Why Apply for Subclass 408 Visa Australia?

Looking to work or participate in events in Australia? The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa lets you stay in Australia for up to 2 years to take part in short-term work, training, cultural exchange, research, or entertainment activities. Whether you're a skilled professional, artist, researcher, or participant in a government-endorsed event, the 408 Visa Australia in 2025 offers a flexible pathway to live, work, and explore. 

• Stay in Australia for up to 2 years
• Travel freely in and out of Australia
• Work in your area of expertise
• Join cultural or special programs
• Bring eligible family members
• Fast and flexible visa process
• Ideal for short-term work or events

What is a Subclass 408 Visa Australia?

The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa is a short‑term visa that permits you to come to—or remain in—Australia temporarily to participate in a specific activity or event. Each activity falls under a designated stream, and you must meet the requirements of that stream, including being supported or sponsored where required by law.

Subclass 408 visa Streams

Stream	Purpose	Sponsor/Support Required	Maximum Duration
Entertainment Activities	Work in film, TV, live productions as performer or crew.	Sponsor/supporter required (depending on stay length)	Up to 2 years
Sporting Activities	Play, coach, adjudicate, or undergo elite sports training.	Sponsor/supporter required per stream rules	Up to 2 years
Religious Work	Full-time religious work with a recognized institution.	Sponsor/supporter required per stream	Up to 2 years
Research Activities	Participate in research at a tertiary or research institute.	Sponsor/supporter required	Up to 2 years
Invited Participant	Attend cultural or social events as a formally invited guest.	Supporter/sponsor required per stream	Up to 3 months
Superyacht Crew	Work aboard a superyacht as crew.	Sponsor/supporter required per stream	Up to 12 months
Staff Exchange Arrangements	Exchange-based employment with an Australian organisation.	Sponsor/supporter required per stream	Up to 2 years
Domestic Work for Executives	Work in the household of high-level executive visa holders.	Sponsor/supporter required per stream	Up to 2 years
Special Program	Participate in approved programs (e.g., youth exchange).	Sponsor/supporter required per program	Up to 12 months
Australian Government Endorsed Events (AGEE)	Participate in government-endorsed workplace justice events (current pilot).	Sponsorship or support per program	Up to 4 years (duration of the event)

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 408 Visa

To qualify for the Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) visa, applicants must generally:

• Have the skills and experience required to undertake the activity.
• Intend to stay in Australia temporarily for the specific purpose of the visa (Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement).
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Have sufficient funds to support themselves and accompanying family members.
• Hold adequate health insurance during their stay.
• Be sponsored or supported by an approved organisation, if the chosen stream requires it.

Stream-Specific Eligibility for Subclass 408 Visa

Stream	Key Eligibility Criteria
Entertainment Activities	Must be sponsored (stay over 3 months) or supported (stay under 3 months) by an organisation in Australia.
Sporting Activities	Requires sponsorship; applicant must provide evidence of playing, coaching, instructing, or officiating at a high level, with supporting documents from a sporting body.
Religious Work	Must be formally appointed by a recognised religious institution in Australia and undertake full-time religious work.
Research Activities	Requires a formal invitation or approval from an Australian research or tertiary institution to participate in a research project.
Invited Participant	Applicant must have a formal invitation from an Australian organisation to participate in a cultural, social, or special program event.
Superyacht Crew	Applicant must hold a contract to work as a crew member on a superyacht operating in Australia.
Staff Exchange	Must provide evidence of a written staff exchange arrangement between an Australian and an overseas organisation.
Domestic Work for Executives	Applicant must be employed to provide full-time domestic services in the household of a senior foreign executive holding an eligible visa.
Special Program	Applicant must be accepted into an approved program (such as youth exchange, cultural enrichment, or gap-year volunteering).
Australian Government Endorsed Events (AGEE)	Must be participating in an event or program officially endorsed by the Australian Government, such as the Workplace Justice Visa Pilot.

Subclass 408 Visa Australia Requirements

The requirements for the Subclass 408 visa are given below 

• The applicant must have a sponsorship from a registered sponsor for Subclass 408 visa Australia
• The applicant must have health insurance for Subclass 408 Visa
• The applicant must fulfill the required eligibility criteria for Subclass 408 Visa.
• The applicant must have sufficient financial funds to stay in Australia.

Subclass 408 Visa Australia Processing Time 

The processing time for Subclass 408 Visa depends on the application submission time.
The given processing time for Subclass 408 Visa is given below –

Applications	Processing time
25%	3 days
50%	8 days
75%	14 days
90%	3 months

Step‑by‑Step Application for Subclass 408

Step 1: Choose the correct Subclass 408 stream that matches your activity.
Step 2: Arrange an approved sponsor or supporter if your stream requires it.
Step 3: Gather documents: identity, contracts/invitations, proof of funds, health/character, and any stream‑specific evidence.
Step 4: Create an ImmiAccount and lodge your Subclass 408 application online.
Step 5: Pay the applicable visa application charges for all applicants.
Step 6: Complete biometrics and medical examinations, and provide police clearances if requested.
Step 7: Monitor your ImmiAccount for requests for further information and respond promptly.
Step 8: Receive the decision and check VEVO for your visa grant details and conditions.

Validity & Visa Conditions — Subclass 408 

• Stay length is tied to your activity/stream. Home Affairs grants the visa for the period needed to complete the approved activity, up to the stream’s maximum (for example, many streams allow up to 2 years; Invited Participant is typically up to 3 months; Superyacht Crew up to 12 months). 
• Family members can usually be included in your application and are generally granted the same visa period as the primary applicant, subject to stream rules and standard checks. 
• You must only do the approved activity and comply with any conditions attached to your visa (for example, limits on work type or employer, study, or further stay). 
• Sponsorship/support may be required depending on the stream. Where required, the sponsor must be an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and comply with sponsor obligations.
   

Why Choose Y-Axis for Subclass 408 Visa Australia?

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
   

Our Accreditations
Code of Conduct	Code Of Professional Conduct
Proud Sponsor of