A head coach recruited for a Brisbane 2032 program faces a choice on day one. The subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa costs $535, is tied to a defined activity and ends when the activity ends. The subclass 858 National Innovation visa costs $6,235, is permanent, and depends on a record of achievement and an Australian nominator. Most elite coaches, sports scientists and performers start on the first and aim for the second. The mistake is treating the second as something to think about later.
Take a fictional example. Tomas is a strength and conditioning lead with a decade in a European Olympic program. An Australian institute wants him in place by 2028, four years before the Games open on 23 July 2032. On a 408 he can start quickly. However, a 408 runs for the length of the activity, and his family’s plans depend on something more settled. The institute needs to plan both visas together.
Short answer: Use the subclass 408 at $535 to start work on a defined program. Then build a National Innovation visa case for permanent residence at $6,235, plus $3,120 for each adult family member and $1,560 for each child. The 858 has no age limit, but priority sectors and demonstrated achievement matter, and an Australian nominator is required.
The 408 as the interim visa
The subclass 408 sporting activities stream covers coaches, sports scientists and high-performance staff engaged for a specific program, camp or competition. An approved Australian sponsor, such as an institute, a national body or a professional club, lodges the sponsorship at $420 and nominates the activity. The visa can run for up to two years for most streams, or longer under the Australian Government Endorsed Events stream where that applies.
Performers face the same structure through the entertainment activities stream. A creative director engaged for the opening ceremony program, or a choreographer on a multi-year cultural project, fits there. Because the 408 is tied to the sponsoring organisation and the activity, a change of employer needs a new nomination. That is workable, but it is not the same as settlement.
Brisbane 2032 is expected to be treated as an endorsed event, which can extend the 408 stay period. Even so, organisations should confirm the current endorsement status with the Department before building a multi-year plan on it.
The National Innovation visa as the destination
The subclass 858 National Innovation visa is a permanent visa for people with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement. Sport, the arts and academic research are among the fields it covers. The Department gives priority to applicants in sectors it identifies as national priorities, and to people whose achievement is at the top of their field.
Three features distinguish it from an employer-sponsored visa. First, there is no employer nomination. Instead, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen or Australian organisation with a national reputation in the same field must nominate the applicant. Second, there is no occupation list and no salary threshold. Third, there is no age limit. Achievement, prominence and the benefit to Australia carry the assessment.
The process begins with an expression of interest. Invitations are issued to selected candidates, and only invited candidates can apply. The invitation stage is selective, and processing times are published by the Department rather than promised. Therefore, the 408 remains the working visa while the 858 case is built.
408 or 858: which one, when
Temporary. $535 for the applicant, $535 per adult family member, $135 per child. Sponsored by an approved Australian organisation for a defined activity. Work limited to that activity. Family members included in the application generally hold work rights. Suited to a program, a camp, a tour or a production with a start and an end.
Permanent. $6,235 for the applicant, $3,120 per adult family member, $1,560 per child. Requires an Australian nominator with a national reputation in the field, evidence of exceptional achievement, and an invitation to apply. No occupation list, no salary threshold, no age limit. Suited to a coach, scientist or performer whose record is already at international level and who intends to settle.
What a nominator has to be
The nominator is not a sponsor and takes on no financial obligation. What the nominator provides is standing. A national sporting organisation, a state institute of sport or a recognised arts company can nominate. So can a university with a national reputation in the relevant field. So can an individual of national standing in that field. A well-meaning employer without that reputation cannot.
The nomination statement should say specifically why the applicant’s record is exceptional, how the nominator knows this, and what the applicant will contribute in Australia. Vague praise does not help. A statement that names competitions, results, publications, productions or awards does.
Building the 858 file while on the 408
- Before arrivalSponsorship and 408 nomination lodged by the Australian organisation. Identify the likely 858 nominator at the same time.
- First months in AustraliaCollect the achievement record: results, rankings, selections, publications, media coverage, awards and letters from recognised figures in the field.
- NominationNominator prepares a specific statement. Applicant prepares evidence of a continuing record and of the benefit to Australia.
- Expression of interestLodged with the full evidence set. Wait for an invitation, which is selective and not promised.
- ApplicationLodge the 858 within the invitation period with $6,235 and family charges. The 408 continues to cover work while the application is processed, provided it remains valid.
Family cost calculator
Government charges only, for the permanent stage. The interim 408 charges are separate.
Charges are Department of Home Affairs figures as at 1 July 2026. Health, police clearances and professional fees are additional.
Achievement evidence checklist
Institutes and clubs planning a Games program can see the wider calendar on our major events page. Alternatively, contact us to plan both visas in one consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an age limit for the National Innovation visa?
No. The 858 has no age limit. The assessment turns on the record of achievement, the nominator’s standing, the priority given to the sector and the benefit to Australia.
Can my employer nominate me for the 858?
Only if the employer is an Australian organisation with a national reputation in your field. The nominator can also be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen of national standing in that field.
Can I keep working on the 408 while the 858 is processed?
Yes, as long as the 408 remains valid and the work stays within the sponsored activity. If the 408 is due to expire, take advice early so that lawful status is maintained.
Does a Brisbane 2032 role count as a priority for the 858?
The Department publishes its priority sectors and updates them. A Games role does not automatically confer priority. However, a record of achievement in elite sport, sports science or the performing arts can fit within recognised fields. We assess this against the current settings.
What happens if I am not invited to apply?
The expression of interest can be strengthened and resubmitted with new evidence. Meanwhile, the 408 continues to cover the program, and employer-sponsored options such as the 482 may also be considered.
Figures verified against Home Affairs visa pricing as at 1 July 2026.
This article is general information about Australian migration law as at 2 September 2026. It is not legal advice. Figures change each July and eligibility turns on your own facts, so obtain advice before acting.