Information for people applying to employ overseas workers in Australia
If you must consult with MEAA as part of a Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) application for a performer, production crew, or support personnel to work in the entertainment industry, the following documents outline the process for undertaking consultation with MEAA.
This information is for anyone appearing on-screen or off-screen as part of a recorded or broadcast productions such as feature films, television series, documentaries, sports broadcasts, TV commercials, online broadcasts, or other media.
Download – Recorded & Broadcast Information
Download – Recorded & Broadcast Application form
This information is for anyone appearing on-stage or off-stage as part of live or stage productions such as concerts, club nights, theatre productions, dance productions, operas, cabarets, cultural or variety shows, or other such performances.
Download – Live & Stage Information
Download – Live & Stage Application form
Please note that the Department of Home Affairs states that you must consult with the union before the applicant submits their visa application.
MEAA consultation times are 5 working days for general applications and 14 working days for applications involving foreign actors working on film and television productions.
Please also consider the current 408 visa processing times: Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) Entertainment Activities stream (homeaffairs.gov.au).
Enquiries and applications should be directed to the International Artist Services Officer: imports@meaa.org
Applications are subject to an administrative fee as outlined in the relevant form.
MEAA recognises and respects your privacy. Information requested by MEAA is treated in the strictest confidence. It is requested only to the extent necessary for MEAA to provide advice to the Department of Home Affairs and the Department of Communications and the Arts by the provisions of the Migration Regulations regarding applications for a Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408). You can inspect the MEAA Privacy Statement here.
