The Australian Temporary Activity Visa 408 is a COVID relief visa awarded to persons who were living in Australia during the lockdown and whose current visa had expired. In most cases, once your Australia visa expires, you must either apply for a new visa and stay in Australia with a bridging visa until your application is reviewed, or leave the country.
However, due to the outbreak, many people were unable to leave the country, and visa 408 was established to enable them to remain in Australia lawfully. You have to be able to take care of yourself while on a visa 408, which means you must have worked in Australia or have enough cash on hand to last the duration of your stay.
At its core, the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) lets you come to Australia to do specific types of work and events that are endorsed by the Australian Government. on a short-term, temporary basis. It accommodates artists, musicians, and performers who grace Australian stages with their creativity, infusing the cultural scene with a medley of influences. Simultaneously, it opens doors for scholars and researchers to collaborate with local institutions, seeding innovation and knowledge dissemination.
The Australian Temporary Activity Visa Allows you to;
This visa allows you to visit Australia temporarily with the goal of:
- Work in the entertainment business
- Engage part in events at the request of an Australian organization
- Take part in or watch an Australian research project work in a skilled role as part of a staff exchange program
- Compete in high-level sports contests or sports training programs
- Participate in a specific program recognized by the department that allows for youth exchange, cultural development, or community benefits
- Do a full-time religious program
- Take part in a government-sponsored event. (Pandemic event visa COVID-19)
Can I Apply for the Australian Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)?
You are able to apply for a visa 408 if you meet the following criteria:
- You reside in Australia during the period of your application
- COVID-19 prevents you from leaving the country.
- Your visa will be valid for 90 days or less.
- You have a valid visa that has not expired more than 28 days before applying for a visa 408.
- You are a legitimate temporary participant.
It is important to note that The Department of Home Affairs will consider your personal circumstances, migratory history, previous visas, and anything else relevant to your position when determining your intention to remain temporarily in Australia.
Document Required for the Application of an Australian Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
Before applying for visa 408 you need to put together the following documents:
- Send a copy of your passport pages.
- You must produce a written statement explaining why you are affected by COVID-19, why it is impossible for you to apply for another visa, and why it is impossible for you to leave Australia.
- Work evidence. You must submit your employment dates as well as confirmation of the essential sector you worked in (agricultural, food processing, health care, aged care, disability care, child care, or tourism and hospitality). If you have a visa 403, you must show proof that you are working for a seasonal worker program employer.
- Documents related to your income. You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any family members who may apply with you. You may send employment contracts as well as bank financial statements.
- You must provide proof that you meet the character criteria. You may be needed to produce documentation that you have not been convicted of any crimes or are not a participant in any criminal activity.
- Documents that provide support. To demonstrate that someone is assisting you with your visa application, use Form 956 or Form 956a.
- Documents related to family members. If you are applying with your partner/spouse or children, you must provide documentation such as their IDs, birth certificates, evidence of relationship, form 1221, form 47a, and other equivalent documents.
The Application Process for an Australian Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
Applying for the Temporary Activity Visa 408 involves a systematic process, including gathering the necessary documentation, submitting a complete application, and demonstrating how the intended activity aligns with the requirements of the chosen visa stream.
You must apply for the visa online with ImmiAccount. Recall that this visa is only available to candidates who are in Australia; it is not eligible to applicants who are not within the country. Also, you can include family members in the visa 408 application if they are physically present in Australia at the time of application.
How Long Does the Application Process Last?
The duration of stay granted under the Temporary Activity Visa varies based on the stream and the specific activity.
- For Events Endorsed by the Australian Government
This temporary visa allows you to visit Australia to take part in events sanctioned by the Australian government. You get to stay for the entire period of the event or up to 4 Years. The application process lasts up to 20 days. Cost starts From AUD405.00 but it is Free for:
COVID-19 Pandemic event
FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 event.
- Special Event or Activity
This visa allows you to remain in Australia to participate in an approved special activity. Youth exchange, cultural enrichment or community initiatives, school language helpers, or “gap year school volunteering” are examples of such programs. You get to stay a maximum of 12 months and the Cost starts from AUD405.00. Processing time lasts about 28 days at most.
- Religious Activities
This visa allows you to work full-time for a religious institution in Australia. You and your family members who apply for the visa with you may stay for up to two years. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for about 72 days.
- Research Purposes
This visa allows you to watch or participate in a research study at an Australian research or university institution. You and your family members who apply for the visa with you may stay for up to two years. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for 30 days.
- If you have been invited to participate in a variety of cultural and social events (Invited Participant)
This visa allows you to visit Australia if you have been asked to participate in a community-based event, such as a sporting tournament. You and your family members who travel with you on the visa can stay for up to 3 months. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for 20 days.
- Sporting and Recreational Events
This visa allows you to play, train, instruct, or referee for an Australian team, or to participate in high-level sports training with a sporting organization. You and members of your family will be able to remain in Australia for up to 2 years. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for 40 days.
- Entertainment and Outdoor Events
This temporary visa allows you to come to Australia and engage in the field of entertainment as a performer, producer, or support crew on film, television, or live projects. Family members might be included in your visa application, and you guys can get to stay up to 2 years. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for 14 days.
- Crew for a Superyacht
This visa allows you to work as a member of the crew on a superyacht in Australia. You can stay here for up to a year. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for 19 months.
- Exchange Deals
This visa allows you to visit Australia as part of a staff exchange program with an Australian organization. You and your family members who travel with you on the visa can stay for up to 2 years. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time lasts for 3 months.
- Executives with domestic responsibilities
This visa allows you to travel to Australia and work full-time domestically in the household of chosen elite foreign executives. You and your family members may stay for up to two years. Costs start from AUD405.00 and processing time for this type of activity is currently not available on the Australian Department of Home Affairs Website.
For more information please visit the official website of the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
How Long Does the Temporary Activity Visa Itself Last?
Depending on why you apply for the visa, this visa will be valid for a year or three months. If you work in a key area (food, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality, for example), this visa will allow you to stay for an additional 12 months. But if for any reason you have had your travel plans canceled due to travel constraints or issues, this visa will allow you to stay for an additional three months.
It is important to note that the specified duration for a visa 408 cannot be extended, but you may apply for a new COVID-19 visa 408 if your present visa 408 is about to expire.
Is it possible to obtain permanent residency with Temporary Australian Activity Visa 408?
No, it is not possible because this visa is only acceptable for the period of the global pandemic. It will only allow you to stay in Australia legally as long as you continue to work or make fresh arrangements for travel. If you want to apply for permanent residency in Australia, you must hold another substantive visa (all visas except bridging visas).