Temporary Activity visa

Australia • Immigration Consulting

Overview

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) covers eligible temporary activities in Australia under defined streams. The correct stream and requirements depend on the proposed activity.

Activities can include areas such as events, entertainment, research, sport, religious work and other activities recognised by the Department. The applicable stream should be confirmed from the current official guidance rather than assumed from a general description.

Subclass 408 is a distinct current visa. It is not an automatic replacement for every historical subclass 402 situation, and the former subclass 402 is closed to new applications.

Who is this permit for?

People participating in an eligible temporary activity in Australia under the stream that matches their circumstances.

• A genuine activity that fits a current subclass 408 stream
• The sponsor, supporter or invitation arrangement required by that stream
• Evidence of the activity and requested supporting documents
• Health, character and any insurance requirements that apply

Common reasons for rejection

• The proposed activity does not fit an available subclass 408 stream
• Required sponsor, supporter or invitation arrangements are not established
• Required health, character, insurance or supporting evidence is incomplete

Application process

1. Assess the proposed activity

Review the activity against the current subclass 408 streams and requirements.

2. Confirm support arrangements

Establish the support, sponsorship or invitation steps that apply to the selected stream.

3. Prepare and lodge

Prepare the requested evidence and lodge through the Department of Home Affairs process.

4. Department assessment

The Department assesses the application and may request further information.

Key considerations

• Subclass 408 is a temporary activity visa with stream-specific requirements.
• Check the current stream, support, health, character and insurance rules with the Department.
• The former subclass 402 is closed; subclass 408 must be assessed independently.

Costs

Government charges and related costs can change. Confirm current charges using the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator.

• Current government charges: Check the Department of Home Affairs Visa Pricing Estimator

No fixed fee or professional-service quote is provided on this page.

Processing timeframes

Processing times change and the Department guide is indicative rather than a guarantee of an individual decision.

• Subclass 408 processing: Check the Department of Home Affairs processing-time guide

Job offer requirements

The subclass 408 is based on an eligible temporary activity and stream, not a general job offer.

How to apply — step by step

1. Identify the relevant stream

Check the current Department guidance to identify the subclass 408 stream that matches the proposed temporary activity.

2. Confirm support arrangements

Establish the sponsor, supporter, invitation or other arrangement required for that stream.

3. Prepare evidence

Gather identity, activity, support, health, character and other documents requested by the Department.

4. Lodge through the Department

Use current Department of Home Affairs instructions and ImmiAccount requirements for subclass 408.

Quick tips

• Subclass 408 requirements differ by stream and activity.
• Do not choose a stream solely from a general activity label; check the current Department guidance.
• Use the Department global processing-time guide for an indicative guide only; it is not a guarantee.
• Subclass 408 is not an automatic replacement for every historical subclass 402 case.

Documents needed

• Passport and identity documents
• Evidence of the proposed temporary activity
• Sponsor, supporter or invitation evidence where required
• Health, character and insurance evidence where required

Frequently asked questions

What is the Temporary Activity visa subclass 408?

It is a temporary visa for eligible activities in Australia under the relevant subclass 408 stream.

Is subclass 408 the same as the former subclass 402?

No. Subclass 408 is a current visa with its own stream-specific requirements. The former subclass 402 is closed, and 408 is not an automatic replacement for every historical 402 situation.

How long does subclass 408 take?

Processing times change by application and stream. Check the Department global processing-time guide for an indicative guide; no timeframe is guaranteed.

Get expert help

If you have a proposed temporary activity in Australia, obtain an individual assessment against the relevant current subclass 408 stream.