Australia’s economy thrives on the contribution of skilled professionals and specialists from around the globe. For short-term, high-skilled work, the Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa offers a quick and efficient pathway.
This visa is designed for individuals who need to carry out specialist work, highly skilled tasks, or participate in urgent projects that cannot be filled by the Australian workforce.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the eligibility requirements, necessary documents, application process, benefits, and expert tips for a successful application.
What is the Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa?
The Subclass 400 Visa allows skilled professionals and specialists to travel to Australia for a short period (up to 3 months, and in rare cases, up to 6 months) to complete specific tasks.
This visa is ideal for:
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Specialised projects requiring unique skills.
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Urgent, high-priority work not available locally.
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Short-term business assignments or technical work.
Unlike other work visas, the Subclass 400 is non-extendable for long-term employment and is strictly for short-duration tasks.
Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 400 Visa
To apply for the Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include:
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Genuine Temporary Work Purpose – You must have a short-term work need that cannot be delayed.
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Specialist Skills or Knowledge – Your expertise should be unique and not easily available in the Australian market.
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Invitation or Support – You should have a formal invitation or job offer from an Australian business or organisation.
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Health Requirements – You must meet the health standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.
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Character Requirements – You must have a clean character history (police clearance may be required).
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Financial Capacity – You should have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
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Health Insurance – You must maintain valid health insurance throughout your stay in Australia.
Documents Required for Subclass 400 Visa
Proper documentation is key to a successful visa application. Common documents include:
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Valid passport (must be valid for the duration of your stay).
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Invitation or employment letter from the Australian organisation.
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Evidence of specialist skills or expertise (qualifications, experience certificates, reference letters).
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Details of the work or project you will be undertaking in Australia.
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Proof of financial capacity (bank statements, sponsorship letters).
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Health insurance documentation.
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Character documents (police clearance certificates, if required).
Tip: All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
Application Process for Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa
Applying for the Subclass 400 Visa involves several steps. Here’s the complete process:
1. Secure an Invitation or Offer
You must first have a confirmed job offer, project agreement, or formal invitation from an Australian employer.
2. Prepare Your Documents
Collect all relevant documents, including your invitation letter, qualifications, and financial proofs.
3. Submit the Application Online
Lodge your application via the ImmiAccount portal on the Department of Home Affairs website.
4. Pay the Visa Fee
The application fee starts at AUD 405, but additional costs may apply for health checks or police certificates.
5. Attend Health & Character Checks
Depending on your application, you may be required to undergo medical tests and submit police clearances.
6. Await the Decision
Visa processing times vary, but urgent applications linked to high-priority work are usually processed faster.
Processing Time for Subclass 400 Visa
The processing time depends on several factors:
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Urgency of the work or project.
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Completeness of your application and documents.
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Additional checks required by the Department of Home Affairs.
On average, the Subclass 400 Visa is processed within a few weeks, though urgent cases can be approved sooner.
Visa Duration and Conditions
The Subclass 400 Visa is typically granted for up to 3 months, with extensions to 6 months only in exceptional cases.
Key conditions include:
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You must work only on the approved project or activity mentioned in your application.
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You must maintain health insurance during your stay.
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You cannot apply for long-term work under this visa.
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You must leave Australia before your visa expires, unless applying for another visa.
Benefits of the Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa
The Subclass 400 Visa offers multiple benefits for eligible applicants:
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Quick approval for urgent work projects.
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Opportunity to work on high-value projects with Australian companies.
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Short-term business exposure in Australia.
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Chance to share and gain expertise in a global professional environment.
Costs Associated with the Subclass 400 Visa
The primary visa application charge starts at AUD 405, but additional expenses may include:
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Medical examination fees.
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Police clearance charges.
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Travel and health insurance costs.
Tip: Always check the latest visa fees on the official Department of Home Affairs website before applying.
Tips for a Successful Subclass 400 Visa Application
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Apply early – Don’t wait until the last minute before your project starts.
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Ensure all documents are complete – Missing documents can delay your application.
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Explain your specialist role clearly – Show why your skills are essential for the work.
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Maintain communication with your sponsor – Ensure all sponsorship documents are accurate and timely.
Common Reasons for Subclass 400 Visa Refusals
Avoid these common mistakes to improve your chances of success:
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Applying without a clear, genuine work purpose.
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Not providing enough evidence of specialist skills.
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Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents.
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Applying too close to the work start date, leaving insufficient processing time.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is an excellent pathway for professionals to work on short-term projects in Australia. With clear eligibility requirements, a straightforward application process, and fast processing times, it is an ideal solution for urgent work assignments.
If you’re planning to apply, ensure your documents are complete, your work purpose is genuine, and your application is submitted early. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a smooth process and a successful visa outcome.