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Last Updated: 21 October 2026
Australia Subclass 408 Visa: Eligibility, Fees and Requirements
Australia Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa. The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa allows eligible people to stay in Australia temporarily for approved activities, such as cultural events, research, training, entertainment or special programs. The length of stay and work rights depend on the visa stream and its conditions.
- Temporary Stay: Stay in Australia for the period approved for your visa stream.
- Approved Activities: Take part in the activity or event covered by your visa.
- Work Rights: Work only as permitted under your visa stream and conditions.
- Cultural and Special Programs: Join eligible cultural exchange, research, training or government-endorsed programs.
- Eligible Family Members: Include family members if your visa stream allows it.
- Processing Times: Processing times vary depending on the stream and your application.
- Short-Term Opportunities: Suitable for eligible temporary activities, events and work arrangements.
What Is the Subclass 408 Visa Australia?
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa allows eligible people to stay in Australia temporarily to take part in approved activities or events. Depending on the visa stream, this may include cultural exchange, research, training, entertainment or special programs. Applicants must meet the requirements of their chosen stream, including sponsorship or support where required. Visa duration and work rights depend on the stream and visa conditions.
Subclass 408 Visa Fee
The base application fee for the Australia Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa is AUD 535 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026. Additional fees may apply for family members included in the application. A Subsequent Temporary Application Charge (STAC) may also apply if you have previously held certain temporary visas in Australia. The amount can depend on your visa history, so check the current fee before applying. The Subsequent Temporary Application Charge is currently AUD 700, but it does not apply to everyone. It may apply if you apply for the 408 visa while in Australia and meet the rules based on your previous visa history. It generally does not apply when you apply from outside Australia.
Subclass 408 Visa Streams
The Subclass 408 visa has different streams for approved temporary activities. The maximum stay and sponsorship or support requirements depend on the stream and your circumstances.
| Stream | Maximum stay | Sponsor or support needed? | Main requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Activities | Up to 2 years | Depends on your circumstances | An invitation to take part in or observe a research project at an Australian research or tertiary institution. |
| Sporting Activities | Up to 2 years | Yes, depending on your circumstances | Play, coach, instruct or judge for an Australian team, or take part in high-level sports training. |
| Entertainment Activities | Up to 2 years | Depends on the stream requirements | Work as a performer, production worker or support staff on film, TV or live productions. |
| Religious Work | Up to 2 years | Yes | Have an agreement to do full-time religious work for an Australian religious institution. |
| Staff Exchange Arrangements | Up to 2 years | Yes | Take part in an approved staff exchange with an Australian organisation. |
| Special Program | Up to 12 months | Depends on the program | Be accepted into an approved youth exchange, cultural, community, school assistant or gap-year program. |
| Other Social and Cultural Activity (Invited Participant) | Up to 3 months | Depends on where and how you apply | Have an invitation to take part in a community event, such as a sporting or cultural event. |
| Superyacht Crew | Up to 12 months | Depends on your circumstances | Work as a crew member on a superyacht in Australia. |
| Australian Government Endorsed Events | Depends on the event and your circumstances | Depends on the event | Take part in an event approved by the Australian Government. Check the requirements for that specific event. |
| Domestic Work for Executives | Up to 2 years | Yes | Do full-time domestic work in the household of an eligible senior foreign executive. |
Eligibility Criteria for the Australia Subclass 408 Visa
To qualify for the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa, you must meet the requirements for your chosen stream. These may include:
- Relevant Skills and Experience: Have the skills or experience needed for the activity.
- Temporary Stay: Intend to stay in Australia for the approved activity and period.
- Health and Character: Meet Australia's health and character requirements.
- Financial Support: Have enough money to support yourself and any eligible family members.
- Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance if required.
- Sponsorship or Support: Have an approved sponsor or supporter, depending on the stream, length of stay and where you apply.
Note: Requirements vary by stream. Do not assume every applicant needs a sponsor or that every stream has the same financial, insurance or invitation requirements.
Stream-Specific Eligibility for the Subclass 408 Visa
| Visa stream | Main eligibility requirements |
|---|---|
| Entertainment Activities | Take part in an eligible film, TV or live production. Sponsorship or support requirements depend on the activity and length of stay. |
| Sporting Activities | Take part in eligible sports activities, such as playing, coaching, instructing or judging, and provide evidence of your role. |
| Religious Work | Have an eligible full-time religious role with an Australian religious institution. |
| Research Activities | Have an invitation or approval to take part in eligible research at an Australian institution. |
| Invited Participant | Have a formal invitation to take part in an eligible social or cultural event. |
| Superyacht Crew | Meet the requirements for eligible superyacht crew activities and provide the required work and vessel documents. |
| Staff Exchange | Take part in an eligible staff exchange arrangement between an Australian organisation and an overseas organisation. |
| Domestic Work for Executives | Be employed for eligible domestic work in the household of a senior foreign executive who meets the visa rules. |
| Special Program | Be accepted into an approved program, such as an eligible youth or cultural exchange program. |
| Australian Government Endorsed Events (AGEE) | Meet the requirements of the specific government-endorsed event. Check whether the event and any special pilot arrangements are currently open. |
The requirements differ between streams, so check the rules for your activity before applying. The Subclass 408 visa is for approved temporary activities; it is not a general study visa. You should not assume it allows you to enrol in a course or study without restrictions.
Subclass 408 Visa Requirements
To apply, you must meet the requirements for your chosen stream. Depending on the stream and your circumstances, you may need to:
- Have the Right Skills: Show that you have the skills or experience needed for the activity.
- Meet Temporary Stay Rules: Intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the approved purpose.
- Meet Health and Character Rules: Complete any required health checks and provide character documents.
- Show Enough Money: Have enough funds to support yourself and any eligible family members.
- Have Health Insurance: Maintain adequate health insurance if required.
- Arrange Sponsorship or Support: Have an approved sponsor or supporter, depending on your stream, length of stay and application location.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee a visa. The Department of Home Affairs assesses each application against the relevant stream rules. Some Subclass 408 streams require sponsorship, while others may allow support instead.
Australia 408 Visa Documents Checklist
Prepare your documents before applying for the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa. The documents you need depend on your visa stream and personal circumstances.
- Invitation or Sponsor Letter
- Proof of Funds
- Health Insurance
- Contract or Activity Details
- Identity Documents
- Health and Character Documents
- Evidence for Your Visa Stream
- Evidence of Temporary Stay
Important: A separate one- to two-page personal statement is not a universal requirement for every Subclass 408 applicant. Follow the document list for your particular stream and application.
How to Apply for a Subclass 408 Visa
Step 1: Choose Your Visa Stream Select the stream that matches your activity or event.
Step 2: Arrange Sponsorship or Support Arrange an approved sponsor or supporter if your stream requires one.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents Gather your passport, activity details, invitation or contract, and any required financial, health or character evidence.
Step 4: Apply Online Create or sign in to your ImmiAccount and complete the Subclass 408 application.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee Pay the required visa application charge for each applicant.
Step 6: Complete Any Required Checks Provide biometrics, attend medical examinations or submit police certificates if requested.
Step 7: Check for Updates Monitor your ImmiAccount and respond promptly if the Department requests more information.
Step 8: Receive Your Decision If your visa is granted, check the grant notice for your stay period and visa conditions.
Subclass 408 Visa Australia Processing Time
Processing times vary depending on your visa stream, the documents you provide and whether the Department of Home Affairs needs more information.
- Complete Applications: Missing documents or incorrect details can delay a decision.
- Sponsor or Supporter Checks: Some applications need additional checks on the sponsor, supporter or activity.
- Health and Character Checks: These can add to the processing time.
- Check Current Estimates: Use the official Visa Processing Time Guide for the latest available information.
There is no guaranteed processing time for all Subclass 408 applications. Avoid booking non-refundable travel until you have received your visa decision.
Validity and Visa Conditions for Subclass 408
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa lets you stay in Australia for a specific, approved activity. The length of your stay depends on the visa stream and the activity.
- Length of Stay: Many streams allow stays of up to 2 years. The Invited Participant stream allows up to 3 months, while other streams have their own limits.
- Family Members: You may be able to include eligible family members in your application. They must also meet the relevant visa requirements.
- Follow Visa Conditions: You must follow the conditions on your visa and only do activities permitted by those conditions.
- Sponsor or Supporter: You may need an approved sponsor or a supporter, depending on your stream and circumstances.
Your visa grant notice will confirm how long you can stay and the conditions you must follow.
Genuine Temporary Stay Requirement
The Subclass 408 is a temporary visa for a specific activity. The Department of Home Affairs must be satisfied that you genuinely intend to stay temporarily for that purpose.
When assessing your application, it may consider:
- Your reason for visiting Australia.
- Your immigration and visa history.
- Whether you followed the conditions of previous visas.
- Whether you can support yourself and any accompanying family members.
- Other details relevant to your circumstances.
How to Show You Intend to Stay Temporarily
You can support your application with relevant evidence, such as:
- Activity Details: An invitation, contract or schedule showing what you will do and when the activity will end.
- Previous Visa History: Evidence that you followed the conditions of any earlier Australian visas.
- Financial Evidence: Bank statements, funding details or other proof that you can cover your expenses.
- Personal Circumstances: Documents about your work, business, family or other commitments, where relevant.
Subclass 408: Sponsor vs Supporter
Some applicants need a sponsor, while others may use a supporter. The rules depend on the visa stream, application location and intended stay.
| Requirement | Supporter | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|
| Who they are | A person or organisation connected to your activity who provides the required support. | An organisation approved to sponsor temporary activity visa applicants. |
| When needed | For eligible applications where the rules allow support instead of formal sponsorship. | Generally required when applying in Australia or planning a stay of more than 3 months, for streams that follow these rules. |
| Approval | Does not usually need formal sponsor approval, but must meet the relevant support requirements. | Must meet the applicable sponsorship requirements and hold the required approval. |
| Evidence | A support letter explaining the activity and relevant details. | Sponsorship details and other documents required for the activity. |
| Applicant fees | The visa application charge and any other applicable costs still apply. | The visa application charge and any other applicable costs still apply. Sponsorship-related costs are separate. |
Does the Subclass 408 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency (PR). It is intended for temporary activities in Australia. However, after or during your stay, you may be able to apply for another visa if you meet its separate requirements.
Other Visa Options
- Employer-Sponsored Visas: Your Australian work experience may be relevant if an employer is willing and eligible to sponsor you for another visa.
- Partner Visa: If you have an eligible partner relationship, you may be able to apply for a partner visa.
- Other Temporary Visas: You may qualify for another temporary visa if you meet its requirements.
Holding a Subclass 408 visa does not automatically make you eligible for another visa or permanent residency. You must meet the rules for the new visa.
Why Choose Y-Axis for Subclass 408 Visa?
With our vast experience in Australian immigration, Y-Axis can help you understand and navigate the process with complete confidence. Our services include:
- Y-Axis Australia Immigration points calculator
- Immigration documents checklist
- Complete application processing
- Forms, documentation & application filing
- Updates & follow-up for Subclass 408 Visa
- Relocation and post-landing support in Australia
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