Subclass 408- Temporary Activity religious work Visa

The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity Religious Work visa allows overseas workers to temporarily live in Australia in order to undertake certain types of work, including full-time religious work that serves the religious objectives of a religious institution in Australia. A visa for this type of work is valid for a maximum of two years.

The minimum requirements for religious workers applying for this visa are as follows:

For applicants who wish to undertake full-time religious work in Australia that directly serves the religious objectives of a religious institution.

Sponsorship / Support

You must be sponsored by a religious institution IF:

  • you are in Australia when you lodge your application OR
  • you are outside Australia, and you intend to stay in Australia for more than 3 months

The religious institution sponsoring your application must meet the sponsorship test, which requires it to be formally approved as a sponsor (see ‘Sponsorship Application’ on the following page), and to agree in writing to sponsor your visa application.

If you are outside Australia, and you intend to stay in Australia for 3 months or LESS, then you do not need to be sponsored for this visa. Instead, the religious institution must meet the ‘support test’, which requires it to supply a letter inviting you to undertake the relevant work.

The religious institution seeking to sponsor or support your application must:

  • be lawfully operating in Australia
  • be endorsed as a charity by the Australian Tax Office
  • have objectives and conduct activities that reflect its religious purpose, with its members having beliefs and practices that constitute a religion (due to belief in a supernatural being, thing or principle, and acceptance of canons of conduct that give effect to that belief)

NOTE: In addition, there must not be any adverse information known that is relevant to its suitability as an approved sponsor or supporter. Adverse information includes (but is not limited to) contraventions of Commonwealth, State or Territory Laws relating to matters such as immigration, industrial relations or taxation; pending investigations or disciplinary actions; being the subject of administrative action for possible contravention of the law; insolvency; or having provided bogus documents or false/misleading information to the Department of Home Affairs (the DOHA).

Visa Applicant

As the visa applicant, you must:

  • genuinely intend to undertake full-time religious work that:
    • is predominately non-profit in nature
    • directly serves the religious institution’s religious objectives

NOTE: Religious work is defined as work of a religious nature for which you have had relevant religious training. Examples of religious work include: providing spiritual leadership; conducting worship; teaching or guidance in religion; ministering, pastoral care or proselytising; or working as a choral director or religious conservator.
  • have the relevant experience and/or qualifications required to perform this religious work
  • be able to support yourself financially during your stay in Australia
  • have made adequate arrangements for health insurance during your stay in Australia
  • meet the relevant health and character requirements

Any Questions?

Book a consultation now for more details and assessment of your eligibility for a subclass 408 visa

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