🇦🇺 Australia · Work Visa
Subclass 408 — Temporary Activity
Flexible temporary visa covering a wide range of sponsored activities including academic research, entertainment, religious and charitable work, and exchange programmes. Duration and conditions tied to the specific activity stream and sponsor.
- Scoring
- Employer-sponsored
- Timeline
- 1mo–3mo
- Est. cost
- $3K
- Category
- Work Visa
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Show me my matches, free→Key requirements
- Approved sponsor or recognised organisation supporting the activity
- Engagement in a qualifying activity (research, entertainment, religious/charitable work, cultural exchange)
- Genuine temporary stay — activity must have a defined scope and duration
- English language and health requirements apply
Who this visa fits
Subclass 408 is a catch-all temporary activity visa used when no other temporary work visa fits. Common use cases: an overseas researcher on a short academic exchange, a performer on a touring engagement, a religious worker, or a cultural programme participant. The key requirement is an Australian sponsor or programme host. 408 is not a PR pathway, so always pair the recommendation with a forward-looking note: what visa will the candidate use after the activity ends? For researchers, the 482 or 186 pathway after building AU institutional relationships is worth flagging. For entertainers and artists, 124 Distinguished Talent may be the long-term PR target.
Other Australia visas
Permanent Residency
Subclass 189 — Skilled Independent
Points-tested permanent residence visa for skilled workers. No employer sponsor or state nomination required — candidates lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) in SkillSelect and receive an Invitation to Apply based on their points score. Nomination-free, globally competitive.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 190 — Skilled Nominated
Points-tested permanent residence visa requiring a nomination from an Australian state or territory government. State nomination adds 5 points to your score; each state publishes its own occupation lists and requirements for nomination.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 491 — Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
Five-year provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state/territory to live and work in a regional area of Australia. Regional nomination adds 15 points — significantly boosting scores. After 3 years of regional residence and work, eligible to apply for permanent residence via Subclass 191.
Work Visa
Subclass 482 — Temporary Skill Shortage
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa allowing Australian businesses to fill skills gaps with overseas workers. Streams: Short-term (2 years, limited renewal), Medium-term (4 years, pathway to PR), and Labour Agreement (negotiated with Home Affairs). Most professional roles fall under the Medium-term stream.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS)
Permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an approved Australian employer. Three streams: Direct Entry (skills assessment + experience), Temporary Residence Transition (3 years on 482 with same employer), and Agreement stream (Labour Agreement). Leads directly to permanent residence.
Permanent Residency
Subclass 124 — Distinguished Talent
Permanent residence visa for individuals with an internationally recognised and distinguished record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in their field. No employer sponsor or state nomination required. Covers arts, sport, academia, and the professions. A recommending organisation provides the mandatory recommendation.
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