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Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) – Entertainment Activities Stream

The Entertainment Activities Stream sits under the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) and is designed for overseas professionals working in film, television, live music, theatre, and broader media productions. Whether you are an onscreen performer, a touring musical act, or essential behind-the-scenes technical crew, this stream allows you to work in Australia on a temporary basis to participate in specific entertainment projects.

This pathway ensures that foreign talent can enter Australia efficiently while protecting local workplace standards and labor market conditions. Our team at Australian Migration Lawyers are here to help you understand this process.

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Are you eligible for the Entertainment Activities Stream?

This visa stream applies to a wide spectrum of creative and technical roles across the entertainment industry, which include:

Touring Performing Artists & Musicians: Solo artists, bands, theatrical performers, and comedians coming to Australia for concert tours or festival appearances.

Film & Television Cast: Lead and supporting actors, voice actors, and stunt performers involved in feature films, TV series, or documentaries.

Production & Technical Crew: Directors, producers, cinematographers, sound engineers, lighting technicians, set designers, and wardrobe crew.

Support Staff: Personal assistants, tour managers, and specialized crew accompanying primary performers or productions.

Stream-Specific Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Entertainment Activities Stream, applicants and their sponsoring organisations must satisfy strict Department of Home Affairs criteria, which includes:

1

Genuine Contract or Itinerary

Applicants must possess a formal contract or binding agreement with an Australian production company, venue, or event promoter outlining the duration, duties, and remuneration for the engagement. This is the first crucial step.

2

Sponsor vs. Supporter Requirement

The framework depends on where the application is lodged and the intended duration of stay:

Stay Duration Application Location Requirement
3 Months or Less Applied Outside Australia Australian Supporter (an eligible Australian organisation or citizen/PR)
Over 3 Months Applied Outside Australia An approved Temporary Activity Sponsor
Any Duration Applied Inside Australia An approved Temporary Activity Sponsor

3 Months or Less

Application LocationApplied Outside Australia
RequirementAustralian Supporter (eligible Australian organisation or citizen/PR)

Over 3 Months

Application LocationApplied Outside Australia
RequirementAn approved Temporary Activity Sponsor

Any Duration

Application LocationApplied Inside Australia
RequirementAn approved Temporary Activity Sponsor
3

Union Consultation

Unless specific exemptions apply, the applicant or sponsor must consult with relevant Australian peak union bodies (such as the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance – MEAA) to ensure the engagement does not adversely affect employment opportunities for Australian citizens or permanent residents.

4

Health Insurance & Financial Self-Sufficiency

Applicants must hold adequate health insurance covering their stay in Australia and demonstrate sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members.

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Fixed price

Fixed price

There are no hidden costs for our services. Our fees are clearly set out in a fee agreement.

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Deal directly with a lawyer

From the first same-day response to the granting of your Australian visa, you'll have direct access to a lawyer.

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Our experienced lawyers will give you regular updates and clear explanations of visa pathways.

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We offer a client satisfaction guarantee in relation to our visa application services.

Installments available

Installments available

3 - 6 months installment options available on some visa types.

What does the application process look like?

1

Establish Sponsorship or Support

Identify whether your stay requires a formal sponsor or supporter. Confirm whether an Australian organisation will act as your Temporary Activity Sponsor or supporter based on stay length and location.

2

Complete Industry Union Consultations

Submit the required documentation to relevant Australian industry unions (e.g., MEAA) to receive a letter of opinion or approval.

3

Prepare Contracts & Technical Documentation

Compile project and personal proof. Gather contracts, production schedules, itinerary details, health insurance policies, and police clearance certificates.

4

Lodge Visa Application via ImmiAccount

Submit before production or tour dates. Submit the Subclass 408 application online, attach supporting evidence, and pay the visa application charge.

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What things should you consider if applying through the Entertainment Stream?

Sponsor vs. Supporter Confusion

Selecting the wrong framework based on stay duration or application location frequently leads to application processing delays or refusals.

Union Consultation Delays

Failing to factor in union consultation response times can cause scheduling clashes with production or tour start dates.

Incomplete Performance Itineraries

Applications without comprehensive day-by-day production or tour schedules risk requests for further information (RFI).

Claim Your Consultation

Navigating entertainment visa requirements, union consultations, and tight production timelines requires precision. Contact us today to speak directly with one of our migration lawyers who can guide you through your journey in legally visiting Australia.

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Disclaimer: The content contained is informational in nature only. It should not be relied upon as formal legal or migration advice. Migration legislation changes often. If you would like tailored advice about your particular sporting contract, tour or training program, please reach out to us and we can arrange a consultation with one of our migration lawyers.

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We bring nationally recognised immigration law expertise directly to the clients. Every award listed below was earned through independent assessment, including peer review, client feedback, and workplace audits. When you work with our immigration lawyers, you are working with a firm whose quality has been verified from the outside.

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2026
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Doyle's Guide

Leading Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is ranked as a Leading Immigration Lawyer in Victoria in Doyle's Guide 2026. Four consecutive years of inclusion in Doyle's Guide establishes a verified, long-term record of excellence and peer recognition in Australian immigration law.

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2027
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Best Lawyers

Best Law Firms Australia

Australian Migration Lawyers is ranked in the 2027 Best Law Firms - Australia edition by Best Lawyers. Firm rankings are determined through client feedback, peer nominations, and overall market reputation. Inclusion confirms the firm delivers top-tier legal services in immigration law at a national level.

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2027
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Best Lawyers

Best Lawyers in Australia™ Immigration Law

Perry Q. Wood is recognised in the 2027 Best Lawyers in Australia™ edition for Immigration Law. This ranking is awarded exclusively through confidential peer review by senior lawyers in the same practice area. It is the leading global legal directory benchmark.

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We have experience working with LGBTIQ+ visas acorss Australia

Frequently Asked Questions

The processing time varies depending upon the number of people involved in the production, the completeness of all required documents, and the response from unions. We recommend that you submit your application at least 2-3 months before your anticipated travel date.

You may wish to consider using an alternative visa subclass such as a Visitor or Short Stay Specialist visa if you are only undertaking media interviews and/or promotional activities without performing or earning income. Speak with one of our lawyers directly to determine whether there is an applicable visa option.

Yes, eligible family members, including spouses, de facto partners, and dependent children can be included in your application as secondary applicants.

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Awards & Recognition

Lawyers Weekly Australian Law Awards 2026 Winner - Managing Partner of the Year Best Law Firms 2027 - Ranked by Best Lawyers
Australian Migration Lawyers - Recognized by Best Lawyers 2027 Perry Q. Wood - Recognized by Best Lawyers 2027
Doyles Leading Immigration 2026 Lawyers Weekly 30 Under 30 Finalist 2026 - Migration Lawyers Weekly Partner of the Year Awards 2025 Finalist - Migration Partner of the Year Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2025 Finalist - Flos Greig Trailblazer Award Lawyers Weekly Women in Law Awards 2025 Finalist - Legal Support Professional of the Year

The information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Please speak with one of our lawyers about your individual circumstances.

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Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term ‘Partner’

We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.

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Australian Migration Lawyers © 2026 - Liability limited by a scheme approved under Professional Standards Legislation. Legal Practitioner Number 5513032.

Important Information Regarding the Use of the Term 'Partner'

We are an incorporated legal practice which is a corporation for the purposes of the Corporations Act 2001. The use of the title ‘Partner’ by a lawyer in this practice is used to denote seniority and does not and is not intended to signify that the practice is contracting otherwise than as a corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, any such title does not and is not intended to signify that a partnership within the definition of the Partnership Act exists at law.