- Destinations
- Study
- Trade Courses to PR
- Automotive Electrician
- Air Conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber
- Bricklayer
- Baker
- Boat Builder and Repairer
- Butcher or Smallgoods Maker
- Cabinetmaker
- Diesel Motor Mechanic
- Motorcycle Mechanic
- Small Engine Mechanic
- Sheetmetal Worker
- Metal Fabricator
- Pressure Welder
- Fitter and Turner
- Fitter Welder
- Metal Machinist (First Class)
- Stonemason
- Welder (First Class)
- Fitter (General)
- University Courses to PR
- Early Childhood (Pre Primary School) Teacher
- Secondary School Teacher
- Special Needs Teacher
- Nurse Practitioner
- Registered Nurse (Aged Care)
- Registered Nurse (Child and Family Health)
- Registered Nurse (Community Health)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer
- Social Worker
- Civil Engineering Draftsperson
- Civil Engineering Technician
- Electrical Engineering Draftsperson
- Electrical Engineering Technician
- Radio Communications Technician
- Courses with Good PR Prospect
- Architect
- Chiropractor
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer
- ICT Business Analyst
- Industrial Engineer
- Food Technologist
- Electrical Engineer
- Electronics Engineer
- Engineering Technologist
- ICT Security Specialist
- Midwife
- Mechanical Engineer
- Sonographer
- Quantity Surveyor
- Structural Engineer
- Transport Engineer
- Optometrist
- Orthotist or Prosthetist
- Physiotherapist
- Systems Analyst
- Multimedia Specialist
- Analyst Programmer
- Developer Programmer
- Software Engineer
- Software and Applications Programmers (NEC)
- Trade Courses to PR
- Visas
- Skilled Visas
- Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 491
- Skilled Independent Visa – Subclass 189
- Skilled Nominated Visa – Subclass 190
- Skills in Demand Visa – Subclass 482
- Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) Visa – Subclass 186
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa – Subclass 494
- Permanent Residency Pathway – 191 Visa Australia
- Parent Visas
- Partner Visas
- Student Visas
- Graduate Visas
- Business Visas
- Visa Resources
- Book a Consultation
- Skilled Visas
- Services
- Degrees
- Blog
Subclass 408
Temporary Activity visa
The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) lets you visit Australia for short-term engagements like sports, research, or entertainment. Explore 408 visa requirements, streams, and benefits to plan your stay effectively and hassle-free.
Why Choose Edvise Hub?
The Temporary Activity Visa, commonly known as the 408 visa or Subclass 408, is a versatile option for individuals seeking to participate in specific short-term activities in Australia. This temporary activity visa caters to a wide range of purposes, from cultural exchanges to professional engagements, making it ideal for those not intending to settle permanently. As of 2025, the visa remains a popular choice for international visitors, with streams tailored to various needs.
Introduced to facilitate temporary stays without the complexities of work visas, the Subclass 408 emphasizes skill-based activities that benefit Australia. Whether you're pursuing a training visa 408 for sports development or an entertainment visa Australia for film productions, this visa ensures compliance with immigration rules while allowing productive contributions.
In recent years, the demand for the 408 visa has grown steadily. According to official data, over 36,169 Subclass 408 visas were granted in the 2018-19 financial year alone. While specific figures for 2024-25 are not fully released, Australia's total temporary visa holders reached a record 2.9 million by September 2025, reflecting a rebound in migration post-pandemic. The COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream, which once boosted numbers, concluded around March 2023, shifting focus to core activities.
Key Streams of the 408 Visa
The Subclass 408 is divided into multiple streams, each with unique eligibility and durations. This structure allows applicants to select the best fit, ensuring the temporary activity visa aligns with their goals.
Here's a comparison table of major streams:
This table highlights how the 408 visa adapts to diverse scenarios, from entertainment visa Australia for creative professionals to training visa 408 for athletes honing skills.
Fahad Shamim
Migration & Education Consultant
MARA Registered
MARN 2619225
QEAC
G12906
As a Migration & Education Consultant, I provide expert guidance on Australian visas and international education, helping clients navigate both with ease.
408 Visa Requirements: What You Need to Know
Meeting the 408 visa requirements is crucial for a successful application. Generally, applicants must demonstrate skills relevant to the activity, have adequate funds, and meet health and character standards. Family members can join in most streams, staying for the same period.
Core 408 visa requirements include:
- Sponsorship/Support: Most streams require an approved sponsor, such as an organization or institution. Exceptions apply for short stays (<3 months) in research if applying from outside Australia.
- Financial Proof: Evidence of sufficient funds to cover living costs, especially if staying longer than 3 months.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for stays over 3 months; optional but recommended for shorter ones.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant: Prove intent to leave Australia after the activity.
- Stream-Specific Documents: For entertainment visa Australia, provide contracts; for training visa 408 in sports, include coaching certifications.
A checklist table for quick reference:
As of 2025, applications must be online through the Department of Home Affairs website. Avoid paper submissions, as they're no longer accepted for most cases.
Application Process and Costs
Applying for the Subclass 408 is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Start by creating an ImmiAccount, gathering documents, and selecting your stream. You can apply from in or outside Australia, but not in immigration clearance.
Costs start at AUD 430 for the base applicant, with additional fees: AUD 430 for adults over 18 and AUD 110 for under 18s. For endorsed events like the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026, it's free. Other expenses include health checks (AUD 200-500) and biometrics (AUD 20-50).
Processing times vary: Entertainment stream averages 11-35 days, Invited Participant 7-18 days, Research up to 3 months in 2025 due to demand. Use the official visa processing time guide for estimates—75% of applications are processed within 1-2 months across streams.
Facts and figures underscore efficiency: In mid-2025, median times for research visas rose to 60 days from 17, reflecting policy shifts. Overall, Australia's immigration system processed over 4.8 million temporary visa applications in late 2024, with 408 visas forming a key part.
Benefits and Limitations of the Temporary Activity Visa
The 408 visa offers flexibility without work restrictions in your specified activity, allowing paid participation. For instance, under entertainment visa Australia, performers can earn from productions. Family inclusion promotes work-life balance, and extensions are possible if criteria are met.
However, it's strictly temporary—no pathway to permanent residency. You can't switch streams easily, and overstaying risks bans. In 2024-25, temporary visa arrivals included 27,510 under "other temporary" categories, showing robust interest.
Facts and Figures on Subclass 408 Usage
- Grants Trend: Pre-pandemic, annual grants hovered around 36,000; post-2023, focus shifted from COVID extensions, stabilizing at thousands yearly.
- Holder Demographics: As of June 2024, temporary entrants totaled 2.69 million, with 408 contributing to skilled short-term inflows.
- Economic Impact: These visas boost sectors like entertainment (contributing AUD 10 billion annually) and sports training.
- Approval Rates: High for complete applications—over 80% in similar temporary categories.
In 2025, with events like major sports tournaments, expect increased applications.
In conclusion, the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) opens doors to enriching experiences in Australia. Whether for training, entertainment, or events, understanding requirements ensures success. Consult professionals for personalized advice.
FAQs
What is the Subclass 408 visa?
The Subclass 408 is a temporary activity visa for short-term engagements in Australia, like sports, research, or entertainment, with stays up to 4 years in some cases.
What are the 408 visa requirements?
Key requirements include sponsorship, proof of skills, funds, health insurance, and stream-specific documents like invitations or contracts.
How long can I stay on a 408 visa?
Durations vary: up to 2 years for entertainment or sports, 12 months for special programs, and 3 months for invited participants.
What is the cost of a Subclass 408 visa?
Starts at AUD 430, plus extras for family. Free for certain government-endorsed events.
What is the processing time for 408 visa in 2025?
Averages 11-60 days depending on stream; use the official tool for estimates.
Can I work on a temporary activity visa?
Yes, but only in your specified activity; no general employment allowed.
Is sponsorship required for 408 visa?
Yes for most streams, except short research stays applied from outside Australia.
Can I extend my Subclass 408 visa?
Possible if you meet criteria and apply before expiry, but limited to temporary intent.
Top Universities
University Rankings
Trade Courses
Expert guidance for your migration and study abroad journey. We specialize in navigating complex visa pathways to secure your future seamlessly.
Skilled Migration
- 189 Skilled Independent
- 190 Skilled Nominated
- 887 Skilled Regional
- 491 Skilled Regional
- 191 Skilled Regional
