Entertainment Activities 408 Visa

Entertainment Activities 408 Visa

Subclass 408 – Temporary Activity Visa Entertainment Activities stream allows you to come to Australia for up to 2 years to work in the entertainment industry. With this visa, you can:

work in the entertainment industry (film, television, or live productions) in Australia as a performer, production or support staff
travel to and from Australia
include members of the family unit in your application

To be eligible for this visa:

You must have a contract to perform in Australia.
If you intend to stay for more than three months, you will also need to have a sponsor. If you are staying for less than three months, you will need to have a supporter.
You must be working in an eligible entertainment activity.
Meet health and character.
Have adequate health insurance.

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Sponsorship test

The sponsor must be:

An Australian organisation, an agency of the Australian or State government, or a foreign government agency operating in Australia.
In some situations, the sponsor must consult with relevant unions before submitting the applications. The unions include Musicians Union of Australia, Australian Directors Guild and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
In some situations, the sponsor must obtain an art certificate from the Department of Communications and the Arts.
If the applicant is applying under the non-profit category, the sponsor must have a non-profit status.

The organisation must then apply to be an approved temporary activities sponsor. They must agree to sponsor the visa applicant and any dependents applying for the same visa. In addition, the sponsor must not have adverse information about them.

Support test

The sponsor must be:

An Australian organisation, an agency of the Australian or State government, or a foreign government agency operating in Australia.
In some situations, the sponsor must consult with relevant unions before submitting the applications. The unions include Musicians Union of Australia, Australian Directors Guild and the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance.
In some situations, the sponsor must obtain an art certificate from the Department of Communications and the Arts.
If the applicant is applying under the non-profit category, the sponsor must have a non-profit status.

The organisation must provide a letter of support. The letter should include:

The institution’s letterhead
The visa applicant and any dependents
The work the applicant will undertake
The duties of the applicant
Where and when the applicant will be working

Entertainment activities

When you apply for the visa, you must apply under one of the seven categories:

performing in a film or television production subsidised by the government
performing in a film or television production not subsidised by the government
performing other than in film or television
working in a production role other than as a performer
working as support staff for an entertainer or group of entertainers
working as a performer or support staff for a non-profit engagement
working on a documentary or commercial for an overseas market

Consult with unions

If you are applying under categories 1 to 5, your sponsor will be required to consult with the relevant union.

Net employment benefits

For categories 3-5, the applicant must bring a net employment benefit to the Australian entertainment industry. This is to promote employment of Australian citizens and permanent residents in the industry.

Visa Application Charge: $325

VisaEnvoy Professional fees: $1200-$1500 per applicant

Processing times: 35 – 50 days