A 408 entertainment application needs identity documents, proof of the engagement, evidence of funds and health insurance from the applicant; an invitation letter and itinerary or sponsorship approval and obligations statement from the Australian side; union consultation evidence and, for film and television performers, an Arts certificate; and partner and child documents for any family included. Police certificates are requested by Home Affairs if needed.
From each applicant
- Passport pages showing photo, personal details, issue and expiry dates
- National identity card if held; proof of any change of name (marriage or divorce certificate, registry change-of-name documents, documents showing other names used)
- Contract or other proof of the engagement in Australia; for non-profit engagements, evidence of that; for overseas-market documentaries and commercials, evidence such as a distribution contract
- Evidence of enough money for the stay: employment contract, bank statements or a statement of financial position; employer allowances and accommodation count
- Adequate health insurance for the whole stay, covering medically necessary treatment including transport
- Police certificates only if and when Home Affairs asks for them
- Australian values statement acknowledged in the application for anyone 18 or over
From the Australian side
Supporter (outside Australia, under 3 months)
- Letter of invitation with an itinerary of all performances, dates and venues
- Written statement of support for any dependants included
- Evidence the supporter is lawfully established in Australia, or is an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, plus any licences the production needs
Sponsor (in Australia, or over 3 months)
- Sponsorship application ID, transaction reference number, approval letter or lodgement receipt
- Written statement that the sponsor will meet the sponsorship obligations for the applicant and all dependants
- Evidence the sponsor is lawfully established and operating in Australia, plus any licences the production needs
By category
- Union consultation evidence: performers in film and television (subsidised or not), performers other than in film and television, production staff, support staff for entertainers
- Arts certificate from the federal arts department: performers in film or television productions
- Non-profit evidence: the sponsor's or supporter's non-profit status accepted by the ATO or a state agency, and evidence tax obligations are met
- Charge concession evidence if claiming one: proof the sponsor or supporter is a registered charity, government agency or an organisation named in the legislative instrument
Family members
- Partner: identity and character documents, marriage certificate or evidence of a registered or 12-month de facto relationship, and evidence the relationship is genuine and continuing (joint accounts, joint bills, leases or mortgages, shared address)
- Children under 18: birth certificates or family book naming both parents, adoption papers where relevant
- Consent from anyone with parental responsibility who is not travelling: Form 1229 or a statutory declaration, with an identity document showing their signature and photo; or a court order or evidence the home country's law allows the child to travel
If someone is helping
Anyone appointed to receive correspondence is nominated on Form 956A. Anyone providing immigration assistance must be a registered migration agent, a legal practitioner or an exempt person, nominated on Form 956. 408visa coordinates the Australian side and the document packs and does not provide immigration assistance; where that is needed we refer you to a registered migration agent.
List compiled from the Home Affairs subclass 408 Entertainment Activities page, step by step section, on 19 September 2026.
Questions on this page
Do I need a police certificate for a 408 entertainment visa?
Only if Home Affairs asks for one. The step-by-step guidance says they will tell you if and when a police certificate is needed. Family members aged 16 and over must also meet the character requirement.
What proof of funds does a 408 entertainment visa need?
An employment contract or bank statements, or evidence of financial position from a bank or financial institution. Allowances, accommodation and other help from the employer are also considered.
Does a 408 entertainment visa require health insurance?
Yes. Applicants must hold adequate health cover for the whole stay, covering medically necessary treatment including transport. Some countries have reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia, which Services Australia lists.