Temporary Activity Visa (SC 408)- Entertainment Activities

The 408 visa stream has many streams catered for individual circumstances. And one of its stream is the Entertainment Activities stream. You can apply for this visa to work in the entertainment industry, encompassing roles in film, television, or live productions, whether as a performer, production staff, or in a support capacity. Additionally, you have the option to include your family members in the same visa application. You can apply for this visa while you are in or outside of Australia. Once you are granted the visa you can stay up to 2 years. 

Eligibility requirements

  • Have a supporter or a sponsor

  • Have a contract or any proof for the activity that you are about to take part

  • Be able to support yourself and any dependents

  • Work should be in one of the eligible entertainment activity category

  • Have health insurance

  • Meet health and character requirement

  • Be a genuine temporary entrant

Eligible entertainment activity categories

Performer in a film or television production subsidised by government

Performer in a film or television production not subsidised by government

  • Individual must be a

    • lead actor or major support actor in the production

    • celebrity making a cameo appearance

    • reality-show host

  • Performance must be in a production that is not partially or fully funded by the Australian government

  • Consult relevant unions

  • Obtain a Arts certificate from the Department of Communications and the Arts

Performer other than in film or television

  • If the performance is a production other than a film or television.

  • It can be a performance in a

    • live theatre

    • stage comedy

    • classical music

    • online marketing video

    • Entertainment vidoe

  • Consultation of relevant unions by the sponsor or supporter is required

Production staff

  • Be a production or technical crew member

  • It can be

    • directors

    • camera crew

    • lighting crews

    • sound crew

  • Consultation of relevant unions by the sponsor or supporter is required

Support staff for an entertainer or group of entertainers

Performer or support staff for a non-profit engagement

  • Have a performance in a non profit production

  • Have no commercial interest

  • profits made be given to non commercial organization, charity or patron

Working on a documentary or commercial for an overseas market

  • The documentary or commercial not be intended to be shown in Australia

  • The documentary can be a

    • factual presentation of a real event, era or person’s life in a television, film, online video or radio program

    • Light entertainment and reality tv can be considered documentaries if they portray real events or people

    • drama shows centered around non fictional people.

  • The positions that you can work

    • television or film crew

    • an actor

    • a presenter

    • production or support staff

    • a still photographer

  • If the documentary will be shown in Australia apply under one of the above categories

Sponsorship

  • The sponsor will have to submit certain documents along with the visa application. The sponsor may submit a sponsorship application ID number or sponsorship transaction reference number (TRN) or a sponsor approval letter or receipt for lodging the sponsorship application.
  • The sponsor must also certify in writing that they will fulfill their sponsorship duties for the visa applicant and any dependent family members you listed of the visa applicant.
  • The sponsor should submit documents to show that they are an organisation that is lawfully operating in Australia.
  • The sponsor should also provide all the licenses required for them to carry out the project.
  • If the project is a non profit engagement, the sponsor’s non profit status must be accepted by the Australian Taxation Office or a state or territory agency
  • Evidence must be provided that the sponsor has consulted with the relevant unions.
  • If the applicant is performing in a film or television then the sponsor needs to get an Arts Certificate from the Department of Communications and the Arts.

Visa Application Charge Concession

You will be eligible for a Visa Application Charge Concession if the organisation is included by the Minister in a legislative instrument and the sponsor’s organisation is a

  • charity registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission

  • any foreign government agency, embassy or consulate

  • any state, territory or Commonwealth government agency

  • any other organization that is specifically mentioned in the document because it oversees an event that is substantially funded by the government.

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Uththara Deshamani

Uththara Deshamani

I’m incredibly grateful to team of MJ Legal for their outstanding support in securing our Employer Sponsored (SC 482) visa. We were under a very limited timeframe, and at one point, we genuinely thought it would be impossible to get everything done in time. But thanks to the dedication and expertise of Mr. Jayantha, Keith, and Thamasha, our visa was granted successfully — well before the deadline! The team was highly professional, responsive, and supportive throughout the entire process. They guided us clearly through each step, ensuring everything was completed accurately and efficiently. Their attention to detail and commitment made a stressful situation so much more manageable. I highly recommend MJ Legal to anyone needing trustworthy and experienced immigration assistance. Thank you once again for your excellent service — we truly appreciate your help and look forward to working with you again in the future

2 weeks ago

Adelina Lawrence

Adelina Lawrence

I had a fantastic experience working with Keith and the team at MJ Legal, including the exceptional admin staff. I am extremely grateful for all the support and guidance they provided throughout my permanent residency process. Their responsiveness, honesty and professionalism set them apart from other migration agencies I have dealt with. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking reliable and genuine migration assistance.

2 months ago

Hasith Subasinghe

Hasith Subasinghe

MJ Legal has all my trust and confidence with their responsibility towards their clients. From the first time I contacted them I was given a very accurate breakdown of the costs and processes and expected timeframes. I was also given updates along the way that greatly helped with understanding what went on with my application. Great standard of communication! Very grateful for all the help from Keith and the team at MJ Legal!

2 months ago

sadharu Lakthraka

sadharu Lakthraka

I’m incredibly grateful to Keith James and his team for their outstanding support throughout my tss 482 visa application process. From the very beginning, they were professional, responsive, and extremely knowledgeable about every detail involved. Thanks to their guidance and attention to detail, my visa was granted smoothly and without any complications. They took away so much of the stress and uncertainty that comes with such an important process.

3 months ago

David O'Meara

David O'Meara

Huge thanks to Keith James and the team at MJ Legal for helping me secure my 482 visa. They were professional, efficient, and kept me informed every step of the way. The whole process was smooth and stress-free thanks to their expertise. Highly recommend!

4 months ago

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