience that are relevant to the approved activity. These include transcripts, diplomas, certificates, or letters of reference.
- Proof that you have enough money to stay in Australia, like bank statements or a letter from your employer saying they will pay for your stay.
- A police clearance certificate from your home country. Whether it’s required depends on your situation and the type of visa you’re applying for.
- Health examinations are required for some applicants, depending on factors like the intended length of stay, activities to be undertaken, and personal health history.
- Evidence of health insurance to cover your stay in Australia.
- Any other documents or information specified by the Australian Government.
It’s important to note that this is a general checklist. Depending on your 408 visa conditions, you may need to provide extra documents or information.
408 Visa Interview Tips
While applying for a Temporary Activity Visa (408 visa Australia), you might need an interview in some cases. Let us draw on my professional and real-life experience to help you get ready:
- Ensure you have everything you need, like your passport, invitation letter, and other supporting documents.
- Dress well for the interview. I would suggest business attire, which shows respect and professionalism.
- Arrive on time for your interview. Make sure you know where the interview will be held, and plan your transportation.
- Be honest and straightforward in your answers. I have worked with reputable organizations and helped with interview processes. Believe me, when I say they are looking for information to help them decide whether to process your application. Be honest, and give correct answers.
- Practice talking about your skills, qualifications, and experience in the activity that you want to do. This will help you feel more confident and comfortable during the interview.
- Research the approved activity and the organization or individual sponsoring you. This will allow you to better understand the nature of your invitation and answer questions about your involvement.
- Be prepared to discuss your financial situation and how you plan to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
- If you are unsure about any questions, it’s okay to ask for clarification. Practice answering common interview questions.
408 Visa Processing Time & Cost
The 408 visa processing time and cost in Australia depend on the complexity of your application, the volume of current applications, and your circumstances.
A subclass 408 visa takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete, although it may take longer in certain situations. I suggest that you wait to make travel plans until you have your visa.
A subclass 408 visa costs AUD 415. This cost is due when you submit your application and is non-refundable regardless of the result.
It’s important to note that these are estimates; the actual 408 visa processing time and cost for your application may differ.
Reasons for Visa 408 Rejection
The Australian Government may deny you a Temporary Activity Visa (408 visa Australia) application for more than one reason.
As an immigrant who has also represented immigration lawyers, the most common reasons for this visa rejection that I have seen are:
- Incomplete or inaccurate data: If you give missing or incorrect information, the Government will deny your application.
- Inadequate funds: You must show that you have enough money to support yourself while in Australia. Your application could be turned down if you can’t show that you have enough money.
- Inadequate links to your home country: The Australian Government wants to guarantee that you will return home after your brief stay in Australia. Your application may be turned down if you don’t have strong ties to your home country, like a job, family, or property.
- Concerns about your health: Your application may be turned down if you have a health problem that could strain Australia’s healthcare system.
- Concerns about your character: If you have a criminal record or have been engaged in actions that might endanger the Australian community, your Visa 408 application may be denied.
Facts and Statistics of Visa Subclass 408
Below are some facts and statistics you should know about visa subclass 408.
- You and your family can stay in Australia for up to three months for social and cultural activities.
- The 408 visa processing time for 25% of special program applications takes up to 3 days, 11 days to handle 50%, 30 days to handle 75%, and 75 days to handle 90% of applications.
- For research purposes, you can stay in Australia for up to two years.
- This temporary visa allows you to visit Australia to take part in government-sponsored events such as the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.
- The cost of the visa is from 4155 AUD.
Best Ways to Get a Temporary Activity Visa
To improve your chances of obtaining a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) in Australia, provide all the necessary information and documents when you apply. This will help to ensure that your application is processed.
Use the IES Portal to avoid mishaps. The IES Portal will make the application process faster and easier. We will help you to ensure that you meet all the necessary criteria before you apply. Please book an appointment with our counselors today. You can check our “about us” Page to learn more about our expert counselors.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a 408 visa for permanent residency is not possible in Australia. It is a temporary visa that allows you to come to Australia for a short-term work-related activity or to participate in an approved event.
However, you can read an article I wrote on how you can gain points for your visa application.
Several subclass options are available for the visa, each with its own conditions and requirements. Holders of this visa can work, study, or participate in an approved event in Australia for up to two years, depending on the subclass. They can also bring eligible family members with them to the country.
The visa’s validity period will depend on the subclass and the intended activity. Some subclass options may allow for a stay of up to two years, while others may have a shorter validity period. It is important to review the conditions of the specific subclass that you are applying for to determine the length of your stay in Australia.
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Conclusion
The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) is a short-term visa that allows visitors to visit Australia. It is for people who wish to travel to Australia for a particular reason because a 408 visa to permanent residency is not possible.
Reasons include working as an entertainer or athlete or attending a conference or business meeting. The visa permits holders to remain in Australia for up to two years, depending on the activity and 408 visa conditions.
Make sure your application is correct and, if you need to, ask for help from a skilled immigration specialist to increase your chances of getting this visa.
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