Charity and Non Profit Performances on a 408 Visa

Cultural festivals, charity concerts and community celebrations often invite overseas performers. Because most entertainment is commercial, the 408 Entertainment visa has a separate category for non profit engagements. This page explains when it applies and what evidence the Department of Home Affairs expects.

Who the non profit category covers

It covers people who will either perform as entertainers in one or more specific engagements for non profit purposes, or support those performers by assisting a performance or providing personal services. Unlike the commercial categories, it does not require a performing contract, union consultation or a net employment benefit.

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What counts as non profit?

The term is given its ordinary meaning: formed to provide goods or services, but not to make a profit. Under policy, the Department looks at the purpose of the engagement. Examples include:

• a fundraising concert where the profit goes to a charity or non commercial organisation;
• a public performance with no admission fee;
• an engagement funded by a government or cultural grant.

If a commercial business says an engagement is non profit, it needs a strong case explaining why the engagement does not serve its commercial interests and how any profit will be used.

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Non profit organisations

Claims by organisations that can show they are genuinely non profit are generally accepted. Evidence can include:

• governing documents that prevent profits being distributed to members;
• incorporation as a non profit association under state law;
• acceptance of non profit status by the Australian Taxation Office or a state agency;
• deductible gift recipient status on the Australian Business Register.

Examples include cultural societies, religious organisations, community groups and festivals that receive government funding. A non profit organisation can make a profit from an event, as long as it is used for the organisation’s purposes.

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Itinerary and support

The supporter or sponsor must provide an itinerary with the dates and venues of the engagements. Because the performers may not be paid, the Department checks they have adequate means of support. The organisation can cover travel and living costs and set this out in a letter of invitation. Condition 8109 applies, so changes need permission. See changing a tour itinerary.

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Nil visa application charge

Some charity events are listed in a legislative instrument that allows a nil visa application charge. If the performer also takes part in other events that are not listed, the full charge applies. Otherwise the standard 408 charge applies: from 1 July 2026, $535 for each applicant aged 18 or over and $135 for each child under 18.

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When a visitor visa is the better fit

Under policy, the non profit category is not intended for amateur groups such as choirs and youth ensembles visiting Australia to perform on a recreational basis. Those groups can usually apply for a visitor visa. Musicians, singers and dancers performing at religious events as part of worship can generally use the Invited Participant activity type. See 400 and visitor visas for performers.