Looking to work for a religious institution in Australia? The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) allows you to serve full-time for up to 2 years. Learn about eligibility, how to apply, and more to begin your religious work journey today.
Overview of the Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) – Religious Work Stream
This visa lets you and your family stay in Australia for up to two years, allowing you to serve a religious institution on a full-time basis. Whether you’re a priest, pastor, or other religious worker, this visa ensures you can dedicate your time to religious activities in a supportive, welcoming environment.
With this visa, you can:
- Engage in full-time religious work for an Australian religious institution.
- Stay in Australia for up to 2 years.
- Include family members in your application, so they can join you during your stay.
Eligibility Requirements
Before applying for the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) in the Religious Work stream, there are certain eligibility criteria you must meet:
- Full-time Religious Work: You must have an agreement with an Australian religious institution to do full-time religious work. This could include roles such as a religious leader, a counselor, or administrative positions within religious organizations.
- Sponsorship or Support: Depending on your situation, you may need to be sponsored or supported by the religious institution or an organization with the proper authority to sponsor you.
- Application Process: You can apply for the visa either inside or outside Australia, but not while in immigration clearance. This means if you’re already in Australia, you must leave the country before applying for this visa.
- Family Members: Your immediate family members (spouse, children) can apply with you as part of the same visa application, ensuring your family can join you during your religious work in Australia.
Visa Costs
The cost of the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) for the Religious Work stream is AUD 415. Be sure to check the visa processing times before you apply, as this can vary based on the volume of applications and other factors. Most times the religious organization will cover this fee.
What Can You Do With This Visa?
Once granted, this visa allows you to:
- Perform full-time religious work in Australia, contributing to your religious community’s efforts.
- Stay for up to 2 years, depending on your agreement with the religious institution.
- Include family members in the visa application, allowing your family to live with you in Australia during the duration of your stay.
Finding Religious Work Opportunities in Australia
To apply for the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), you first need an agreement to work with a religious institution in Australia. Here are some ways to find religious work opportunities:
- Churches and Religious Institutions: Many churches and religious institutions across Australia offer opportunities for religious workers. You can check their official websites or contact them directly to inquire about positions for religious workers. Examples include:
- Job Boards and Networks: Several websites and job boards cater specifically to religious and faith-based work opportunities in Australia. Examples include:
- Religious Organizations and NGOs: There are religious organizations and NGOs in Australia that support religious communities and often seek religious workers for full-time roles. Examples include:
- Local Religious Communities: If you are part of a religious community, you may want to network with other religious leaders or community groups within Australia. They may be able to connect you with opportunities within their networks.
Religious Sub Class 408 Cover Letter Template
Application Process for the Subclass 408 Religious Work Stream
To apply for the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), follow these steps:
- Obtain an agreement to work full-time with an Australian religious institution.
- Determine if you need sponsorship or support from the religious institution or organization you’ll be working for.
- Submit your visa application online. Ensure you provide all required documents, including a valid passport and proof of your employment agreement.
- Wait for the decision. Processing times can vary, so it’s advisable to check the visa processing time guide for an estimate.
Conditions of the Visa
- You must only engage in the religious work specified in your visa application. If you change your job or work outside the religious institution, this could violate your visa conditions.
- Family members included in the application can stay in Australia for the same duration as the main applicant.
- You can’t apply for this visa from within immigration clearance, so you must be outside the country or have left Australia before applying.
Official Website and Conclusion
The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) in the Religious Work stream offers a unique opportunity for religious workers to make a positive contribution to Australian communities while staying in the country for up to 2 years. If you’re planning to pursue religious work in Australia, make sure to meet the eligibility requirements and follow the correct application process.
Are you ready to start your religious work in Australia? Apply for the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) today and be part of the vibrant, diverse religious communities in Australia!
Check other opportunities:
- Study in Azerbaijan for Free – Fully Funded Scholarships 2025/26 Open
- KAUST Student Research Internship 2025 in Saudi Arabia – Fully Funded
- Research in Germany with the 2025 Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship – All Expenses Covered
- Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Scholarship 2025: Study for Free in a Commonwealth Country
- University of Twente Scholarship (UTS) 2025 in the Netherlands – Apply Now!
- UNDP Washington Internship 2025 in the United States (PAID Opportunity)
- Yenching Academy Scholarship 2026 at Peking University, China – Fully Funded Graduate Program
