Participate in Short-Term Activities and Events in Australia
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa allows individuals to come to Australia for:
✔ Short-term work in special events
✔ Participation in cultural or research programs
✔ Religious work or volunteer activities
✔ Invited participation in Australian events
Key Benefits of the Subclass 408 Visa
✅ Stay from 3 months up to 4 years (depending on activity)
✅ Work rights limited to the approved activity
✅ No sponsorship required (in most cases)
✅ Bring family members (in some streams)
408 Visa Streams & Eligibility
1. Special Program Stream
For participants in:
- Cultural enrichment programs
- Research projects
- Leadership development programs
Requirements:
✔ Invitation from an approved organization
✔ Program must benefit Australia
2. Religious Worker Stream
For:
- Religious leaders
- Members of religious orders
Requirements:
✔ Sponsorship by religious institution
✔ Genuine religious work purpose
3. Australian Government Endorsed Events
For:
- Major sporting/cultural events
- Government-endorsed activities
Note: the former COVID-19 Pandemic event stream is closed to new applications.
✔ Healthcare
✔ Disability care
✔ Aged care
✔ Agriculture
✔ Food processing
How Immigrad Can Help With Your 408 Visa
Our migration experts assist with:
✅ Determining the right stream for your activity
✅ Document preparation (invitations, evidence, forms)
✅ Application lodgement and follow-up
✅ Advice on work rights and conditions
Processing Times:
- Processing times vary – check the Home Affairs processing time guide
Why Choose the 408 Visa?
🔹 Flexible options for various activities
🔹 No age restrictions (for most streams)
🔹 Potential pathway to other visas
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Official Resources
Home Affairs – 408 Visa
Migration Regulations – Schedule 2, Part 408
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is a subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa?
The subclass 408 lets a person come to Australia to do specific types of work or activity on a short-term, temporary basis. The Department of Home Affairs lists basic eligibility as having the skills to undertake the activity, being supported or sponsored, and meeting the additional requirements of the relevant stream. It is a stream-based visa rather than a single pathway.
What streams does the subclass 408 visa have?
As published by the Department on 18 September 2026 the streams are Australian Government Endorsed Events, Special Program, Religious Work, Research activities, Invited Participant for other social and cultural activity, Sporting Activities, Entertainment Activities, Superyacht Crew, Exchange Arrangements, and Domestic work for executives. Each stream has its own criteria, so identifying the correct one is the first step.
Does a subclass 408 visa need a sponsor?
The Department lists being supported or sponsored as basic eligibility for this visa. What that means in practice differs by stream: some require an approved temporary activities sponsor, others require a supporting organisation or government endorsement. Assuming no support is needed is a common reason these applications stall.
How much does a subclass 408 visa cost?
The visa application charge starts from AUD535.00 across the streams, as published by the Department of Home Affairs and checked on 18 September 2026. The Department also notes the visa is free for participants in the Rugby League World Cup 2026 event, and that exemptions to the full charge may apply in limited circumstances.
How long can you stay on a subclass 408 visa?
The stay period depends on the stream and the activity. For Australian Government Endorsed Events the Department grants the visa for the duration of the event, or up to 4 years depending on circumstances. Other streams are considerably shorter. The grant follows the activity, so a clearly documented activity period helps.
What is the difference between a subclass 408 and a subclass 482 visa?
A subclass 408 covers a defined temporary activity, such as an event, a research project or a religious posting, and ends when the activity ends. A subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa covers ongoing employment in a nominated skilled occupation with an approved sponsor. Employers with an ongoing role to fill are generally looking at the 482, not the 408.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
- Subclass 407 Training visa
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
- Temporary work visas overview
This page is general information only and is current as at 18 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice. Fees, criteria and processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances need personal advice from a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd; Gaurav Duggal, MARN 1805710.