Introduction

The Sport visa (subclass 421) is a visa category that is no longer open for new applications. However, if you are looking to participate in high-level competition or training in Australia, you may consider the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) as an alternative.

Visa Holders

If you have already been granted a Sport visa (subclass 421), it is important to understand your rights and obligations. You can use the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) for free to check your visa details and entitlements.

Duration of the Visa

The Sport visa is typically valid for the duration of the nominated position, with a maximum period of two years.

Permitted Activities

With the Sport visa, you are allowed to participate in high-level competition or training with Australian residents. Additionally, you can stay in Australia for the duration of the nominated position, with a maximum stay of two years. You also have the option to bring your family with you to Australia, where they can work and study. Furthermore, you have the freedom to leave and enter Australia as many times as you want while your visa is valid.

Obligations

As a visa holder, it is essential to comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. It is also mandatory to maintain adequate health insurance while you are in Australia.

Working in Australia

While on the Sport visa, you are not allowed to stop working for the employer who sponsored you. It is also prohibited to engage in work or activities that are inconsistent with your nominated position. Additionally, you are not permitted to work for another person or for yourself while working for your sponsor.

Leaving the Sponsor

If you decide to stop working for your sponsor, you have a few options. You can be sponsored by another organization to stay in Australia, apply for another visa, or leave Australia before your current visa expires.

Changing Sponsors

If you are considering changing sponsors, it is recommended to search the visa finder tool for an appropriate visa that suits your needs.

Obligations for Family Members

If you have family members accompanying you, they cannot enter Australia before you. When your visa ends, your family must leave Australia with you. It is crucial for your family members to maintain adequate health insurance while they are in Australia. However, they are allowed to work or study in Australia while their visa is valid.

Reporting Changes in Circumstances

It is important to inform the relevant authorities if there are any changes in your circumstances. This includes changes in residential address, passport details, or any significant life events such as a pregnancy, birth, divorce, separation, marriage, de facto relationship, or death in your family. You can report these changes via ImmiAccount or by using the appropriate forms provided.

Sponsor Responsibilities

If you are an approved sponsor for the Sport visa, it is important to understand your responsibilities. However, please note that applications for sponsorship under this visa category are no longer accepted. If you wish to sponsor someone as a sports person in the future, you will need to search the visa finder tool for an appropriate visa.

Duration of Sponsorship

Your sponsorship as an approved sponsor is valid for up to three years. If you wish to sponsor someone as a sports person after this period, you will need to search the visa finder tool for an appropriate visa.

Nomination

Each occupation, program, or activity that you nominated will have its approval cease on specific conditions, such as written notification of withdrawal, the approval duration, or the cessation of your approval as a sponsor.

Sponsor Obligations

As a sponsor, you have certain obligations to fulfill. These include cooperating with inspectors, providing records and information to the Minister, and not recovering costs from another person. You must also ensure that the visa holder participates in the nominated occupation, program, or activity and secure an offer of reasonable standard accommodation.

Compliance and Monitoring

As a sponsor, your compliance with the sponsorship obligations will be monitored for up to five years after you cease being a sponsor. Failure to comply with these obligations can result in various sanctions, such as being barred from sponsoring more people, receiving infringement notices, or facing civil penalties.

Conclusion

The Sport visa (subclass 421) provided opportunities for individuals to participate in high-level competition or training in Australia. While this visa category is no longer open for new applications, it is important for visa holders and sponsors to understand their rights and obligations. By complying with the necessary requirements, individuals can make the most of their time in Australia and contribute to the sporting community.