1. What is a Temporary Activity Visa (408)?

A Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) is a visa that allows individuals to come to Australia temporarily to participate in specific activities or events. It is designed for individuals who are not eligible for any other type of visa and are coming to Australia for short-term, non-ongoing work or other specific events or activities.

2. What is the purpose of a Temporary Activity Visa?

The purpose of a Temporary Activity Visa is to allow individuals to enter and stay in Australia for a temporary period of time to engage in specific activities such as work, study, cultural exchange, or participating in events or programs. This visa allows individuals to contribute to the Australian economy and culture while also promoting international exchange and cooperation.

3. Who is eligible for a Temporary Activity Visa?

The Temporary Activity Visa is designed for individuals who wish to visit Australia for a short-term, specific purpose or event. This includes:

– People participating in cultural or social events such as festivals, competitions or conferences
– Amateur sportspersons and their support staff
– Entertainers and their support staff
– Religious workers
– Exchange students or academic staff on a formal study program
– Invited participants in an Australian government-endorsed event

Applicants must also meet health and character requirements and have adequate financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Australia.

4. How long can I stay in Australia with a Temporary Activity Visa (408)?

The length of stay for a Temporary Activity Visa (408) may vary depending on the subclass and purpose of the visa. Some common subclasses and their maximum stay durations are:

– Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity) – up to 2 years
– Subclass 408 (Sports) – up to 4 years
– Subclass 408 (Research Activities) – up to 2 years

It is important to note that the duration of stay also depends on the length of the activity or event specified in your visa application. In some cases, you may be able to extend your stay by applying for another subclass or visa type. It is recommended to carefully read the conditions and requirements listed on your visa grant letter or contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information.

5. Can I work in Australia on a Temporary Activity Visa?

Yes, you can work in Australia on a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408). This visa allows you to engage in certain activities such as occupational training, cultural exchanges, and sports events. You must be invited by an organization or individual in Australia and the purpose of your visit must align with the subclass 408 visa requirements. Additionally, you will need to meet health and character requirements and have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay in Australia. The length of stay on this visa depends on the specific activity you are participating in.

6. Do I need sponsorship to apply for a Temporary Activity Visa?

In most cases, yes. The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) requires applicants to have a sponsoring organization or individual in Australia. This can be an employer, government agency, or other approved entity. Without sponsorship, it is unlikely that your visa application will be successful.

If you are planning to participate in the Seasonal Worker Program or the Pacific Labour Scheme, you will not need a formal sponsor, but you will still need to find an approved employer in Australia.

7. Can I work on a Temporary Activity Visa?
Yes, the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) allows for limited work rights in Australia. The specific conditions of your visa and your nominated activity will determine how many hours you are allowed to work.

For example, if you are participating in cultural or social activities, you may only be allowed to work part-time. If you are coming to Australia as part of a skilled training program or for professional development, you may have more flexibility with your work hours.

8. How long does it take to process a Temporary Activity Visa application?
The processing time for a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) varies depending on which stream you apply under and whether or not additional documentation is requested by the Department of Home Affairs.

On average, processing times range from 11 days to 3 months. It is important to submit a complete and accurate application with all necessary supporting documents to avoid delays.

9. Is health insurance required for a Temporary Activity Visa?
Yes, all applicants for the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) must have adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay in Australia. This includes both medical and hospital cover.

You can either purchase health insurance through an Australian provider or provide proof of coverage from an overseas provider that is accepted by the Department of Home Affairs.

10. Can I include family members on my Temporary Activity Visa application?
Yes, some streams of the Temporary Activity Visa do allow for family members to be included in the application. This includes immediate family members such as spouses, partners, and dependent children.

However, family members must meet all eligibility requirements and provide supporting documentation. They will also need to adhere to the conditions of their visa, including any limitations on work or study.

7. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for a 408 Visa?

Yes, you will need to have a job offer or be sponsored by an approved Australian organisation before applying for a 408 Visa. This is because the 408 Visa is designed for individuals who are coming to Australia for a specific short-term work or activity, and having a job offer demonstrates that you have a genuine purpose for your visit.

8. What are the different streams under the 408 Visa category?

Under the 408 Visa category, there are three main streams:

1. Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream: this stream is for individuals who are participating in an event that is endorsed by the Australian government and is of national or international significance.

2. Temporary Activity stream: this stream is for individuals who are participating in a cultural, social, or economic activity in Australia that does not fall under other visa categories.

3. Superyacht Crew stream: this stream is for individuals who are working as crew members on superyachts travelling to and within Australia.

9. What documents do I need to submit with my 408 Visa application?

The documents required for a 408 Visa application may vary depending on your individual circumstances, purpose of travel and country of origin. However, some common documents that are typically required include:

1. Completed visa application form: You will need to fill out the online application form and submit it with your personal details, passport information, and travel plans.

2. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Australia.

3. Health insurance: You will need to provide evidence of adequate health insurance coverage while in Australia.

4. Proof of financial support: You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Australia.

5. Purpose of visit: Depending on the reason for your travel, you may need to provide documents such as a letter from an employer or educational institution, or an invitation letter from a sponsor in Australia.

6. Evidence of ties to your home country: To prove that you intend to return to your home country after your stay in Australia, you may need to provide documents such as property ownership or employment contracts.

7. Character and health requirements: You may be required to undergo medical examinations and obtain police clearance certificates from the countries you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years.

8. Payment of visa fees: The application fee for a 408 Visa varies depending on the stream and duration of stay.

It is important to check the specific requirements for your individual circumstances and purpose of travel before submitting your visa application. The Australian Department of Home Affairs website provides detailed information on the necessary documents for different streams under the 408 Visa category.

10. Is there an age limit for applying for the 408 visa?

Yes, the 408 visa has an age limit of 50 years old. Applicants must be under this age at the time of application to be eligible for this visa. However, there may be some exceptions for certain situations, such as if the applicant has specific skills or experience that are in demand in Australia.

11. Can I extend my stay on a Temporary Activity Visa in Australia?

Yes, in some cases it is possible to extend your stay on a Temporary Activity Visa in Australia. This will depend on the specific type of visa you have and your individual circumstances. If you are interested in extending your stay, you should discuss this with an immigration lawyer or contact the Department of Home Affairs for more information.

12. Can I include family members in my 408 Visa application?

Yes, you can include family members in your 408 Visa application as dependents. This includes your spouse or de facto partner and any dependent children under the age of 18. You will need to provide evidence of their relationship to you and proof that they meet the requirements for a dependent visa.

13. How much does it cost to apply for a 408 visa?

The cost of a 408 visa application varies depending on the type of activity you will be undertaking in Australia and your country of citizenship. As of 2021, the base application fee ranges from AUD $310 to AUD $1,710. Additionally, there may be additional fees for biometrics, health examinations, and other services. You can use the Department of Home Affairs’ Visa Pricing Estimator to get an estimate of the total cost for your specific circumstances.

14. How long does it take to process a 408 visa application?

The processing times for a 408 visa can vary, depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the volume of applications being processed by the Department of Home Affairs. In general, applicants can expect a processing time of 20-40 days. However, some applications may be processed more quickly or take longer, depending on factors such as health and character assessments, verification of documents, and additional information required by the department. It is recommended to check the current processing times on the department’s website for a more accurate estimate.

15. Is health insurance compulsory for 408 visa holders?

No, health insurance is not compulsory for 408 visa holders. However, it is highly recommended to have adequate health insurance cover during your stay in Australia. Without health insurance, you may be personally responsible for any medical or hospital costs you incur while in Australia, which could potentially be very expensive.

16. Can I study on a 408 visa in Australia?

Yes, you can study on a 408 visa in Australia. The purpose of this visa is to allow individuals to take part in eligible activities, which includes full-time study for up to three months or part-time study for up to six months. You must ensure that your course is registered with the Australian government and that you comply with the conditions of your visa, such as maintaining health insurance and adhering to all visa conditions. It is also recommended to check if your chosen institution has any specific requirements for students on a 408 visa.

17. Will I be able to travel outside of Australia on my 408 visa?

Yes, you will be able to travel outside of Australia while on a 408 visa. However, you must ensure that your visa is still valid for re-entry into Australia upon your return. If your visa expires while you are outside of Australia, you will not be able to re-enter the country and may need to apply for a new visa. It is also important to note that leaving and re-entering Australia may affect the total duration of your stay on the 408 visa.

18. Do I need to provide biometrics when applying for a 408 visa?

Yes, biometrics are required for all applicants of a 408 visa if they are lodging their application from outside Australia. Biometrics can include fingerprint scans and a digital photograph.

19. Is there any restriction on changing employers while on a Temporary Activity (408. visa?

Yes, you are generally allowed to change employers while on a Temporary Activity (408) visa. However, any changes to your employment must comply with the conditions of your visa and you may need to notify the Department of Home Affairs of the change. You should also review your employment contract or any agreements with your employer to determine if there are any specific terms or restrictions regarding changing employers while on this type of visa. Additionally, if you have a sponsorship arrangement in place, you may need to obtain a transfer of sponsorship from your current employer to your new employer before changing jobs. It is always recommended to seek advice from an immigration lawyer or registered migration agent before making any changes to your employment while on a Temporary Activity (408) visa.

20.Is there an English language requirement for the 408 visa?

Yes, there is an English language requirement for the 408 visa. Applicants must demonstrate functional English through one of the following:

1. Hold a passport from certain designated English-speaking countries (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK or USA)
2. Have completed at least five years of full-time study in an institution where all instruction was in English
3. Have achieved a score of at least 4.5 overall in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
4. Have achieved a score of at least 32 overall in the Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic
5. Have achieved a score of at least 147 overall in the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) test
6. Have achieved a score of at least 124 overall in the Occupational English Test (OET)

Alternatively, applicants can provide evidence that they have functional English by completing a course of study or education taught in English or by providing proof of their work experience in an English-speaking environment.

This requirement may be waived if you hold a valid passport from one of the following countries: Canada, New Zealand, USA, UK or Ireland.