Sportsperson and their Support Staff Eligibility

To be eligible for this visa you must meet the following requirements.

Eligible person

You as the applicant must meet all the following requirements:

• be sponsored by an approved sport sponsor
• be the subject of an approved nomination by the sponsor
• be entered to compete in a sporting event or events in Australia either as an individual or a member of a team or you are a member of the support staff for that person or team
• have skills, qualifications, experience which match those required for the nominated skilled position
• must not be entered as a Taiwanese national claiming to represent Taiwan, China or the Republic of China
• have sufficient funds to support you and any accompanying family members while in Australia
• have health care coverage for you and any family members
• on arrival in Australia, you and any accompanying family members will possess an onward ticket for travel from Australia to a foreign country.

Support staff

Support staff may include managers, coaches and instructors as well as personal attendants such as valets and masseurs.

Financial support

You must show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any accompanying family members for the duration of your stay in Australia. You may be asked to provide evidence of funds, such as bank statements or a letter from your financial institution stating your financial position.

Amateur competitors

To be considered an amateur, you must demonstrate that you compete in your sport mainly on a recreational basis and not for the purpose of deriving an income from that sport.
Example: For pleasure or health reasons.

Unpaid position

A position is considered unpaid where the work or activity to be undertaken would not attract a salary or wage if undertaken by an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident. 

If the nominated position relates to a volunteer position or an amateur competitor entered into a sporting event the person will receive no remuneration for doing the work or activity other than:

• reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred by the person in doing the work
• prize money.

Salary or wages

The salary or wages payable to you must be in accordance with Australian labour laws and practices.

If there is no award, and it is not a volunteer position, you must receive at least the minimum federal award rate.

Health insurance requirements

You must hold adequate health insurance cover for the entire time you are in Australia. You should ensure your insurance will provide at least the level of coverage required for your purpose of stay. Your health insurance cover does not have to be held with an Australian insurer, arrangements made in your home country may be assessed as being acceptable.

As a guide to the level of health insurance the department will accept as adequate, refer to 'Attachment A' in the health insurance standard template letter.
See: Health Insurance Standard Template Letter (106KB RTF file)

This requirement may not apply to you if your country has a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia, and you are enrolled with Medicare.
See: Medicare Australia Health Care for Visitors to Australia

Medicare levy exemption

The Medicare Levy is a tax paid through the personal tax system in Australia. People granted temporary residence visas may be subject to the Medicare Levy. The Medicare Levy is based on the taxable income of the individual for each income tax year.

If you are from a country that has no reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, you and your dependents, who have not been entitled to Medicare benefits can seek an exemption from the Medicare levy in your end of financial year income tax return. Your lack of entitlement to Medicare benefits must be certified by the Minister for Health.

If you are from a country with reciprocal health care arrangements with Australia, Medicare assistance is available for immediately necessary treatment. Nationals from reciprocal countries are therefore not exempt from the Medicare levy. You will need to complete a Medicare Levy Exemption Certification Form.
See: Medicare

Health requirements

You must meet health requirements and may be required to undergo a health examination.
See: Health Requirements

Character requirements

You must be of good character to enter Australia.
See: Character Requirement

Other visa options

If you intend to be in Australia for a short period to play in trial or promotional matches or for a one-off event, then an alternative visa is the 456 Business (Short Stay) visa or ETA (Business Entrant) (subclass 956/977).
See: Business Visit Visa Options

Australian Values Statement

If you are aged 18 years or over, you must declare that you will respect Australian values and obey the laws of Australia. For this visa, the values statement is included in the general declaration section of the application form. When you sign the application form it means you will also be signing the values statement. You will not be required to have read the Life in Australia book, but may do so if you wish.

You are also encouraged to gain an understanding of Australia, its people and their way of life, before applying for this visa.
See: Australian Values - Overview

Before lodging an application, please read all related requirements.
See: Eligibility