Australia Visa Guide

Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408)
 ‘Special Program Visa’


This visa enables you to take part in an approved special program designed to offer opportunities for youth exchange, cultural enrichment, or community benefit. To apply, you must receive an invitation from an approved special program sponsor. Please be aware that the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection may require you to undergo a medical examination and complete a biometrics assessment as part of your visa application process. If this is necessary, you will be notified through your ‘ImmiAccount’ after submitting your application. More detailed information can be found here.

Below we’ve included some helpful tips to guide you through the online visa application process. All visa applications must be submitted online.

Through your ImmiAccount, you can track and manage your application with ease.

Once you’ve lodged your visa application in full the Immigration Department will communicate with you directly regarding your application. Please ensure you monitor your inbox (including SPAM folder) in addition to your ImmiAccount for updates. Once approved, your visa will be electronically linked to your passport. 

Step 1

Create an ImmiAccount using your preferred email address and register as an individual using your personal particulars. During the account creation stage, you will need to set a ImmiAccount password for your account.


Step 2

Select “New Application” and then select “Temporary Work (Activity)” followed by “Temporary Activity Visa (408)”.


Step 3

PROPOSED PERIOD OF STAY:

Length of stay in Australia: The time that you are working at the school
Date from/ Date to: Must match invitation letter (this is not planned dates to be arriving and departing)
Activity type: Special programmes

VISA APPLICATION CHARGE CONCESSION:
Select “No”

AUSTRALIAN ORGANISATION:
Organisation details: School details
Industry type: Education and Training

OFFICE ADDRESS:
Address of the school, which can be found on the invitation letter.

CONTACT PERSON DETAILS:
Name of contact at school which is the same as your 1284 form.

PROPOSED PERIOD OF ACTIVITY:
Date from/ Date to: Must match invitation letter. This is not planned dates to be arriving and departing

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Relevant qualifications, skills and experience:   Please see attached CV / Resume
Registration / Licensing / Professional membership requirements: Not Applicable

DOES ANY APPLICANT INTEND TO BE IN A CLASSROOM SITUATION FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS:
Answer No

SPECIAL DETAILS:
Reference number type: Sponsorship Application ID number or Transaction Reference Number
Application ID: Please refer back to the “Travel Information” email, under the “Australian Visa and Entry Information” section.

REGISTRATION IDENTIFIERS:
Business registration type: Australian Business Number (ABN)

Business registration ID: This can be found either on the school’s website footer or visit abr.business.gov.au

POSITION DETAILS:
Position: Gap Year Assistant
Occupation grouping: Other
Occupation: Gap Year Assistant
Occupation (ANZSCO): 423411: Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant
Duties/activities: “Assist the staff at the school in various cultural activities”

ACTIVITY ADDRESSES:
Address of school here again.

REMUNERATION PACKAGE:
Will remuneration be received for undertaking the activity in Australia? Yes
Package type: Other living allowance
Package amount: Must match invitation letter
Frequency: Must match invitation letter
Give details: Accommodation is provided and a small allowance that covers necessities is paid.


Step 4

Evidence of Special Programme:
> Upload the confirmation / Placement letter from host school
> Complete and then upload Form 1283 “Acknowledgement of Unpaid Placement – Visa Applicant”
> Upload signed Form 1284 “Acknowledgement of Unpaid Placement – Sponsor” from your host school

Evidence of Identity:
> Upload a copy of your Birth Certificate

Evidence of Health Insurance:
> Upload a copy of your health / travel insurance confirmation certificate

Evidence of Qualification, Skills & Experience:
> Upload a copy of your CV / Resume

Travel Document:
> Upload a copy of your passport(s)

Evidence of Personal Financial Status:
> Upload a copy of your own personal bank statement

> Provide certified copies of original documents. Do not include original documents unless Immigration specifically ask for them. 
> Documents not in English must be accompanied by accredited English translations.


Step 5

Biometrics: 
Depending on your country of origin you may be required to provide biometrics. Please click here for a list of countries in the biometrics program.

Medical Examination:
Depending on your country of origin you may be required to undertake a medical examination. Using this link, you will find a list of “low risk” countries. If your country does not appear, you will likely require a Medical Examination. 

The Australian Government has designated “panel physicians” who you must engage to undertake this Medical Examination. A list can be found here