Australia’s Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa is the gateway for international visitors coming to participate in specific short-term activities — and it’s one of the most misunderstood visas in the Australian system.

LRG Lawyers regularly assists clients across three key streams:

The Sport Stream allows international athletes, coaches, officials, and support staff to come to Australia for high-level competitions, training programs, or sanctioned sporting events. Whether it’s a touring team, an individual athlete, or an entire coaching setup, the 408 provides a flexible and relatively fast pathway — provided the sporting body and activity meet the eligibility criteria.

The Entertainment Stream is where LRG Lawyers has particular depth. International performers, musicians, actors, directors, production crews, and media talent regularly use this stream to work in Australia on films, tours, television productions, and live events. Speed matters in this space, visa delays cost real money, and having experienced lawyers who understand both the immigration and entertainment sides of the equation makes a significant difference.

The Invited Participant Stream covers individuals formally invited by an Australian organisation to participate in a specific activity — think cultural exchanges, international forums, or specialist engagements that don’t fit neatly into standard work visa categories. The key is the invitation relationship: the Australian host organisation plays a central role in the application.

If you’re bringing international talent to Australia, or coming here to perform, compete, or participate — talk to LRG Lawyers before you make plans.