The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is designed for highly skilled professionals who need to travel to Australia for short-term, specialised work. This visa is ideal for urgent assignments, high-value projects, and tasks that require expertise not readily available in Australia.
If you are a specialist in your field and have been invited to work in Australia for a short period, the Subclass 400 Visa could be the perfect option. In this guide, we’ll explain the eligibility criteria, requirements, application process, benefits, and important tips to help you apply successfully.
What is the Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa?
The Subclass 400 Visa allows you to enter Australia for a short period (generally up to 3 months, and in certain cases up to 6 months) to work in a highly specialised role.
It is generally used for:
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Urgent short-term projects
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Technical or specialised assignments
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Consultancy or project implementation
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Work that requires skills not available in the Australian labour market
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Who Should Apply for the Subclass 400 Visa?
The visa is suitable for professionals such as:
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Engineers or technicians working on project installations
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IT or cybersecurity experts for urgent technical fixes
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Specialists providing high-level consultancy
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Skilled workers in emergency repairs or operational upgrades
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Technical trainers or industry experts on temporary contracts
Key Benefits of the Subclass 400 Visa
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Fast processing for urgent projects
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Short-term stay of up to 3–6 months
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Ability to work in highly specialised roles
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Permission to travel in and out of Australia during the visa period
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Opportunity to collaborate with leading Australian companies
Eligibility Criteria for the Subclass 400 Visa
To qualify for this visa, you must meet specific requirements:
1. Highly Specialised Skills
Your expertise must be unique and required for work that cannot be filled by an Australian worker.
2. Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)
You must show that you intend to stay temporarily in Australia for the approved work only.
3. Invitation or Support from Australia
You need a formal invitation, job offer, or contract from an Australian organisation.
4. Financial Capability
You must prove you can support yourself (or that your employer will support you) during your stay.
5. Health and Character Requirements
You must meet health and character checks as required by the Department of Home Affairs.
Required Documents for Subclass 400 Visa
You’ll need to prepare:
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Valid passport
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Detailed employment contract or invitation letter
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Evidence of your specialised skills and experience
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Proof of financial support
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Health insurance details
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Police clearance or character documents
Step-by-Step Application Process for Subclass 400 Visa
Step 1: Secure Invitation or Employment
Get a formal contract or invitation from an Australian employer or organisation outlining the work details.
Step 2: Gather Required Documentation
Collect all supporting documents such as your skills proof, financial details, and health coverage.
Step 3: Submit Application Online
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Apply via the Department of Home Affairs website.
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Pay the visa application fee (starting from AUD 405).
Step 4: Wait for Visa Processing
Processing time is usually quick — often within 2–6 weeks. Additional documents may be requested.
Visa Conditions and Duration
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Visa is typically granted for up to 3 months (sometimes 6 months for special cases)
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Work is limited to the approved project or assignment
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Must maintain health insurance during your stay
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Must comply with all Australian laws and visa rules
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
To avoid refusal, make sure:
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Your skills are clearly justified as unique and essential
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Your GTE statement shows genuine temporary stay intentions
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All documents are complete and accurate
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Your work is clearly temporary and not ongoing employment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does the Subclass 400 Visa take to process?
Processing usually takes 2–6 weeks, but urgent cases can be faster.
2. Can I extend the Subclass 400 Visa?
Generally, no. It’s meant for short-term work only. For longer employment, other visas like Subclass 482 may be more suitable.
3. Can my family accompany me?
In some cases, immediate family members can apply as secondary applicants, but conditions apply.
4. Can I work for multiple employers on a Subclass 400 Visa?
No. You can only work for the employer listed in your visa application.
5. Do I need to show financial proof?
Yes. You must show you can support yourself financially (or that your employer will cover your expenses).
Tips to Strengthen Your Subclass 400 Visa Application
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Provide clear evidence of your unique expertise
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Include a strong invitation letter or contract with project details
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Submit a well-prepared GTE statement
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Ensure all documents are translated and certified (if not in English)
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is a valuable pathway for professionals with unique expertise to contribute to Australia’s urgent or specialised projects. Whether it’s engineering, IT solutions, emergency repairs, or highly technical installations, this visa is designed for time-sensitive assignments that require skill sets not readily available in the local workforce.
Unlike long-term visas, the 400 Visa is fast, flexible, and purpose-driven, making it a preferred choice for both international specialists and Australian companies. However, success depends on presenting a strong application — this means providing a detailed invitation or contract, demonstrating genuine temporary intent, and clearly outlining the necessity of your skills for the project.
While the application process is straightforward, attention to detail is crucial. Incomplete documentation, unclear GTE statements, or lack of evidence for your specialised skills can lead to delays or refusals. Engaging a registered migration agent can help ensure your application is accurate, well-supported, and compliant with all requirements.
If you are planning a short stay for a high-impact project, the Subclass 400 Visa can be the fastest and most efficient option to work in Australia. With careful preparation, you can not only complete your assignment successfully but also build valuable international connections for future collaborations.
