Update October 2026
The Temporary Activity (subclass 408) and Short Stay Specialist (subclass 400) visas now cost AUD $535 per applicant (current Home Affairs fee). Sports events visas are usually granted for the duration of the event. See our 408 visa and 400 visa guides.
The Temporary Activity (Short-Stay Specialist – subclass 400) visa and Temporary Activity (subclass 408) visa are two of the most common visas for individuals planning to travel to Australia to participate in sporting activities.
Applying for a Temporary Activity visa costs from AUD 535 (from 1 July 2026), and processing times vary with the stream, the time of year and how complete the application is, so apply well before you need to travel. Not sure which visa fits? Book a consultation.
The specific type of sporting activity you intend to undertake once you arrive in Australia will affect which visa subclass and subtype is right for you.
Temporary Activity (subclass 400) Visa – Short-Stay Specialist
The Temporary Activity (Short-Stay Specialist – subclass 400) visa is intended for highly specialised, short-term work, generally for up to three months (up to six months in limited circumstances). It can suit some specialised sports event work, but most players and teams competing in events use the 408 instead. See our guide to Sports events and short tours in Australia.
In addition to participating sportspersons, support staff, foreign media and event personnel can also be eligible for this visa. Applicants will need to prove:
- they have an offer of work (or similar, like an invitation to a tournament) lasting less than six months
- they have the skills, knowledge or experience to undertake this work
- they do not expect or intend to stay in Australia once the work is completed
- they have adequate finances to support themselves and any family members who will be joining them
- they meet the Australian government’s health and good character requirements
Applications for a subclass 400 visa must be submitted from outside Australia. It is not possible to extend this visa.
Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Visa – Australian Government-Endorsed Events
This 408 visa subtype is intended for individuals applying to come to Australia to take part in events which have been endorsed by the Australian government. Such events are usually major international tournaments, such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand in 2023.
This visa is usually issued for the duration of the applicable event, up to a maximum duration of four years.
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- have a written endorsement from the competition’s organising body or their local subsidiary
- have enough funds to support yourself in Australia
- meet the Australian government’s health and good character requirements
- have sufficient health insurance
You can apply for this visa from inside or outside of Australia.
Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Visa – Sporting Activities
This 408 visa subtype is intended for those who have been invited to work for an Australian sports team (as a coach, player, trainer or adjudicator) or to undertake high-level training with a sports organisation in Australia (e.g. Cricket Australia, Australian Football League).
Applicants can be granted this visa for up to two years.
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- have a written endorsement from either:
- a supporter i.e. a person or organisation involved in putting on the event; or
- a sponsor i.e. an Australian organisation established by law, an Australian governmental agency, or a foreign government agency operating in Australia
- as a trainee, prove you compete or adjudicate to at least the equivalent of the Australian national level (or have the potential to do so) and intend to take part in full-time structured sports training
- as an elite player, instructor, coach or adjudicator, have an established reputation and have received both a formal agreement from an Australian club or organisation and an endorsement by an Australian national sporting body
- meet the Australian government’s health and good character requirements
- have sufficient health insurance
You can apply for this visa from inside or outside of Australia, though applicants from inside Australia or who intend to stay for more than 3 months must have a sponsor rather than a supporter. For the full rules, read our 408 Sports visa guide.
Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Visa – Other Social and Cultural Activity (Invited Participant)
This 408 visa subtype is intended for individuals who have been invited to take part in a community-based event in Australia. This includes sporting events, though this visa is not appropriate for individuals who have been offered a contract to coach or play for an Australian sports team.
Applicants can stay in Australia on this visa for up to three months.
To be eligible for this visa, you must:
- have a written endorsement from either:
- a supporter i.e. a person or organisation involved in putting on the event; or
- a sponsor i.e. an Australian organisation established by law, an Australian governmental agency, or a foreign government agency operating in Australia
- have enough funds to support yourself in Australia
- meet the Australian government’s health and good character requirements
- have sufficient health insurance
You can apply for this visa from inside or outside of Australia, though applicants from inside Australia must have a sponsor rather than a supporter.
Amateur Visits and Sports Tours
If you are intending to travel to Australia to play sport on a strictly amateur basis, such as on a cricket or rugby tour, you may be able to do so on a regular visitor visa (subclass 600).
Depending on your circumstances, you may instead be able to apply for a free eVisitor visa (subclass 651) or an Electronic Travel Authority visa (subclass 601).
To be eligible for these visitor visas, you will need to meet the Australian government’s minimum health and character requirements, and have enough money to both support yourself during your stay and pay for your departure from Australia at the end of your stay.
For more information on these or any other visas for Australia, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Which Australian visa fits your sporting activity?
Use this table to narrow down your options, then read the detailed guide for that visa. Government charges are those that apply from 1 July 2026.
| Your situation | Usual visa | Stay and cost | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amateur tour, social competition or training camp with no pay or benefits | Visitor visa (600), eVisitor (651) or ETA (601) | Visitor stay; no work allowed | Sports events and tours |
| Invited to a sports or community event, not contracted to an Australian team | 408 Invited participant | Up to 3 months; AUD 535 | Sports events and tours |
| Competing in a major event endorsed by the Australian Government | 408 Australian Government endorsed events | Length of the event; AUD 535 | Sports events and tours |
| Engaged by an Australian club to play, coach, instruct or umpire, or to train full time | 408 Sporting activities | Up to 2 years; AUD 535; national sporting body endorsement needed | 408 sports visa guide |
| Highly specialised short-term work at an event | 400 Short Stay Specialist | Generally up to 3 months; AUD 535; apply outside Australia | Sports events and tours |
| Long term employment with a club, such as a coach or sports scientist | 482 Skills in Demand, then 186 | 482 from AUD 4,015; 186 from AUD 6,140 | 482 and 186 visas for sport |
| Elite athlete or coach with an international record seeking permanent residence | National Innovation (858) | Permanent; AUD 6,235 | National Innovation visa for athletes |
Sponsor or supporter: what your club needs to do
For the 408 visa, the Australian organisation either sponsors you or acts as your supporter. If you apply in Australia, or you will stay more than 3 months, the organisation must be an approved temporary activities sponsor. The government fee for temporary activities sponsorship is AUD 420, paid by the organisation, and approval generally lasts five years, so one approval can cover many players over several seasons. For short stays applied for outside Australia, a supporter letter may be enough. Clubs can read more in our Sports club and organisation visa guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to play club cricket or football in Australia?
If an Australian club has engaged you to play, whether you are paid or receive benefits such as accommodation or flights, you will usually need the 408 visa in the Sporting activities stream, with an endorsement from the national sporting organisation for your sport. See our 408 sports visa guide.
Can I play amateur sport in Australia on a visitor visa?
Yes, if you are taking part on a genuinely amateur basis, for example on a social tour or in a competition where you receive no pay or benefits for playing. If a club gives you payment or benefits in return for playing or coaching, you need a 408 visa instead.
How much does a 408 sports visa cost?
The government charge is AUD 535 for the main applicant from 1 July 2026, with extra charges for family members. If your club needs temporary activities sponsorship, it pays a separate AUD 420 fee. Compare countries in Sports visa costs compared (2026).
How long does it take to get a sports visa for Australia?
Processing times vary with the stream, the time of year and how complete the application is. The national body endorsement and any sponsorship approval can take longer than the visa itself, so start several months before the season if you can.
Can a coach or athlete get permanent residence in Australia?
Coaches and support staff employed long term by a club may be able to use the 482 visa and then the 186 visa. Elite athletes and coaches with an outstanding international record may look at the National Innovation visa.
What about performers at a sports event, such as half-time entertainers?
Performers and entertainment crews usually use a different 408 stream, the Entertainment activities stream. See the 408 Entertainment Activities visa guide on our entertainment visas site.
Australian sports visa guides
Explore our detailed guides for athletes, coaches, officials and clubs coming to Australia.