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

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 partially or fully funded by the Australian government
Consult relevant unions
Obtain a Arts certificate from the Department of Communications and the Arts

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

Have a contract to assist a performer or provide personal service
The service can be to provide
- backing music or vocals
- acting or voice coaching
- hairstyling, hairdressing or makeup
Consultation of relevant unions by the sponsor or supporter is required

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

Navigate the visa process effortlessly with our expert guidance

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.