The Australian Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is a short-term visa that allows individuals to participate in specific activities, events, or work in Australia for a temporary period. This visa covers various streams, including entertainment, research, religious work, sporting events, and special programs.
For Nigerians seeking to visit Australia under this visa, understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, documentation, and processing time is essential. This guide provides a step-by-step breakdown of how to successfully apply for a Subclass 408 visa from Nigeria.
What Is the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)?
The Subclass 408 visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals or groups to enter Australia for specific short-term activities. The duration of the visa depends on the activity being undertaken and can range from three months to four years.
This visa is commonly used by:
✔ Entertainers, artists, and musicians participating in Australian events.
✔ Religious workers engaging in community-based activities.
✔ Researchers and academics collaborating with Australian institutions.
✔ Sportspersons and coaches involved in training or competitions.
✔ Individuals attending COVID-19 pandemic-related work or government-endorsed events.
Eligibility Criteria for Nigerians Applying for Subclass 408 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 408 visa, Nigerian applicants must meet the following basic eligibility requirements:
✔ Be invited, sponsored, or endorsed by an Australian organization.
✔ Show evidence of the activity or work they will be participating in.
✔ Demonstrate sufficient financial support for their stay.
✔ Have a clean criminal record and meet health requirements.
✔ Maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay.
The specific requirements depend on which stream of the Subclass 408 visa the applicant is applying for.
Types of Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) Streams
The Subclass 408 visa is divided into different streams based on the nature of the activity or event. Nigerians can apply under any of the following categories:
1. Entertainment Activities Stream
- For actors, musicians, film crews, and other performers invited to work in Australia.
- Requires a formal invitation from an Australian organization.
- Maximum stay: 2 years.
2. Religious Work Stream
- For Nigerian religious workers or missionaries looking to serve in an Australian religious institution.
- The Australian religious organization must act as a sponsor.
- Maximum stay: 2 years.
3. Research Activities Stream
- For academics, researchers, and scientists collaborating with Australian research institutions.
- Requires an endorsement from an Australian research institution.
- Maximum stay: 2 years.
4. Special Programs Stream
- Covers youth exchange programs, cultural exchange programs, and other social work programs.
- The applicant must be formally invited by an Australian host organization.
- Maximum stay: 12 months.
5. Sport Activities Stream
- For Nigerian sportspersons, coaches, and trainers participating in an Australian sporting event or training.
- The sporting body or club must sponsor the applicant.
- Maximum stay: 2 years.
6. Government-Endorsed Events Stream
- For individuals involved in Australian government-backed activities such as pandemic response programs.
- Requires official government endorsement.
- Maximum stay: up to 4 years.
7. Australian Government-Endorsed COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream
- Designed for workers in critical industries such as agriculture, aged care, health, and food processing.
- Applicants can work in Australia for up to 12 months.
- This stream is useful for Nigerians seeking temporary employment in Australia.
Step-by-Step Application Process for Nigerians Applying for the Subclass 408 Visa
Step 1: Choose the Right Stream
- Determine which stream of the Subclass 408 visa fits your intended purpose in Australia.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Valid Nigerian passport (must be valid for at least six months).
- Proof of invitation or sponsorship from an Australian organization.
- Letter of support from employer or institution in Nigeria (if applicable).
- Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, sponsorship letter, or income proof).
- Detailed statement of purpose explaining why you need the visa.
- Health examination results (from an authorized Australian medical center).
- Character certificate/police clearance from Nigerian authorities.
- Travel history and previous visa records.
- Health insurance coverage for the duration of stay in Australia.
Step 3: Submit the Online Visa Application
Applicants must apply through ImmiAccount, the official Australian immigration portal:
- Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/
- Create an ImmiAccount.
- Complete the Subclass 408 visa application form.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Pay the visa application fee online.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee
- The cost of the Subclass 408 visa varies depending on the stream.
- The base application charge is AUD 325 (~NGN 190,000), but additional charges may apply.
- Payments can be made using credit/debit cards or PayPal.
Step 5: Attend a Biometrics and Health Examination
- Nigerian applicants are required to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
- Book a health examination with an Australian-approved medical center in Nigeria.
- The health check is mandatory for visa approval.
Step 6: Wait for Visa Processing
- Processing time varies based on application volume and complexity.
- Standard processing time: 1 to 6 months.
- Applicants can track their application status via ImmiAccount.
Visa Processing Time and Approval
The processing time for a Subclass 408 visa depends on the stream applied for. The estimated timelines are:
📌 Entertainment Activities Stream – 3 to 6 months
📌 Religious Work Stream – 4 to 8 months
📌 Research Activities Stream – 2 to 4 months
📌 Special Programs Stream – 3 to 5 months
📌 Sport Activities Stream – 2 to 6 months
📌 COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream – 1 to 3 months
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
🔹 Incomplete Documentation
✔ Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly during application.
🔹 Proof of Financial Capacity
✔ Provide clear evidence of funds (bank statements, sponsor letters).
🔹 Long Processing Times
✔ Apply at least 3 to 6 months in advance of planned travel.
🔹 Health Examination Delays
✔ Schedule medical tests immediately after application submission.
Benefits of the Subclass 408 Visa
✔ Allows short-term employment or participation in Australian programs.
✔ Multiple streams available for different types of visitors.
✔ No points test required, unlike skilled migration visas.
✔ Eligible for visa extensions under some streams.
✔ Pathway to other Australian visas (for work, study, or permanent residency).
Conclusion
The Australian Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is a great opportunity for Nigerians looking to work, study, or participate in specific events in Australia. By following the correct application procedures and meeting all requirements, applicants can secure their visa and successfully travel to Australia.
Nigerians interested in applying should carefully select the right visa stream, gather all required documents, and apply early to avoid delays. With proper preparation and documentation, securing an Australian Subclass 408 visa is entirely achievable.