VISA HOLDERS

The Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa (subclass 420) is closed to new applications. However, if you already have been granted this visa, it is important to understand your rights and obligations as a visa holder.

Duration of the Visa

Your Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa is valid for the duration of the nominated position or two years, whichever is earlier.

Your Obligations

As a visa holder, it is important to comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. Here are your obligations:

• Maintain adequate health insurance while you are in Australia.
• Leave Australia when your visa ends, unless you are granted another visa.
• Only engage in work or an activity for the employer identified in the nomination.
• Only engage in work or an activity consistent with the nominated position in your visa application.
• Ask permission from the Entertainment Visa Centre (NSW) to make any changes to your itinerary, including new events, changes in times, or new venues.

If your sponsor ceases your employment or activity, you have two options:

1. Find another employer who is willing to sponsor you for this visa. Your new sponsor must lodge a new nomination to cover the remaining time on your visa. You do not have to apply for a new visa if your current visa is still valid and not about to end.
2. Leave Australia within 28 days or apply for another visa, unless you have a 'no further stay' condition.

FAMILY MEMBERS

If you have family members, they cannot enter Australia before you. When your visa ends, your family must leave Australia with you. Here are their obligations:

• Intend to remain members of your family unit.
• Maintain adequate health insurance while they are in Australia.

Your family members can work or study in Australia while their visa is valid. Additional conditions may apply, which will be explained to you when the visa is granted.

REPORT CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES

You can use Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) to check your visa details and entitlements for free. Additionally, it is important to report any changes in circumstances that may affect the processing of your application.

SPONSORS

If you have sponsored someone for a Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa (subclass 420) to work in the entertainment industry in Australia, here is some important information for you.

Duration of Sponsorship

A sponsorship for the Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa lasts for up to three years. If you are an approved Entertainment sponsor, you can apply to extend your sponsorship before it expires to continue nominating people. If your sponsorship expires, you will need to reapply and be approved as a sponsor to nominate further visa applicants.

REPORT CHANGES IN CIRCUMSTANCES

If there are any changes in circumstances that could affect the processing of your application, it is important to contact the Entertainment Visa Centre. When reporting changes, make sure to include the name of your organization, your ABN or other identifier, and your sponsorship application ID number. Providing this information will help locate your application quickly.

SPONSORSHIP OBLIGATIONS

As a sponsor, you have certain obligations to fulfill. Here are the sponsorship obligations:

• Cooperate with inspectors appointed under the Migration Act 1958 who are investigating compliance with sponsorship obligations or hiring of illegal workers.
• Keep records that show you have complied with sponsorship obligations, including notifications made to the department.
• Provide records and information to the Minister, as requested by a departmental officer, to determine compliance with sponsorship obligations.
• Notify the department in writing when certain events occur, such as the primary sponsored person failing to participate in the nominated activity or the sponsor ceasing to hold a required license.
• Not recover, transfer, or charge certain costs to another person, including migration agent costs.
• Pay costs to locate and remove an unlawful non-citizen if necessary.
• Ensure the visa holder participates only in the nominated occupation, program, or activity.
• Secure an offer of a reasonable standard of accommodation for sponsored individuals participating in certain programs or activities.

It is important to meet all your obligations as a sponsor, even if you have authorized someone else to act on your behalf. Failure to comply with sponsorship obligations can result in various sanctions and penalties.

MONITORING OF SPONSORS AND VISA HOLDERS

The department monitors sponsors and visa holders to ensure compliance with obligations. This monitoring can include requesting information, conducting site visits, and exchanging information with other government agencies. Failure to cooperate with inspectors is considered a breach of sponsorship obligations.

SANCTIONS FOR NOT MEETING SPONSOR OBLIGATIONS

If you do not meet your obligations as a sponsor, the department can take several actions, including barring you from sponsoring more people, cancelling your existing approvals as a sponsor, issuing infringement notices, or applying for civil penalty orders. Sanctions can also be imposed for providing false or misleading information or contravening laws.

It is crucial to understand and fulfill your obligations as a visa holder or sponsor to ensure a smooth and compliant immigration process.