408 Temporary Activity Visa
408 Invited Participant Stream
The Invited Participant stream of the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) is for individuals who have been formally invited by an Australian organisation to participate in a specific activity, event, or program that serves a genuine purpose for the inviting organisation.
What qualifies under this stream
The stream covers participation in conferences, seminars, research programs, professional exchange programs, trade or industry delegations, and similar structured activities where the individual has been specifically invited because of their expertise, role, or standing. The activity must serve a genuine purpose for the inviting Australian organisation.
Payment from the Australian sponsor for the performance of work is generally not permitted under this stream. The inviting organisation may cover the participant's travel and accommodation expenses. The inviting Australian organisation must hold Temporary Activities Sponsorship approval.
The stay period reflects the duration of the approved participation activity. Longer stays may be approved for structured programs of defined duration. The visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residence.
Formal invitation required
The applicant must have been formally invited based on their specific expertise, role, or standing. The activity must serve a genuine purpose for the inviting Australian organisation.
No payment for work
Payment from the Australian sponsor for the performance of work is generally not permitted. Travel and accommodation expenses may be covered by the inviting organisation.
Temporary Activities Sponsorship
The inviting Australian organisation must hold TAS approval and demonstrate the genuine nature of the invitation and the specific nature of the activity.
Stay period
The stay period reflects the duration of the approved participation activity. Longer stays may be approved for structured programs of a defined and justifiable duration.
Invited
Participant stream
TAS
Sponsorship required
No pay
For work from Australian sponsor
No PR
No permanent residence pathway
Why instruct Visa Plan for your 408 Invited Participant application?
Genuine purpose assessment
The invitation and the purpose of the activity must be genuine. We advise on what evidence is required to establish the nature of the invitation and the activity's purpose.
Sponsorship approval
We assist inviting organisations to obtain Temporary Activities Sponsorship approval and advise on the obligations that apply during the participant's stay.
Alternative pathways
Where the Invited Participant stream is not appropriate, we advise on alternatives including the 408 Entertainment stream, the 400 Temporary Work visa, and other options depending on the specific circumstances.
408 Invited Participant stream 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.