Subclass 408 Research Stream: A Step-by-Step Guide for Academics & Researchers

Subclass 408 Research Stream: A Step-by-Step Guide for Academics & Researchers

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) – Research Activities stream allows overseas academics, researchers and research students to observe or participate in approved research projects at Australian research or tertiary institutions.

This is a temporary visa that can allow you and eligible family members to live in Australia for up to two years, depending on the nature of your research activities.

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What This Visa Allows You to Do

With a Research Activities (408) visa, you can:

• Observe or take part in an approved research project in Australia
• Work with an Australian research institution or university
• Stay in Australia for up to two years
• Travel in and out of Australia freely while the visa is valid
• Include eligible members of your family unit in your application

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Who Is This Visa For?

This visa stream is suitable for two main groups:

Academic Researchers

You may be eligible if you:

• Are an established academic with significant achievements in your field

• Are currently employed, or have previously been employed, by an overseas tertiary or research institution

• Have been invited to collaborate on an Australian research project, usually alongside Australian academics

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Research Students or Recent Graduates

You may be eligible if you:

• Are a student or recent graduate (within the past 12 months) of an overseas educational institution

• Have been invited to undertake research in Australia related to your field of study

• Are completing research that forms part of your overseas qualification (if you have not yet graduated)

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Length of Stay

• This is a temporary visa

• The length of stay is determined by the approved research activity

• The maximum stay is 2 years

• The visa is granted with multiple entry

• If granted outside Australia, the visa starts when you first enter Australia

• If granted inside Australia, the visa begins on the grant date

This visa cannot be extended. If you need more time, you must apply for a new visa.

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Visa Cost

• From AUD $430 for the main applicant

• Additional charges apply for family members

• Other costs may include health checks, police certificates and biometrics

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Sponsorship or Supporter Requirements

Whether you need a sponsor or a supporter depends on your circumstances:

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You need a supporter if:

• You apply outside Australia, and

• You intend to stay for less than 3 months

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You need a sponsor if:

• You apply in Australia, or

• You apply outside Australia and intend to stay for more than 3 months

Your sponsor or supporter must be an approved Australian institution.

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Invitation Requirement

You must have a formal invitation from an Australian institution:

• Academic researchers must be invited to observe or participate in research at an Australian research or tertiary institution

• Research students must be invited to undertake research related to their field of study

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Including Family Members

You can:

• Include eligible family members when you apply, or

• Add them to your application before a decision is made

Family members must meet health and character requirements.

In some cases, family members may apply later as subsequent entrants.

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Health, Character and Insurance Requirements

You must:

• Meet Australian health and character requirements

• Hold adequate health insurance for the entire stay

• Be able to financially support yourself and your dependants

Reciprocal healthcare arrangements may apply for certain countries.

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Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement

You must genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily.

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When assessing your application, the Department will consider:

• Your personal circumstances

• Your immigration history

• Compliance with previous visas

• Any other relevant factors

This visa is not intended for ongoing or long term residence.

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Your Obligations While in Australia

You must:

• Comply with all visa conditions

• Obey Australian laws

• Continue your approved research activities

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If you stop working with your sponsor or supporter, you must:

• Apply for another visa (if eligible), or

• Leave Australia within 28 days

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Processing Times

Processing times vary depending on:

• Whether your application is complete

• The need for additional information

• Verification checks

Official processing times are available through the Department of Home Affairs and should be treated as a guide only.

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Need Help?

The Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) has strict eligibility and documentation requirements.

Seeking professional advice can help ensure your application is accurate, compliant and well prepared.

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Updated: 08 May 2026