Apply for Australia Temporary Activity Visa | Subclass 408

When it comes to fostering international cooperation, professional development, and cultural interaction, Australia is among the friendliest nations. The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is unique among its various visa categories because of its adaptability, inclusivity, and function in empowering foreign workers in accordance with just and human-centered immigration laws.Whether you are an artist, a religious worker, a healthcare professional, or a participant in a government-endorsed event, the Subclass 408 visa allows you to live and work in Australia temporarily — while maintaining your rights, dignity, and safety.

What is the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa?

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) allows foreign nationals to enter and stay in Australia for specific events, programs, or types of temporary work — usually sponsored or endorsed by an Australian organization or government body.

Unlike other work visas that require long-term commitments or employer sponsorship, this visa is designed for short-term, event-based, or humanitarian-driven participation.

Key Streams Under the 408 Visa

The Subclass 408 visa includes several streams, each focused on a specific kind of activity or contribution:

1. Australian Government-Endorsed Events

Used for special national events (e.g. Commonwealth Games, COVID-19 pandemic support).

Example: Healthcare workers staying in Australia during COVID-19.

2. Entertainment Activities

Actors, film crew, musicians, and other creatives participating in local productions.

Example: A Bollywood film crew shooting in Sydney.

3. Religious Work

Religious personnel engaging in pastoral care or missionary duties.

Example: A priest or nun volunteering in an Australian church.

4. Research Activities

Academics and scientists working with Australian institutions.

Example: A PhD researcher on an exchange program.

5. Invited Participant Stream

Participants in community-based or cultural exchange programs.

Example: International youth leaders in a UN-backed summit.

6. Sports

Athletes, coaches, and officials attending competitions or training.

Example: A soccer coach invited for a youth league.

Who is Eligible for the Subclass 408 Visa?

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

Be invited or sponsored by an approved Australian organization

Be participating in an eligible activity or event

Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay

Hold adequate health insurance

Meet character and health requirements

Genuinely intend to stay temporarily

Each stream may have slightly different eligibility rules — so it’s important to identify the correct stream before applying.

Documents You’ll Need

Here’s a basic list of documents generally required for a 408 visa application:

Passport and ID

Invitation letter or sponsorship agreement

Detailed activity plan or event documentation

Health and character documents (police check, health exam)

Financial documents (bank statements)

Health insurance proof

Resume or CV (if work-related)

Visa Duration and Work Rights

Depending on the stream, the Subclass 408 visa may be granted for up to 2 years. In most cases, visa holders are allowed to work legally in the specified activity or role, but conditions may apply based on the stream.

COVID-19 stream: Often granted for 12 months

Entertainment or research: Usually 3–12 months

Sports or cultural events: Based on event duration

How to Apply for a Subclass 408 Visa

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility and Choose the Right Stream

Visit the official website or consult a registered migration agent.

Step 2: Secure an Invitation or Sponsorship

You must have a formal letter of invitation, contract, or sponsorship agreement from an approved party.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documents

Prepare your ID, activity details, health checks, and financial proof.

Step 4: Apply Online

Submit your application through the Australian Immigration Portal.

Step 5: Attend Biometrics or Interview (if required)

Some applicants may be asked for biometrics or an interview.

Step 6: Wait for Visa Outcome

Processing times vary by stream and completeness of documents.

A Human Rights–Based Perspective

What makes the Subclass 408 visa especially important is its protection of human dignity, especially in urgent and humanitarian situations.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the 408 visa provided a legal lifeline to thousands of temporary visa holders stuck in Australia — allowing them to stay, work, and contribute to essential services like healthcare and food supply.

This reflects Australia's commitment to:

Fair labor rights

Workplace safety

Protection from exploitation

Equal treatment under law

Furthermore, the 408 visa supports freedom of religion, cultural participation, and academic exchange — all protected under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Why Work with a Registered Migration Agent?

The application process for the 408 visa can be complex due to the number of streams and varying requirements. A professional migration agent can:

Identify the correct stream for your case

Help prepare and organize documents

Maximize your chances of visa approval

Prevent costly delays or rejections