Visitors to Australia intending to work in the screen industry require a visa. The Australian Government's support for the screen industry is reflected in a simple and efficient process for obtaining the necessary visa.

There are a number of visas available depending on the nature of your stay. Short visits such as meetings and location surveys generally require a Business Visa. Depending on the nature of the project, an Entertainment Visa or Media and Film Staff Visa may be required.

Productions are strongly advised to employ a local production services company who understands Australian processes and requirements, and who may also be able to act as a sponsor for visa purposes.

You will need to consult with the union that represents media and entertainment personnel in Australia before applying for your visa. They will also be able to provide advice on the exact type of visa required.

Contact details are:
Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance
Alliance Imports Office
Tel: +61 7 3846 0044
Fax: +61 7 3846 0153
Email: imports@alliance.org.au
Web: www.alliance.org.au

Visa applications are made to:
Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)

Sydney Entertainment Processing Centre (SEPC)
Level 2, 26 Lee Street
Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
Tel: +61 2 8861 4302
Web: www.immi.gov.au
Specific Web Address for Entertainment Visas:
www.immi.gov.au/contacts/australia/processing-centres/sydney-entertainment.htm
Email: entertainment.visas@immi.gov.au

Applications for visas for foreign actors seeking entry into Australia are considered under the Foreign Actors Certification (FAC) scheme which is administered by the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA). It is a requirement that a certificate be issued before the Department of Immigration and Citizenship can issue the appropriate entertainment visa. 

The FAC Guidelines provide more information on how the scheme operates and can be found at: www.arts.gov.au/film/film_foreign_actors_for_film_or_television

For further information please contact:

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA)
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601
Ph: +61 2 6275 9633

Productions are strongly advised to employ a local production services company who understands Australian processes and requirements, and who may also be able to act as a sponsor for visa purposes.