The Australian Government has issued important updates regarding the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)—a visa designed to allow individuals to come to Australia on a temporary basis to participate in specific activities.

As of April 2025, several policy adjustments and transitional arrangements have been introduced, particularly affecting those who previously benefited from pandemic-related concessions.

These changes aim to streamline visa programs while responding to Australia’s current labour market needs and public health situation.

Background: What is the Subclass 408 Visa?

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) is a flexible visa that supports a wide range of activities including:

  1. Participation in Australian government-endorsed events (including COVID-19 Pandemic events),
  2. Religious work,
  3. Research,
  4. Sporting activities,
  5. Entertainment industry engagements,
  6. Superyacht crew,
  7. Invited participants in community-based events,
  8. Domestic work for senior executives, among others.
This visa allows holders to stay in Australia temporarily (generally up to 2 years depending on the stream) and is commonly used by employers to sponsor overseas workers when no other visa is applicable.

End of COVID-19 Pandemic Event Stream

A major change as of early 2024—and still impacting applicants in 2025—is the official closure of the “COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream” under the 408 visa. The Pandemic Event Stream was introduced during the height of the global pandemic to allow temporary visa holders to remain in Australia if they could not return home due to travel restrictions or were working in critical sectors such as health care, aged care, agriculture, or hospitality.

The Pandemic Event stream officially closed to new applicants on February 1, 2024. Only those who held a COVID-19 Pandemic event 408 visa and had continued critical sector employment could apply for extensions up to January 2025. That extension grace period has now ended, and as of April 2025, the Australian Government is encouraging eligible temporary residents to transition to other appropriate visa categories or make arrangements to depart Australia.

New Pathways and Transitional Measures

In response to the closure of the Pandemic Event stream, the Department of Home Affairs has advised workers and employers to explore other visa options, including:

  1. Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (Subclass 482) for skilled workers sponsored by employers,
  2. Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Visas for eligible nationalities,
  3. Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189), including the New Zealand stream,
  4. Student Visas for those pursuing further study,
  5. Visitor Visas for those winding down employment or preparing to leave Australia.

Additionally, the government has offered transitional bridging visas for those whose applications were in process before the 408 COVID stream closed, with specific conditions on work rights.

Key Changes for Employers

Employers who have previously relied on the 408 visa, especially under the COVID-19 stream, are advised to:

  1. Assess eligibility for sponsoring overseas workers under the TSS (Subclass 482) visa program,
  2. Review labour agreements or explore the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA),
  3. Maintain compliance with Fair Work standards and ensure no unlawful work conditions are imposed on departing or transitioning visa holders.

Ongoing Use of the 408 Visa for Other Streams

While the COVID-19 stream has ended, the Subclass 408 visa remains active and relevant for other purposes. In particular, it is still a viable pathway for:

  1. Religious workers supported by a religious institution,
  2. Sporting participants and coaches joining Australian teams or competitions,
  3. Entertainment professionals involved in film, television, or live performances,
  4. Academic researchers collaborating with Australian institutions,
  5. Superyacht crew members employed on foreign-owned superyachts operating in Australian waters.

Each of these streams has specific requirements and typically involves sponsorship by an Australian organization or endorsement by a government authority.

Advice for Visa Applicants and Holders

Visa applicants and current 408 visa holders are strongly encouraged to:

  1. Consult with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer to explore options,
  2. Monitor updates from the Department of Home Affairs via immi.homeaffairs.gov.au,
  3. Ensure compliance with all visa conditions to avoid breaches that could affect future visa eligibility.

Conclusion:

The conclusion of the COVID-19 Pandemic Event stream under the Subclass 408 visa marks a significant shift in Australia’s immigration landscape. While temporary measures have ended, the core streams of the 408 visa continue to support Australia’s global engagement in sport, arts, research, and religion.

As Australia moves into a post-pandemic era with evolving workforce and immigration priorities, both visa holders and employers must remain proactive and informed. Navigating these changes successfully requires timely planning, legal compliance, and exploring new visa pathways for a long-term future in Australia.