408 Entertainment Activities Visa (Australia)
If you are a performer, musician, actor, director or crew member coming to Australia for paid entertainment work, the Entertainment Activities stream of the Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa is usually the visa you need. It lets you work in a specific production, tour or event for up to two years, and it is built around an Australian organisation that engages you and takes responsibility for your visit.
This guide explains who the stream covers, the seven entertainment categories, when you need a sponsor or only a supporter, union consultation and the net employment benefit test, the documents to prepare and what you must do after the visa is granted. For an overview of every Australian option, see our Australia entertainment visas page.
Who the Entertainment Activities stream is for
The stream is for people coming to Australia to take part in a genuine entertainment engagement. Home Affairs groups the work into seven categories, and your application must fit one of them. The category matters because it decides whether union consultation, an Arts certificate or the net employment benefit test applies.
| Category | Typical people | Extra requirements |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Performing in a government-subsidised film or TV production | Lead and supporting actors in productions receiving Australian government funding or incentives | Union consultation; Arts certificate from the Office for the Arts |
| 2. Performing in a film or TV production that is not government-subsidised | Actors, presenters and celebrity cameos in privately funded productions | Union consultation; Arts certificate in some cases |
| 3. Performing other than in film or TV | Touring musicians, theatre and dance performers, comedians, classical and cultural performers | Union consultation; net employment benefit |
| 4. Production roles other than performing | Directors, producers, camera, lighting and sound crew, choreographers | Union consultation; net employment benefit |
| 5. Support staff for an entertainer or group | Backing musicians, tour managers, personal assistants, hair, make-up, wardrobe, coaches | Union consultation; net employment benefit |
| 6. Performer or support staff for a non-profit engagement | Charity concerts, community and cultural festivals | Sponsor or supporter must show non-profit status |
| 7. Documentary or commercial for an overseas market | Presenters, photographers and crew making content mainly for audiences outside Australia | Evidence the content is for an overseas market |
If your activity is not really entertainment (for example judging a competition, giving a talk or taking part in a cultural exchange), another 408 stream or the 400 visa may suit better. Film and television work has its own extra steps, explained on our 408 visas for film and TV productions page.
Sponsor or supporter: which do you need?
Every Entertainment Activities application needs an Australian organisation behind it. Whether that organisation must be an approved sponsor, or can act as a supporter, depends on where you apply and how long you will stay.
You need an approved temporary activities sponsor if you apply while you are in Australia, or if you apply from outside Australia and will stay for more than three months.
The sponsor is usually the promoter, producer, venue, festival or production company. It must apply for approval as a temporary activities sponsor, agree to sponsor you and any family members, and accept legal sponsorship obligations, such as making sure you only do the approved activity and paying your travel costs. See Temporary activities sponsor approval for the process.
Union consultation and the net employment benefit test
For categories 1 to 5, the sponsor or supporter must consult the relevant Australian union before the visa is decided. The union does not approve or refuse the visa, but Home Affairs expects any concerns it raises to be addressed. The main bodies are:
- the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (MEAA) for performers, crew and support staff, including support staff paid directly by the artist
- the Musicians Union of Australia for musicians
- the Australian Directors Guild for directors
Allow time for this step. MEAA can take up to 14 days to give its letter of opinion once the organisation has given it the details of the engagement.
For categories 3, 4 and 5 your engagement must also bring a net employment benefit to the Australian entertainment industry. In practice your sponsor shows how the tour or production creates or supports work for Australians, for example by engaging local support acts, crew, venue staff, musicians or production services.
How to apply: step by step
Documents to prepare
| Document | What it should show |
|---|---|
| Contract or offer | Who engages you, your role, fee or salary, and the engagement period |
| Itinerary | Each performance, rehearsal, recording or shoot date and venue in Australia |
| Evidence of skills and experience | CV, credits, reviews, previous tours or productions |
| Sponsor approval or support letter | Approval number, or a support letter covering you and any family members |
| Union letter of opinion | For categories 1 to 5 |
| Arts certificate | For performers in film and TV productions where required |
| Health insurance | Adequate cover for you and family members for the whole stay |
| Identity and family documents | Passport, and marriage, relationship or birth certificates for anyone included |
Each member of a touring group needs their own application, and support staff should be linked to the performer or group they support. Our International touring visa checklist helps you track these documents across several countries.
After the visa is granted
- You can work only in the activity, and for the organisation, described in your application.
- Your sponsor or supporter must ask Home Affairs in writing before listed events, dates or venues change.
- You can travel in and out of Australia while the visa is valid.
- Family members included in the application can travel with you for the same period.
- You must keep adequate health insurance and leave Australia before the visa ends, unless you are granted another visa.
The 408 visa is temporary. It does not lead directly to permanent residence. If you are an artist with an outstanding international record and want to live in Australia, read about the National Innovation visa for artists.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on a 408 entertainment visa?
You can be granted a stay of up to two years. In practice the visa period is usually matched to your contract, tour or production schedule, with a short period added to arrive and depart.
Can I apply for a 408 entertainment visa from inside Australia?
Yes, you can apply in Australia, but you then need an approved temporary activities sponsor, even for a short engagement. A $700 subsequent temporary application charge may also apply if you hold another temporary visa.
Does the union decide whether I get the visa?
No. Union consultation is a required step for categories 1 to 5, but Home Affairs makes the decision. Your sponsor should still address any concerns the union raises, because the Department takes them into account.
Can my band, crew and family all come?
Yes. Each performer and support crew member needs their own visa linked to the same engagement, and family unit members can be included in an application. Each person pays the visa application charge.
What happens if a show is added or a venue changes?
Your sponsor or supporter must get written permission from Home Affairs before changing listed events, dates or venues. Doing extra shows that are not approved can breach your visa conditions.
How much does a 408 entertainment visa cost?
The government charge is AUD $535 for each applicant aged 18 or over and $135 for each child (from 1 July 2026). Sponsor approval, union and health insurance costs are separate. See Entertainment visa costs compared.
How long does processing take?
Processing varies with the time of year and how complete the application is. Lodge as early as possible once your contract and itinerary are confirmed, and allow extra time for sponsor approval and union consultation.
Related entertainment visa guides
Keep reading to plan your visa with the rest of our entertainment visa guides: