Popular Streams under the Subclass 408 Visa in Australia

Australia is one of the most popular international destinations for leisure pursuits like sports, the arts, culture, and religion. If you are invited or planning to be invited by an Australian organization for an activity, you can look forward to applying for a Subclass 408Temporary Activity Visa. It has a variety of streams from which you can pick the one that best fits your interests. Here, we go over popular streams of the 408 visa and their fundamental criteria to apply successfully.

Basic Eligibility 

Whatever stream you select under the Subclass 408 Visa, you must have to meet some basic criteria. 

• You can apply for this visa if you have the skills required by its streams. For example, you must have experience in a game to apply for the Sporting Activities under the 408 Visa. 
• You cannot apply for this visa directly. You must have a supporter or a sponsor who has nominated you to visit Australia for an activity. 
• You must meet additional requirements of the relevant stream. 
• You must have good health conditions and no criminal history. 

Your visit to Australia requires life insurance to provide health coverage in the country during your stay.

Streams of the 408 Visa

Australia subdivides the visa into several streams so that a large number of international talents can enter Australia. It is a temporary visa irrespective of the stream you choose to apply.

Australian Government Endorsed Events

The temporary visa allows you to come to Australia to participate in events endorsed by the Australian government. The duration of stay is longer here compared to its other streams. You can stay in Australia for up to 4 years or till the event ends. The processing time of this stream can range from 8 days to 11 months. However, 75% of applications get approval within 7 months. The cost to apply for this stream is AUD325 at present which is affordable. It might be free for some specific events also.

Special Programs

The stream allows you to participate in approved special events like youth exchange programs, cultural enrichment, and many others. This stream is valid for up to 12 months. It means you can stay in Australia for a year to participate in a special event. You can apply for this after getting an invitation from the event organizer. The visa cost is AUD325. Its processing time may vary. 75% of applications can approve within 18 days, while 90% of applications take around 30 days to process.

Religious Work

Australia is a home of people from various cultures and societies. They can invite their religious practitioners to Australia under the Religious Work Stream 408 Visa. It allows you to conduct full-time religious work for a specific religious institute in Australia for 2 years. You must be outside to apply for this visa but not in immigration clearance. The processing times may vary. 75% of applications can process within 55 days, whereas 90% of applications take around 3 months to approve. The visa cost is AUD325 currently.

Research Activities

If you are a researcher and want to take part in research activity in Australia, you can be eligible for the Research Activities stream. It allows you to bring your family members. You can participate in a research project for up to 2 years. The visa application can process within 17 days. However, in most cases, the processing time may be 37 days. An approved sponsor can nominate you for this visa.

Sporting Activities

Do you know Australia is famous for sports activities? The developed country allows you to play, coach, or instruct an Australian team. This stream can fulfill your purpose of a high level of sports training in Australia. It is valid for up to 2 years. You can come alone or bring your family. You must be outside when the decision is in process. The processing times may vary here. 25% of applications take up to 2 days to approve, whereas 90% of applications take 34 days to clear.

Entertainment Activities

Are you a performer, director, or support staff for the entertainment industry? Do you want international work exposure? This stream can fulfill your dream. It is offered to international people working on film, television, or live production in the entertainment industry. The visa allows you to include your family. It is valid for up to 2 years. It processes fast. The approval process takes place within 2 days or a maximum of 13 days.

You can get in touch with a MARA-registered immigration company if you have any additional questions about these streams under the 408 Visa. A team of specialists work for such an agency to provide you with the best advice.