Australian Government Endorsed Events

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)

Australian Government Endorsed Events

The Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa allows individuals to come to Australia to participate in events officially endorsed by the Australian Government. Some of these initiatives are also covered under the Special Program, which provides additional pathways and support for applicants. You can also explore the Religious Work if your primary purpose is to perform full-time religious duties for a recognized religious organization.

With this visa, you can stay in Australia for your event. In some cases, you can stay for several years. The Subclass 408 visa lets you join the program fully. It also offers chances to gain useful work experience, build international connections, and help with government-supported projects.

By coming to Australia on this visa, you join a larger effort. This effort supports international teamwork, cultural exchange, and professional growth. The visa promotes sharing knowledge and builds relationships between Australia and other countries. It lets participants contribute meaningfully during their stay while enjoying the country’s lively culture and work environment.

Book Your Consultation

Benefits of Applying for the Subclass 408 Visa

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) offers unique opportunities for individuals invited to take part in Australian Government endorsed events. With this visa, you can –

Gain valuable experience by participating in cultural, research, or professional programs supported by the Australian Government.
Contribute to international collaboration and exchange knowledge in your field of expertise.
Live and work temporarily in Australia for the duration of your event, with flexibility for long-term government-endorsed projects.
Travel freely in and out of Australia while your visa remains valid.
Showcase your skills and strengthen your global profile through participation in high-impact, government-endorsed activities.
Work or engage in activities directly related to the endorsed event. This includes performing, researching, collaborating, or participating in any tasks authorised by the sponsoring organisation or government body.
Participate in professional, cultural, or research programs that promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. The visa enables you to build professional relationships, gain new experience, and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s government-supported initiatives.

Whether you’re an artist, researcher, or professional contributing to Australia’s cultural or academic landscape, this visa allows you to make meaningful contributions while experiencing life in Australia.

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) – Key Details

The Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa allows you to travel to Australia and participate in events endorsed by the Australian Government, including conferences, cultural or artistic programs, research initiatives, and other approved activities. This visa provides a legal pathway to stay temporarily in Australia while engaging fully in your endorsed event.

Key Details -

Visa type: Temporary Activity
Purpose: Participation in Australian Government-endorsed events
Stay duration: For the duration of the event, or up to 4 years in certain long-term cases.
Cost: From AUD 430.00, depending on your individual circumstances

Why This Visa Matters -

Enables you to legally live and work in Australia for the duration of your event.
Supports professional, cultural, and academic development through government-endorsed programs.
Encourages international collaboration and cultural exchange, allowing you to gain valuable experience while contributing to Australian initiatives.

Eligibility Criteria

To apply for the Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa, you must meet the following requirements:

Be invited to participate in an Australian Government endorsed event: Only individuals who have been officially invited to take part in approved programs, conferences, cultural or artistic events, or government-supported initiatives are eligible to apply.
Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs portal: All applications must be submitted electronically via the official immigration website. Paper applications are generally not accepted.
Obtain a letter of endorsement from an approved organization: Your participation must be supported by an authorized Australian organization that provides the formal endorsement required for the visa.

Important Notes

Applications for the Australian Government Endorsed Events (COVID-19 Pandemic Event) visa officially closed on 1 February 2024. Applicants cannot apply under this category anymore.
If you wish to extend your stay in Australia to pursue a workplace exploitation claim, you must be physically in Australia when applying and provide certified evidence of the claim. For more details and guidance, see the Workplace Justice Pilot.

Important Things to Know Before Applying for the Subclass 408 Visa

Before applying for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408), it’s important to understand the key requirements and responsibilities for both applicants and sponsors.

1. Sponsorship Requirements 2. Visa Applicant Requirements 3. Health and Character Requirements

To participate in an endorsed event, you must have a sponsor or endorsing organization that is approved by the Australian Government. Eligible sponsors include:

Australian businesses, incorporated entities, or registered non-profit organizations.
Government agencies at the federal, state, or territory level.
Foreign government agencies legally operating in Australia.
Organizations or agencies endorsing sports, cultural, or professional events.
Recognized charities or religious foundations registered with the Australian Tax Office.

Your sponsor must meet all legal obligations and be able to support your participation in the event.

When applying for the Subclass 408 visa, you must demonstrate that:

You have a clear plan to participate in the approved event or activity.
You have sufficient financial resources and health insurance to cover yourself and any dependents for the duration of your stay.
You meet the specific eligibility criteria of the event or activity you are participating in

Applicants must satisfy Australia’s health and character standards, which may include:

Completing health examinations or providing medical evidence.
Providing police clearance certificates to confirm there are no serious criminal convictions.

Understanding these requirements ahead of time ensures your application is complete and increases the likelihood of a smooth approval process.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Applying for the Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa involves a few important steps. Following them carefully can help ensure your application is complete and processed smoothly.

Check your eligibility – Before applying, make sure you meet all requirements for the Subclass 408 visa. You must be invited to participate in an Australian Government endorsed event and meet any other criteria relevant to your specific program.
Obtain a letter of endorsement – You need a formal letter of endorsement from an approved Australian organization. This letter confirms your participation in the endorsed event and is a mandatory part of your visa application.
Apply online through the Department of Home Affairs portal – All Subclass 408 visa applications must be submitted electronically. Make sure you complete all sections accurately and upload all required documents to avoid delays.
Pay the visa application fee – The fee for the Subclass 408 visa starts from AUD 430.00, depending on your circumstances. Payment is required to submit your application, and it covers the processing of your visa request.
Await a decision – Once your application is submitted, you can track its progress using the visa processing time guide. Processing times vary depending on the type of endorsed event and the complexity of your application.

Following these steps carefully ensures your application is complete and increases the likelihood of a smooth visa process.

What You Can Do With This Visa

The Temporary Activity (Subclass 408) visa allows you to live and work in Australia. You can also participate in events approved by the Australian Government. This visa is for a short period. It is made to support many professional, cultural, and academic activities. These activities help Australia grow and connect with the world.

With this visa, you can:

Travel to and stay in Australia for the duration of the government-endorsed event. You are permitted to remain in the country for the full length of the event or project, as outlined in your endorsement letter.
Work or engage in activities directly related to the endorsed event. This includes performing, researching, collaborating, or participating in any tasks authorised by the sponsoring organisation or government body.
Participate in professional, cultural, or research programs that promote knowledge sharing, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. The visa enables you to build professional relationships, gain new experience, and contribute meaningfully to Australia’s government-supported initiatives.

Important Note: You must always comply with the visa conditions attached to your Subclass 408 visa. Breaching these conditions may affect your stay or future visa applications. For more information on specific rules and requirements, visit the Subclass 408 visa conditions.

Need Help With Your Application?

At Emigrate Lawyers, we specialize in helping clients navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) application process, ensuring you have the best chance of success.

We offer:

Personalized Services - Tailored advice designed to meet your specific goals and circumstances.

Fixed Fees - Transparent pricing with no hidden costs, giving you complete financial certainty.

Client Satisfaction - We are committed to achieving outstanding results and 100% client satisfaction.

Let us help you participate in unique and valuable government-endorsed events in Australia. Contact our immigration law experts at Emigrate Lawyers today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can apply for the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)?

A: This visa is available to individuals invited to participate in Australian Government endorsed events. You must have a valid invitation or endorsement letter from an approved organization before applying.

How long can I stay in Australia on this visa?

A: You can stay for the duration of the endorsed event, or in some cases, up to 4 years if involved in long-term government-endorsed projects.

Can I work while on this visa?

A: Yes, you can work or engage in activities that are specifically permitted by your event endorsement. It’s important to follow all visa conditions during your stay.

Do I need to be in Australia to apply?

A: In most cases, you can apply from inside or outside Australia. However, if you’re seeking to extend your stay due to a workplace-related matter, you must be in Australia when applying.

What documents are required for the Subclass 408 visa?

A: You’ll generally need your invitation or endorsement letter, proof of identity, evidence of financial capacity, health insurance, and documents related to your participation in the event.

How can an immigration lawyer help with my Subclass 408 visa application?

A: An immigration lawyer can help ensure your documents meet all legal requirements, address eligibility issues, and represent you in case of complications or delays. At Emigrate Lawyers, we offer end-to-end support for Subclass 408 visa applications.

How much does the visa cost?

A: The application fee starts from AUD 430.00, but the total cost may vary depending on your circumstances, such as additional applicants or biometrics requirements.

Can I extend my Subclass 408 visa in Australia?

A: Extensions are possible in limited circumstances, such as ongoing government-endorsed events or verified workplace exploitation claims. You’ll need to provide supporting documentation and meet eligibility criteria.