Imports Information

All overseas performers and related personnel (including producers, directors, cinematographers, choreographers, technicians etc) seeking to work in Australia must travel to Australia on an Entertainer Sub-Class 420 Visa (Entertainer Visa). To secure an Entertainer Visa, the person must be sponsored by an Australian company or an Australian permanent resident or citizen. Requirements vary slightly depending on the performance type.

The Migration Regulations require the Australian sponsor to consult with the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance) in relation to the following categories of performer or related personnel:

1. Film and/or Television Actors(including actors, stunt performers, puppeteers, dancers, singers and any other performer appearing on screen)

2. Film and/or Television Personnel(including producers, directors, heads of department and technicians)

3. Live Theatre, Dance, Ballet, Opera and Musical Production Performers (including dancers, singers, puppeteers, actors, and any other person performing in the production)

4. DJs, Concert, Cabaret or Variety Performers (including musicians, comedians, magicians etc)

5. Live Theatre Performance Personnel (including producers, directors, technicians etc)

Please click on the appropriate category/categories to be provided with the correct procedural information.

Note that consultation with the Alliance is not required if the production is:

  • an overseas documentary or a commercial (for cinema or television release) fully financed from overseas sources and produced exclusively for use in territories other than Australia which will never in the future be released in any media in Australia. In this case the relevant visa class is Media and Staff Other Sub-Class 423 Visas: Go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Media and Staff Other Sub-Class 423 Visa Information page   
  • an eligible Official Co-Production certified by the Australian Film Commission. The relevant class of visa remains the Entertainer Sub-Class 420 visa. For further information, contact the Australian Film Commission +61 2 9321 6444.
  • a producer and/or director and/or other staff are travelling to Australia for the purpose of investigating locations, having meetings and establishing whether it is viable to produce a film or television production. The relevant class of visa is a Short Stay Business Sub-Class 456 Visa.
  • If the application is for a live performance of any kind that is eligible for consideration by the DIAC as being of a "cultural non-commercial nature", consultation with the Alliance may not be required. However, at their discretion applications may be referred to the Alliance for comment.

All Alliance enquiries and consultation should be directed to the:

DIAC's Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre: 
Tel:  +61 2 8861 4302
Fax: +61 2 8861 4301

All Alliance enquiries and consultation should be directed to the:

Alliance Imports Office:
Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

All Film and/or Television Actor Applications will also have to apply to the:

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA):
Tel:  +61 2 6275 9633
Fax: +61 2 6275 9659

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consultation fee (per crew or cast member) and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):

Producers

Not applicable

Film and TV Actors (other than dancers)

$550.00 per cast member

Film and TV Personnel

$302.50 per crew member

Live Theatre/Variety Performers

$165.00 per performer

Dancers

$379.50 per dancer

Live Theatre/Variety Personnel

$110.00 per crew member

For further import information please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it via email, or contact the Alliance Imports Office on +61 7 3846 0044.

1. Importing and Sponsoring Film and/or Television Actors

"Film and/or Television" includes local and foreign feature films, telemovies, mini-series, bona fide unofficial co-production series and serials, as well as documentaries, reality television programs and commercials that will be screened in Australia featuring actors/performers in a "paid professional performance". Official co-productions and overseas documentaries and commercials (for cinema or television release) fully financed from overseas sources and produced exclusively for use in territories other than Australia which will never in the future be released in any media in Australia, are excluded.

 "Actors" include actors, stunt performers, puppeteers, singers, dancers and any performer appearing on screen.

Process

All Applications need to be made with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) and the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). Consultation will also need to take place with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

1. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

2. The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)

  • All DEWHA enquiries should be directed to the desk officer:
     Tel:  +61 2 6275 9633
    Fax: +61 2 6275 9659

3. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

  • The DEWHA Guidelines delineate five types of production with separate criteria to be addressed. These are:

    a. Government Subsidised Productions
    b. Non-Government Subsidised Productions (Excluding Series And Serials)
    c. Non-Government Subsidised Productions (Bona Fide Unofficial Co-Production Series And    
        Serials)
    d. Exceptional Cases (including documentary and reality television productions to be screened in
        Australia)
    e. Children's Programs    

  • It is necessary to provide the following information:

    a. A copy of the script.
    b. A letter outlining the reason for importing an overseas actor/s noting under which section(s) of the DEWHA Guidelines the application is being made and including the information relevant to substantiate an application under the particular clause.
    c. If the application is being made on the basis of inability to cast the role with an Australian performer, documentary evidence of compliance with the Casting Guidelines in the DEWHA Guidelines including:
            i.   the Casting Director's name;
            ii.  the character breakdown sent to agents;
            iii. List of agents contacted;
            iv.  List of agents suggestions;
            v.   List of those auditioned
            vi. Reasons why each audition participant not cast
    d. A copy of the completed 1379 form that will be lodged with DIAC;
    e. A copy of the overseas actor/s resume;
    f. A copy of the deal memo/contract with the overseas actor/s.Provision of deal memos/contracts is treated strictly confidentially. Most importantly, it is necessary thatthe deal memo/contract set out that:
            i. the actor is to receive remuneration and be afforded terms and conditions, including accommodation, travel and transport within Australia and per diems, no less favourable than those contained in the relevant Australian award/agreement. For information regarding the relevant agreement please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +61 1300 656 512;
            ii. the sponsor will provide the actor with return international airfare/s and take out medical insurance on the actor's behalf.

  • If the application is being made on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it will be necessary for the application to be considered by the National Performers" Committee. Meetings occur monthly but can be convened on an as needs basis within a week of the necessary documentation being provided.

  • It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. If the application complies with the DEWHA Guidelines and the Migration Regulations, the procedure is simple and quick. If the application is to be made on the grounds of exceptional circumstances, it can take longer. If the application does not comply with DEWHA Guidelines and the Migration Regulations, the Alliance will advise accordingly. The Alliance always welcomes early consultation and is happy to provide written in principle support if it appears the application will comply with the DEWHA Guidelines.
  • All Alliance Imports enquiries and consultation should be directed to the Alliance Imports Office:

      Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

  • The Alliance will advise in writing whether, in its view, the application complies with DEWHA Guidelines and the Migration Regulations and copy that advice to both DEWHA and DIAC.

Note that consultation with the Alliance is not required if the production is:

  • an overseas documentary or a commercial (for cinema or television release) fully financed from overseas sources and produced exclusively for use in territories other than Australia which will never in the future be released in any media in Australia. In this case the relevant visa class is Media and Staff Other Sub-Class 423 Visas: Go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Media and Staff Other Sub-Class 423 Visa Information page  
  • the production has been certified by the Australian Film Commission as an eligible Official Co-Production. The relevant class of visa remains the Entertainer Sub-Class 420 visa. For further information, contact the Australian Film Commission (02) 9321 6444.
  • a producer and/or director and/or other staff are travelling to Australia for the purpose of investigating locations, having meetings and establishing whether it is viable to produce a film or television production. The relevant class of visa is a Short Stay Business Sub-Class 456 Visa.

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consultation fee (per crew or cast member) and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):

Producers

Not applicable

Film and TV Actors (other than dancers)

$550.00 per cast member

Film and TV Personnel

$302.50 per crew member

Live Theatre/Variety Performers

$165.00 per performer

Dancers

$379.50 per dancer

Live Theatre/Variety Personnel

$110.00 per crew member

2. Importing and Sponsoring Film and/or Television Personnel

"Film and/or Television" includes all film and television productions.

"Personnel" include producers, directors, heads of department and all technicians.

Process

All Applications need to be made with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Consultation will also need to take place with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

1. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

  • The relevant visa is an Entertainer (sub-class 420) Visa.
  • Applications for overseas personnel to be engaged on film or television being produced in part or in whole in Australia are considered within the parameters of the Migration Regulations and, in particular, with reference to the extent to which the application complies with the provisions of the net employment benefit test under Reg 1.12A of the Migration Regulations 1994
  • The net employment benefit test requires the Sponsor to demonstrate that the engagement of the overseas person/s will lead to greater employment of Australians in the entertainment industry than would have been the case had Australian personnel been engaged.
  • Application needs to be made as Sponsor and a 1379 form lodged with DIAC with a copy of the completed form provided to the Alliance (see below) :
  • Application needs to be made in respect of the visa for the overseas person and a 147 form lodged with DIAC:
  • All DIAC enquiries should be directed to:
    DIAC's Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre:
    Tel:  +61 2 8861 4302
    Fax: +61 2 8861 4301

2. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

  •  It is necessary to provide the following information:
   
    a. An outline of the production;
    b. A letter outlining the reason for importing an overseas person/s setting out why the application complies with the net employment benefit test and why Australians could not have been engaged;
    c. A copy of the completed 1379 form that will be lodged with DIAC;
    d. A copy of the overseas person/s resume.
    e. A copy of the deal memo/contract with the overseas person/s.Provision of deal memos/contracts is treated strictly confidentially. Most importantly, it is necessary that the deal memo/contract set out that:

            i. the overseas person is to receive remuneration and be afforded terms and conditions, including accommodation, travel and transport within Australia and per diems, no less favourable than those contained in the relevant Australian award/agreement. For information regarding the relevant agreement please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +61 2 9333 0666;
            ii. the sponsor will provide the overseas person with return international airfare/s and take out medical insurance on the actor's behalf.

  • It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. If the application complies with the Migration Regulations, the procedure is simple and quick. If the application does not comply with the Migration Regulations, the Alliance will advise accordingly.

  • All Alliance Imports enquiries and consultation should be directed to the Alliance Imports Office:

     Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
    Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
    Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

  • The Alliance will advise in writing whether in its view the application complies with the Migration Regulations and copy that advice to DIAC.

Note that consultation with the Alliance is not required if the production is:

  • an overseas documentary or a commercial (for cinema or television release) fully financed from overseas sources and produced exclusively for use in territories other than Australia which will never in the future be released in any media in Australia. In this case the relevant visa class is Media and Staff Other Sub-Class 423 Visas: Go to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) Media and Staff Other Sub-Class 423 Visa Information page  
  • the production has been certified by the Australian Film Commission as an eligible Official Co-Production. The relevant class of visa remains the Entertainer Sub-Class 420 visa. For further information, contact the Australian Film Commission (02) 9321 6444.
  • a producer and/or director and/or other staff are travelling to Australia for the purpose of investigating locations, having meetings and establishing whether it is viable to produce a film or television production. The relevant class of visa is a Short Stay Business Sub-Class 456 Visa. 

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consultation fee (per crew or cast member) and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):

Producers

Not applicable

Film and TV Actors (other than dancers)

$550.00 per cast member

Film and TV Personnel

$302.50 per crew member

Live Theatre/Variety Performers

$165.00 per performer

Dancers

$379.50 per dancer

Live Theatre/Variety Personnel

$110.00 per crew member

3. Importing and Sponsoring Live Theatre, Dance, Ballet, Opera and Musical Production Performers

Live theatre, dance, ballet, opera and musical productions but excluding cabaret, variety and concert productions

"Performers" includes actors, singers, dancers, puppeteers and any person performing in the production.  For performers performing in cabaret, variety, concert or other live performance productions, refer to 4. Importing and Sponsoring DJs, Concert, Cabaret or Variety Performers. 

However, applications in respect of musicians (other than musicians who are also singers and symphony orchestra musicians) need to be considered by the Musicians Union of Australiarather than by the Alliance.

Process

All Applications need to be made with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Consultation will also need to take place with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance) and/or the Musicians Union of Australia if relevant.

1. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

  • Application needs to be made as Sponsor and a 1379 form lodged with DIAC with a copy of the completed form provided to the Alliance (see below) : 
  • Application needs to be made in respect of the visa for the overseas actor and a 147 form lodged with DIAC: 
  • All DIAC enquiries should be directed to:
    DIAC's Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre:
    Tel:  +61 2 8861 4302
    Fax: +61 2 8861 4301

 2. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

  • Applications for performers to participate in a live theatre production (including in a dance, ballet, opera or musical production) are considered within the parameters of the Migration Regulations and the Agreement Governing the Use of Foreign Artists in Live Theatre in Australia (Live Theatre Agreement), an agreement between the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance) and Live Performance Australia (LPA). 
  • It is necessary to provide the following information:    

    a. An outline of the production;
    b. A letter outlining the reason for importing an overseas person/s setting out why the application  complies with the net employment benefit test and why Australians could not have been engaged;
    c. A copy of the completed 1379 form that will be lodged with DIAC;
    d. A copy of the overseas person/s resume.
    e. A copy of the deal memo/contract with the overseas performer/s.Provision of deal memos/contracts is treated strictly confidentially. Most importantly, it is necessary that the deal memo/contract set out that:

            i. the overseas person is to receive remuneration and be afforded terms and conditions,
including accommodation, travel and transport within Australia and per diems, no less favourable than those contained in the relevant Australian award/agreement. For information regarding the relevant agreement please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +61 2 9333 0999;
            ii. the sponsor will provide the overseas person with return international airfare/s and take out medical insurance on the actor's behalf.

  • If the application is being made on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it will be necessary for the application to be considered by the National Performers" Committee. Meetings occur monthly but can be convened on an as needs basis within a week of the necessary documentation being provided.

  •  It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. If the application complies with the Live Theatre Agreement and the Migration Regulations, the procedure is simple and quick. If the application is to be made on the grounds of exceptional circumstances, it can take longer. If the application does not comply with the Live Theatre Agreement and the Migration Regulations, the Alliance will advise accordingly. The Alliance always welcomes early consultation and, if required, is happy to provide written in principle support if it appears the application will comply with the Live Theatre Agreement.
  • All Alliance Imports enquiries and consultation should be directed to the Alliance Imports Office:

         Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
        Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
        Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

  • The Alliance will advise in writing whether in its view the application complies with the Migration Regulations and copy that advice to DIAC.

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consultation fee (per crew or cast member) and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):

Producers

Not applicable

Film and TV Actors (other than dancers)

$550.00 per cast member

Film and TV Personnel

$302.50 per crew member

Live Theatre/Variety Performers

$165.00 per performer

Dancers

$379.50 per dancer

Live Theatre/Variety Personnel

$110.00 per crew member

4. Importing and Sponsoring DJs, Concert, Cabaret or Variety Performers

For performers engaged to perform in concerts, or as disc jockeys, variety performers (including musicians, comedians and magicians) or to perform in live performances other than in theatre productions, opera, drama, ballet or musical productions. For performers who are to perform in theatre productions, dance, ballet, opera or musical productions, 3. Importing and Sponsoring Live Theatre, Dance, Ballet, Opera and Musical Production Performers

Process

All Applications need to be made with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Consultation will also need to take place with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance).

 1. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

  • Applications for overseas performers to be engaged for concerts, cabaret performances, variety performances in venues such as casinos or in electronic live performances such as those undertaken by disc jockeys, are considered within the parameters of the Migration Regulations and, in particular, with reference to the extent to which the application complies with the provisions of the net employment benefit test under Reg 1.12A of the Migration Regulations 1994
  • The net employment benefit test requires the Sponsor to demonstrate that the engagement of the overseas person/s will lead to greater employment of Australians in the entertainment industry than would have been the case had Australian personnel been engaged.
  • Application needs to be made as Sponsor and a 1379 form lodged with DIAC with a copy of the completed form provided to the Alliance (see below):
  • Application needs to be made in respect of the visa for the overseas person and a 147 form lodged with DIAC:
  • All DIAC enquiries should be directed to:
    DIAC's Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre:
    Tel:  +61 2 8861 4302
    Fax: +61 2 8861 4301

2. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

  • It is necessary to provide the following information:    

    a. An outline of the production;
    b. A letter outlining the reason for importing an overseas person/s;
    c. A copy of the completed 1379 form that will be lodged with DIAC;
    d. A copy of the overseas person/s resume.
    e. A copy of the deal memo/contract with the overseas performer/s.Provision of deal memos/contracts is treated strictly confidentially. Most importantly, it is necessary that the deal memo/contract set out that:

            i. the overseas person is to receive remuneration and be afforded terms and conditions, including accommodation, travel and transport within Australia and per diems, no less favourable than those contained in the relevant Australian award/agreement. For information regarding the relevant agreement please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +61 2 9333 0999;
            ii. the sponsor will provide the overseas person with return international airfare/s and take out medical insurance on the actor's behalf.

  •  It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. If the application complies with the Migration Regulations, the procedure is simple and quick. If the application does not comply with the Migration Regulations, the Alliance will advise accordingly. The Alliance always welcomes early consultation and, if required, is happy to provide written in principle support if it appears the application with comply with the Migration Regulations.

  • All Alliance Imports enquiries and consultation should be directed to the Alliance Imports Office:

         Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
        Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
        Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

  • The Alliance will advise in writing whether in its view the application complies with the Migration Regulations and copy that advice to DIAC.

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consultation fee (per crew or cast member) and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):

Producers

Not applicable

Film and TV Actors (other than dancers)

$550.00 per cast member

Film and TV Personnel

$302.50 per crew member

Live Theatre/Variety Performers

$165.00 per performer

Dancers

$379.50 per dancer

Live Theatre/Variety Personnel

$110.00 per crew member

5. Importing and Sponsoring Live Theatre Performance Personnel

Live Performance Personnel include Producers, Directors Designers, Choreographers, etc on all live theatre, dance, ballet, opera, musical, cabaret, variety and concert productions.

Process

All Applications need to be made with the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC). Consultation will also need to take place with the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance).

 1. The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

  • Applications for overseas personnel to be engaged on live productions in Australia are considered within the parameters of the Migration Regulations and, in particular, with reference to the extent to which the application complies with the provisions of the net employment benefit test under Reg 1.12A of the Migration Regulations 1994;
  • The net employment benefit test requires the Sponsor to demonstrate that the engagement of the overseas person/s will lead to greater employment of Australians in the entertainment industry than would have been the case had Australian personnel been engaged;
  • Application needs to be made as Sponsor and a 1379 form lodged with DIAC with a copy of the completed form provided to the Alliance (see below) ;
  • Application needs to be made in respect of the visa for the overseas person and a 147 form lodged with DIAC;
  • All DIAC enquiries should be directed to:
    DIAC's Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre:
    Tel:  +61 2 8861 4302
    Fax: +61 2 8861 4301

2. The Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance (the Alliance)

  • It is necessary to provide the following information:    

    a. An outline of the production;
    b. A letter outlining the reason for importing an overseas person/s setting out why the application complies with the net employment benefit test and why Australians could not have been engaged;
    c. A copy of the completed 1379 form that will be lodged with DIAC;
    d. A copy of the overseas person/s resume.
    e. A copy of the deal memo/contract with the overseas performer/s.Provision of deal memos/contracts is treated strictly confidentially. Most importantly, it is necessary that the deal memo/contract set out that:

            i. the overseas person is to receive remuneration and be afforded terms and conditions, including accommodation, travel and transport within Australia and per diems, no less favourable than those contained in the relevant Australian award/agreement. For information regarding the relevant agreement please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or +61 2 9333 0999;
            ii. the sponsor will provide the overseas person with return international airfare/s and take out medical insurance on the actor's behalf.

  • It is advisable to commence discussions with the Alliance as early as possible. If the application complies with the Migration Regulations, the procedure is simple and quick. If the application does not comply with the Migration Regulations, the Alliance will advise accordingly. Formal consultation with the Alliance

  • All Alliance Imports enquiries and consultation should be directed to the Alliance Imports Office:

         Tel:  +61 7 3846 0044
        Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
        Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

  • The Alliance will advise in writing whether in its view the application complies with the Migration Regulations and copy that advice to DIAC.

Consultation Fee for the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance

Applications for union endorsement of overseas performers and technicians are subject to a consultation fee (per crew or cast member) and should be submitted as part of your application (see fees below, GST inclusive):

Producers

Not applicable

Film and TV Actors (other than dancers)

$550.00 per cast member

Film and TV Personnel

$302.50 per crew member

Live Theatre/Variety Performers

$165.00 per performer

Dancers

$379.50 per dancer

Live Theatre/Variety Personnel

$110.00 per crew member