Changes to the temporary activity visa framework

November 18, 2016
FCB Smart Visa

The Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) has introduced a new temporary activity visa framework, which will come into effect on 19 November 2016. This change is designed to streamline the application process for individuals and businesses.

From 19 November, the following Subclasses will be closed for new applications:

  • Subclass 401 Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity) visa
  • Subclass 402 Training and Research visa
  • Subclass 416 Special Program visa
  • Subclass 420 Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa
  • Subclass 488 Superyacht Crew visa

These will be replaced by or amalgamated into:

  • 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

The chart below, produced by the DIPB, shows the changes:

sv-image

Points to note regarding these changes:

  • The majority of applications will be lodged online, with the exception of the Subclass 403 International Relations Visa, which will remain a paper-based application
  • The new 407 Training Visa will require a Nomination and Sponsorship, regardless of intended stay period. No Nomination is required if the Sponsor is a Commonwealth agency
  • One Sponsorship type will replace the existing six Sponsorship types, and this will be valid for a period of five years. Currently valid Sponsorships can only be used to sponsor new Visa applications until 19 May 2017
  • If applying for a Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Visa, the Visa applicant will not require a Nomination, and the following will also apply:
    • You will not need to be sponsored if applying outside Australia, and your intended stay period will be 3 months or less. If the intended stay period is beyond 3 months, a Sponsorship will be required
    • A Sponsorship will still be required if you apply from within Australia, regardless of the intended stay period

FCB Smart Visa will continue to provide updates on changes to the temporary activity visa framework when they become available. If you have any migration matters that you would like to discuss, please call one of our migration agents on 02 9922 5188.