Australia Media and Film Staff Visa (Subclass 423)

This is a temporary Visa for media and film staff. The Australia Media and Film Staff Visa means you can work in Australia (short – term) for the production of documentaries and commercials.

The initial distribution of the production is to be outside Australia to be able to apply for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa. If the production is screening in Australia then the Australia Entertainment Visa (Subclass 420) must be applied for.

Journalists, correspondents, reporters (on behalf of overseas news), TV, film crews (including performers, production & support) and still-photographers can apply for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa.

However please note that sponsorship is sought in certain circumstances; if your stay for the production exceeds 3 months or you are not entering Australia on a country to country agreement (link to country to country further down in text!). Your Australia Media and Film Staff Visa cannot be lodged until sponsorship has been approved.

Eligibility for Australia Media and Film Staff Visa (Subclass 423):

Eligibility for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa are dependent on the role you have in the production in Australia…

Reporters, Journalists & Correspondents

Journalists, correspondents and reporters (on behalf of overseas news), can apply for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa. Sponsorship is necessary if your stay for the production exceeds 3 months. For news organisations which are not represented in Australia, Australian immigration requires certain criteria to be met:

• Your news organisation will guarantee you leave Australia before your Visa expires and they will act as monetary support during your stay in Australia.
• The portrayal of your news organisation cannot oppose the interests of Australia.

For news organisations which are represented in Australia, Australian immigration requires certain criteria to be met:

• There is no one else who is suitable and available in Australia, who can do the work.
• The portrayal of your news organisation cannot oppose the interests of Australia.

Commercial and Documentary Makers

TV and film crews (including actors, production, support and still-photographers) working on a documentary or commercial in Australia, can apply for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa. The initial distribution of the production is to be outside Australia to be able to apply for this Visa. Sponsorship is necessary if your stay for the production exceeds 3 months Australian immigration requires certain criteria to be met:

• There is no one else who is suitable and available in Australia, who can do the work.
• The work is not opposing the interests of Australia.

Country to Country Agreements

If you are entering Australia on a temporary basis under an arrangement with Australia and your country, then you may be eligible for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa. Certain criteria are to be met:

• Evidence of the agreement by the relevant authorities that you are entering Australia on a temporary basis must be provided.
• Australian Immigration must be fulfilled that your Visa application meets the requirements of the country to country agreement.

Can I bring my dependent children and spouse to Australia with me?
Yes all dependent relatives living with you and your spouse can be included on the application for the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa.
Do I have any working rights in Australia?
The position you designated on your Visa is the only position you can work whilst in Australia on your Visa.
How long will the Australia Media and Film Staff Visa be valid for?
For those not being sponsored the necessary time needed to complete the work determines the length of stay in Australia. If you are being sponsored then it will depend on the length of your contract with your sponsor.