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Entertainment Visa Costs Compared: Australia, NZ, USA, Canada and UK

Fees checked October 2026. Australian charges apply from 1 July 2026, UK fees from 8 April 2026, US premium processing from 1 March 2026 and the ESTA fee from 16 October 2026. Government fees change often, so we confirm the current amount before every lodgement.

Visa costs can be a real line item in a tour or production budget, especially when you are moving a full band, cast or crew. This page sets out the main government fees for entertainment visas in the five countries VisaEnvoy covers, who usually pays them, and the extra costs people forget. Professional fees for our services are quoted separately after a consultation.

For what each visa allows, see the country guides linked in each tab and our International touring visa checklist.

At a glance: main entertainment work visa per person

Country Main work visa for performers Government visa fee Sponsor or petition costs (usually paid by the engager)
Australia 408 Entertainment Activities AUD $535 per adult, $135 per child Temporary activities sponsor application ($420); union consultation costs vary
New Zealand Entertainers Work Visa (or visitor route via approved promoter) From NZD $1,455 (work visa); from NZD $441 (Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa) Entertainment Industry accreditation NZD $2,310 if used; promoter approval free
USA O-1B or P visa USD $205 consular fee I-129 $1,055 (O) or $1,015 (P), plus $600 Asylum Program Fee for most employers; premium processing $2,965 optional
Canada Often work permit exempt; otherwise employer-specific work permit eTA CAD $7 or visitor visa CAD $100 plus $85 biometrics; work permit CAD $155 Employer compliance fee CAD $230 (LMIA-exempt) or LMIA CAD $1,000 per position
UK Creative Worker (or visitor for permitted paid engagements) £340, plus Immigration Health Surcharge if granted over 6 months Certificate of sponsorship £55; sponsor licence £611 or £1,682

Fees by country

Visa or service Fee (from 1 July 2026)
Temporary Activity (408), all streams $535 adult, $135 child; plus $700 per person if the subsequent temporary application charge applies
Short Stay Specialist (400) $535 adult, $135 child
Visitor (600), applying outside Australia From $250
Visitor (600), applying in Australia $630, plus $700 if the subsequent temporary application charge applies
Electronic Travel Authority (601) No visa charge; an app service charge applies
eVisitor (651) Free
National Innovation (858) $6,235 main applicant, $3,120 adult, $1,560 child
Temporary activities sponsor approval Application fee $420

Guides: 408 Entertainment Activities visa, 400 and visitor visas for performers, National Innovation visa for artists.

Costs people forget

  • Union and consultation fees

    US unions and peer groups usually charge for advisory opinions, and Australian union consultation can involve costs.

  • Health checks and police certificates

    Some applicants are asked for medical checks or police certificates, which have their own fees.

  • Biometrics and travel to appointments

    Canada and the UK may need biometrics at a visa application centre, and the USA needs in-person interviews, which can mean travel.

  • Health insurance

    Australia requires adequate health insurance for 408 holders. New Zealand recommends full medical insurance.

  • Tax

    Withholding tax can apply to fees paid to non-resident performers in several countries. Get tax advice when budgeting.

  • Priority services

    Premium or priority processing can rescue a tight timeline but adds significant cost per person.

Who usually pays?

In most countries the organisation engaging the artist pays the sponsorship or petition costs, and in some cases it must. In Australia, a temporary activities sponsor must not pass sponsorship costs on to the visa holder. In the USA, the petitioner pays the USCIS filing fees, and the artist usually pays the consular fee. Contracts should say clearly who pays each visa cost, including for support crew and family members.

Frequently asked questions

For short engagements, the visitor based routes (approved promoter in New Zealand, permitted paid engagements in the UK and the performing artist exemption in Canada) can be the cheapest. The USA is usually the most expensive because of petition fees.

It depends on the country. Australia charges a lower fee for children under 18 on the 408 and 400 visas. The UK charges the same Creative Worker fee for dependants. Check each country.

It costs $2,965 per petition and makes USCIS act within 15 business days. It is often worth it when dates are fixed and close, but it does not speed up the consular interview.

Government visa fees are generally not refundable once an application is lodged, even if it is withdrawn. Lodge once dates are reasonably firm.

No. Government charges are paid separately. We give you a written quote for our professional fees after your consultation.

Australia usually adjusts charges on 1 July, the UK each April or so, and the USA and Canada at various times. We check the current fee before every lodgement.

Related entertainment visa guides

Keep reading to plan your visa with the rest of our entertainment visa guides:

Get a visa cost estimate for your tour