What is the subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa?

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) is a temporary visa for people undertaking specific short-term activities in Australia, including entertainment, sport, religious work, participation in invited events, and Australian Government endorsed events. The applicable stream depends on the nature of the activity.

Who sponsors a subclass 408 visa?

Most streams of the subclass 408 require the applicant to be sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor. Some streams require the sponsor to be a specific type of organisation.

How long can I stay on the subclass 408 visa?

Stay periods vary by stream and the nature of the approved activity. Most streams allow stays of up to two years. The Australian Government Endorsed Event stream may allow stays tied to the duration of the event.

Can family members accompany a subclass 408 visa holder?

Secondary applicants including a spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can be included in most subclass 408 stream applications.

Temporary Activity Visa — Subclass 408

408 Temporary Activity Visa

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) covers a range of short-term activities in Australia that do not fit under standard employer sponsored visa categories. The visa is structured around activity-based streams, each with its own eligibility criteria and sponsorship requirements.

Speak with a Migration Lawyer View All Streams

Activity-based streams

The Entertainment stream covers performing artists, production crew, and entertainment industry workers engaged for a specific production or event. The Invited Participant stream is for individuals formally invited by an Australian organisation to participate in a specific event, program, or activity.

The Sporting stream is for professional athletes, coaches, and support personnel participating in sporting competitions. The Religious Worker stream is for ministers of religion and members of religious orders undertaking religious duties in Australia.

The Australian Government Endorsed Event stream covers participants and workers at events formally endorsed by the Australian Government, including the historical Covid-19 Pandemic Event arrangement.

Entertainment stream

For performing artists, musicians, film and television production crew, and other entertainment industry workers engaged for a specific production, tour, or event in Australia.

Invited Participant stream

For individuals formally invited by an Australian organisation to participate in a specific event, conference, or program. Payment from the Australian sponsor is generally not permitted.

Sporting stream

For professional athletes, coaches, sports officials, and support personnel travelling to Australia for a specific sporting engagement, competition, or event.

Religious Worker and AGEE streams

The Religious Worker stream covers ministers and members of religious orders. The Australian Government Endorsed Event stream covers participants and workers at formally endorsed events.

Activity streams

2 years

Maximum stay (most streams)

TAS

Sponsorship type required

No PR

Pathway to permanent residence

Why instruct Visa Plan for your subclass 408 application?

Stream identification

Selecting the correct stream is essential. Work rights, stay periods, and sponsorship requirements vary significantly across the five streams. We confirm the correct stream before any application is prepared.

Sponsorship approval

We assist organisations to obtain Temporary Activities Sponsorship approval and advise on the obligations that apply for each stream, including stream-specific requirements for religious organisations and event organisers.

Alternative pathways

Where the subclass 408 is not the appropriate visa, we advise on alternatives including the 407 Training visa, the 400 Temporary Work visa, and the 482 Skills in Demand visa depending on the circumstances.

408 Temporary Activity visa information is sourced from the Department of Home Affairs and is current as at April 2026. Eligibility criteria are subject to change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.