The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) allows individuals to come to Australia for short-term, temporary work in various specific streams. Each stream is designed for different types of activities, ranging from cultural exchange to sports, entertainment, religious work, and more. Below are the key streams under this visa:
1. Australian Government Endorsed Events Stream
This stream allows individuals to participate in events that are endorsed by the Australian Government.
- Eligibility: Must apply online and provide a letter of endorsement from an approved organization.
- Activities: Participate in Australian Government-endorsed events.
2. Special Program Stream
This visa lets you participate in approved special programs such as youth exchange, cultural enrichment, and community programs.
- Eligibility: Must have an invitation to participate in an approved program (e.g., cultural enrichment, school language assistants, youth exchange).
- Duration: Typically, up to 12 months.
- Sponsor Requirements: An Australian non-profit organization or government agency must sponsor the program.
3. Religious Work Stream
This visa allows individuals to do full-time religious work for a religious institution in Australia.
- Eligibility: Must have an agreement to work full-time for a religious institution in Australia.
- Activities: Roles like providing spiritual leadership, conducting worship, and offering guidance.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
4. Research Activities Stream
This stream allows participation in research projects at Australian research or tertiary institutions.
- Eligibility: Must be invited to observe or participate in research activities.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
5. Other Social and Cultural Activity (Invited Participant) Stream
For those invited to take part in community-based events, including cultural or social activities, such as sporting or academic events.
- Eligibility: Must be invited to participate and have a sponsor.
- Duration: Typically, up to 3 months.
6. Sporting Activities Stream
Allows individuals to play, coach, instruct, or adjudicate in Australian sporting events, or take part in high-level training.
- Eligibility: Must have a contract and letter of support from a peak sporting body.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
7. Entertainment Activities Stream
This visa allows individuals to work in Australia’s entertainment industry, including roles in film, television, and live productions.
- Eligibility: Must have a contract and enough financial support for yourself and any dependents.
- Duration: Temporary, with family inclusion.
8. Superyacht Crew Stream
For those working as crew members on superyachts in Australia.
- Eligibility: Must have a contract and letter from the yacht owner confirming employment.
- Duration: Up to 12 months.
9. Staff Exchange Arrangements Stream
This visa enables individuals to come to Australia as part of a staff exchange program with an Australian organization.
- Eligibility: Must have the necessary skills and an agreement in place for the staff exchange.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
10. Domestic Work for Executives Stream
This stream allows individuals to work full-time as domestic workers in the household of senior foreign executives.
- Eligibility: Must be invited and have experience in domestic work.
- Duration: Up to 2 years.
General Features of the Subclass 408
- Family Members: Family members (partner, children) can be included in the visa application in most streams.
- Multiple Entries: In most streams, applicants can travel to and from Australia as many times as needed while the visa is valid.
- Temporary Stay: This visa is temporary, and each stream has specific eligibility requirements related to work or activities.
The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) is ideal for individuals seeking to temporarily participate in activities that promote cultural, social, or professional exchanges in Australia.