408 Temporary Activity Visa
408 Religious Worker Stream
The Religious Worker stream of the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) is for ministers of religion and members of religious orders undertaking religious duties, pastoral activities, or religious training in an Australian organisation.
Who the Religious Worker stream covers
The stream is available to ordained ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, monks, nuns, and other members of recognised religious orders or institutions who are coming to Australia to conduct religious work. The work must be genuinely religious in nature and connected to the activities of the sponsoring organisation.
The sponsoring religious organisation must be incorporated or registered in Australia and hold Temporary Activities Sponsorship approval. The sponsor must demonstrate that the applicant's role is genuinely required and that the organisation is able to support the visa holder during their stay.
Religious workers may receive a stipend or living allowance from the sponsoring organisation consistent with the nature of the religious placement. The arrangement must not replicate a standard employment relationship. The stream is typically granted for up to two years.
Ministers and religious order members
Covers ordained ministers, priests, imams, rabbis, monks, nuns, and members of recognised religious institutions coming to Australia to conduct genuine religious work.
Incorporated religious body required
The sponsoring religious organisation must be incorporated or registered in Australia and hold Temporary Activities Sponsorship approval from the Department of Home Affairs.
Stipend permitted
Religious workers may receive a stipend or living allowance from the sponsoring organisation. The payment must be consistent with the nature of the religious placement, not standard employment remuneration.
Stay period up to two years
The Religious Worker stream is typically granted for up to two years, reflecting the duration of the approved religious placement or duties.
Religious
Worker stream
2 years
Typical stay period
Registered
Religious body required
TAS
Sponsorship approval required
Why instruct Visa Plan for your 408 Religious Worker application?
Genuineness of religious work
The work must be genuinely religious in nature. We advise on what evidence is required to establish the applicant's role and the sponsoring organisation's religious purpose.
Sponsorship approval
We assist religious organisations to obtain Temporary Activities Sponsorship approval and advise on the compliance obligations that apply throughout the religious worker's stay.
Application preparation
We prepare the visa application with all required evidence, ensuring the nature of the religious work and the sponsor's capacity to support the visa holder are clearly established.
408 Religious Worker 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.