New Temporary Activity Visa Framework to commence from 19 November
A new Temporary Activity Visa Framework will commence on 19 November 2016, integrating the seven existing temporary activity visa subclasses into four.
Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
This visa would be for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to:
- undertake short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work
- in limited circumstances, participate in an activity or work relating to Australia’s interests.
Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
This visa would be for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis:
- in relation to a bilateral agreement
- to represent a foreign government or to teach a foreign language in an Australian school
- to undertake full-time domestic work for a diplomat
- as a person with statutory privileges and immunities
- to participate in the Seasonal Worker Programme.
Subclass 407 Training visa
This visa would be for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to undertake occupational training or participate in classroom based professional development activities.
Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa
This visa would be for people who want to come to Australia on a temporary basis to:
- work in the entertainment industry
- participate in a non-ongoing cultural or social activities at the invitation of an Australian organisation
- observe or participate as an academic in a research project
- undertake full-time religious work
- participate in a special programme to enhance international relations and cultural exchange
- participate in high-level sports (including training)
- work in a skilled position under a staff exchange arrangement
- participate in an Australian government endorsed event
- work as a superyacht crew member
- undertake full-time domestic work in the household of certain senior foreign executives.
Five visa subclasses will cease from 19 November 2016: Subclass 401 Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity), Subclass 402 Training and Research, Subclass 416 Special Program, Subclass 420 Temporary Work (Entertainment), and Subclass 488 Superyacht Crew.
The framework will reduce red tape by removing sponsorship and nomination requirements for specific short stay activities.
Please note that applications lodged before 19 November 2016 will be processed under pre-19 November 2016 legislation. However, applications for visas made after 19 November cannot be linked to nominations approved prior to 19 November 2016.
