Australia
Entertainment Visa

This Oz visa is for people who intend to work temporarily in Australia in the entertainment industry. This includes those undertaking work in film, television or live productions in either a performance or behind-the scenes role such as directors, producers and other production personnel.

Yes, you must be sponsored by an Australian person or organisation in order to be eligible for the entertainment visa. Your sponsor will need to consult with the relevant union in relation to your employment in Australia, unless the engagement you are taking part in is of a cultural or educational nature for non-commercial purposes. This consultation should take place before you lodge your Australian visa application.

There are six categories under which you may be eligible for this visa to Australia:

• Performer in a film or television production
• Performer not in film or television
• Supporting an entertainer or group of entertainers
• Directors and producers
• Non-commercial productions
• Country to country agreements

Visit Am I Eligible for more information on the requirements for each of the categories.

Visa First advises you to apply for your Australian Entertainment Visa at least 4-6 weeks in advance of your intended date of travel to Australia.

When you are in Australia on an entertainment visa you can only engage in work that is relevant to the tasks specified in your visa application. You must not:

• stop working for the employer who sponsored you for the visa either by becoming unemployed or changing employer;
• work in a position that is not consistent with the position nominated in your visa application;
• work for another person or for yourself while working for your sponsor – for example by undertaking secondary employment.

Your sponsor is responsible for:

• any financial obligations you and your family incur during your stay in Australia
• your compliance with all relevant legislation to any employment you undertake in Australia
• you and your families compliance with the conditions under which you were allowed to enter Australia
• not making any variations to the itinerary listed or making arrangements for additional venues, performances or appearances on behalf of the entertainers without obtaining the prior approval of immigration
• meeting all Australian tax obligations.

The following people may be included in your Australian visa application:

• your spouse
• your or your spouse's dependent children
• other dependent relatives.

If you are planning to bring family members with you to Australia, you must provide the appropriate birth and marriage certificates.

The length of this visa varies depending on the duration of your involvement in the entertainment industry in Australia.

If you decide to apply to extend your stay while in Australia, you will need to complete a new visa application and attach the appropriate evidence to support the purpose for your stay in Oz.