Can I work while on a subclass 408 visa?

It depends on the stream. Some streams allow remuneration directly related to the approved activity — for example, an entertainer can be paid for their performances, an athlete for competition participation, and a religious worker may receive a stipend. However, working outside the approved activity or taking on general employment is not permitted. Check the conditions on your visa grant notice carefully.

How is the subclass 408 different from the subclass 407?

The 407 is specifically for occupational training — structured skill development in a workplace or formal training program. The 408 covers a broader range of temporary activities: entertainment, sport, research, religious work, exchange arrangements, and government-endorsed events. If the purpose is to undergo training in an occupation, the 407 is the correct visa. If the purpose is to perform, compete, research, or participate in a specific event or program, the 408 is likely more appropriate.

Do I need a sponsor for a short entertainment engagement?

For very short stays — typically up to 3 months — a sponsor may not be required for some entertainment engagements. However, the specific requirements vary depending on the stream and circumstances. For stays beyond 3 months, or for streams that always require a sponsor (such as religious work), an approved temporary activities sponsor must nominate the applicant. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can advise on whether a sponsor is needed for your specific situation.

Can a researcher apply for the 408 without an Australian host institution?

Generally, no. The research activities stream of the 408 is designed for people who are coming to Australia to conduct research with or at an Australian institution — a university, government research body, or approved research organisation. Independent research without an Australian host does not generally fit the stream. The host institution is typically required to nominate and sponsor the researcher.

Can I convert a subclass 408 to a work visa while in Australia?

Possibly — but it depends on the visa you hold and the visa you want to apply for. Not all visas can be applied for onshore, and some applicants may be subject to the section 48 bar if a previous visa was refused. If you hold a valid substantive visa (including a 408) and meet the eligibility requirements for another visa, you may be able to apply from inside Australia. Seek migration agent advice before attempting to change status onshore.

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Employer SponsoredTemporary Activity · Subclass 408

Temporary Activity Visa
Subclass 408

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) covers a wide range of short-term activities in Australia — from entertainment and sport to research, religious work, and government-endorsed events. Stay lengths and sponsor requirements vary by activity stream.

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

The subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa is a broad temporary visa covering multiple activity streams. Streams include: invited participant in events or programs, research activities, religious or pastoral work, entertainment work, sport and related activities, exchange or reciprocal arrangements, and Australian-government-endorsed events or activities. Stays over 3 months generally require nomination by an approved temporary activities sponsor. Stay lengths vary by stream from a few months up to 2 years. Visa conditions are tied to the approved activity. Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can advise on which stream applies to a specific situation. This information is general guidance only and does not constitute advice specific to your circumstances.

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Reviewed by Navpreet Aulakh, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619467)

Last reviewed: July 2026

Overview Activity streams When sponsor needed Stay lengths Conditions Fees FAQ Related

7 streams

Broad activity coverage — one visa, multiple purposes

The 408 covers entertainment, sport, research, religious work, invited participants, exchange arrangements, and Australian-government-endorsed activities.

Up to 2 years

Maximum stay (varies by stream)

Stay length depends on the activity stream. Some streams allow up to 2 years; others are limited to the duration of the specific event or engagement.

Sponsor required

Stays over 3 months generally require an approved sponsor

Short-term activities (under 3 months) may not require a sponsor. Activities exceeding 3 months, or where the stream requires it, need an approved temporary activities sponsor.

Modest charge

Application charge — confirm current fee on DoHA

Figures current at August 2026 — confirm on the Department of Home Affairs website before lodging.

What it is

The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa

The subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa is a broad temporary visa that replaced a number of activity-specific visas. It is designed for people who want to come to Australia for a defined, temporary activity — not for ongoing employment or training. The visa is structured around activity streams, and eligibility depends on which stream applies to the specific activity.

Unlike the subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, the 408 is not an employment visa. However, some streams — particularly entertainment, sport, and religious work — do allow limited remuneration or incidental work related to the approved activity. The conditions vary by stream and are specified in the visa grant.

Activity categories

The Seven Main Activity Streams

Stream 1 — Invited participant in events or programs (Non-ongoing)

For people invited to participate in events, programs, or activities of national significance or benefit to Australia — for example, academic conferences, business forums, or cultural events. The participant is invited by an Australian organisation but is not employed by them. Generally suitable for short stays.

Stream 2 — Research activities

For individuals coming to Australia to conduct research with an Australian institution — universities, research organisations, and government agencies. The research must be collaborative or hosted by the Australian institution. Stays can be up to 2 years depending on the research program. A sponsoring institution is generally required.

Stream 3 — Religious or pastoral work

For ministers of religion, members of a religious order, and others undertaking religious or pastoral activities in Australia — for example, priests, rabbis, imams, monks, or nuns coming to serve an Australian congregation or undertake a religious placement. Sponsor required.

Stream 4 — Entertainment work

For entertainers — performers, musicians, actors, and production crew — coming to Australia to participate in specific entertainment engagements. Covers individual performers and large touring productions. Conditions vary depending on whether the performer is a principal performer or support crew.

Stream 5 — Sport and related activities

For athletes, coaches, support staff, and officials coming to Australia to participate in specific sporting events or competitions. Also covers sports support activities such as training camps, qualifying events, and official competitions. Stay limited to the duration of the sporting activity.

Stream 6 — Exchange or reciprocal arrangements

For people participating in approved exchange programs or reciprocal arrangements between Australian and overseas organisations — educational, cultural, or professional exchanges. Stay is tied to the approved exchange program duration.

Stream 7 — Australian-government-endorsed events or activities

For people coming to Australia to participate in activities or events formally endorsed by the Australian government. Includes cultural, academic, diplomatic, and development programs supported by Australian government funding or policy objectives.

Duration

Stay Lengths by Activity Stream

Invited participant

Typically up to 3 months (varies by event)

Research activities

Up to 2 years

Religious or pastoral work

Up to 2 years (typically 12 months initially)

Entertainment work

Duration of the engagement (typically up to 12 months)

Sport and related

Duration of the sporting activity (typically weeks to months)

Exchange or reciprocal

Duration of the exchange program (up to 2 years)

Australian-government-endorsed

Duration of the approved program (up to 2 years)

Confirm current stay limits on DoHA

Stay lengths for each stream are set in the Migration Regulations and may change. Always confirm the current limits for your specific stream on the Department of Home Affairs website before applying.

Visa conditions

What the Subclass 408 Allows and Restricts

Can do

+Undertake the specific approved activity in the approved stream
+Some streams allow remuneration for the activity (entertainment, sport, religious stipends)
+Travel in and out of Australia during the visa validity
+Include dependent family members (stream-dependent — check DoHA)

Cannot do

–Perform work outside the approved activity or stream
–Use the visa as a substitute for an employment visa
–Change to a different activity without approval
–Undertake activities that belong in a different stream without a new visa

Application charge

Visa Application Charge

Confirm current fees on the Department of Home Affairs website

Visa application charges are set by the Department of Home Affairs and are updated periodically. The information below is current at August 2026 and should be confirmed before lodging.

The base application charge for the subclass 408 is modest (a few hundred Australian dollars for the primary applicant). Secondary applicant charges are lower. There is no SAF levy payable — the SAF levy applies to subclass 482 and 186 nominations only.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Need help with a subclass 408 application?

Nanak Migration Group (MARN 2619467) can advise which 408 stream applies and whether a sponsor is needed for your specific activity.

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General information only — not immigration advice

About this information

This information is general in nature and does not constitute immigration assistance or legal advice for any individual situation. Requirements including occupation lists, fees and processing criteria change without notice.

No outcome representation

Nanak Migration Group Pty Ltd makes no representation that information on this site is complete, current or applicable to your circumstances. Nothing here guarantees, implies or represents any visa outcome, approval likelihood or processing time.

Get personal advice

Obtain advice tailored to your situation from a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner. Navpreet Aulakh, MARN 2619467, is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority.

Information current as at August 2026. Verify all requirements with the Department of Home Affairs (immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) before lodging any application.

Temporary Activity Visa
Subclass 408

General information current as at August 2026. Requirements are subject to change — verify with the Department of Home Affairs before lodging.

The Short Answer

The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa

The Seven Main Activity Streams

Sponsorship Requirements for the 408

Stay Lengths by Activity Stream

What the Subclass 408 Allows and Restricts

Visa Application Charge

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Need help with a subclass 408 application?

The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa

The Seven Main Activity Streams

Sponsorship Requirements for the 408

Stay Lengths by Activity Stream

What the Subclass 408 Allows and Restricts

Visa Application Charge

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Pages

Need help with a subclass 408 application?