If you need to visit Australia for a short-term, highly specialized work assignment, the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400) is the ideal solution. This visa allows skilled professionals to undertake short-term work that requires specialized skills or knowledge not readily available in the Australian labor market.
In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ What is the Subclass 400 Visa?
✔ Key requirements
✔ Eligibility criteria
✔ Application process
✔ Processing times and costs
✔ Benefits of this visa
What is the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)?
The visa subclass 400 is a temporary visa that allows individuals with highly specialized skills to work in Australia for short-term projects. It is usually granted for up to 3 months, and in some exceptional cases, up to 6 months.
This visa is not for ongoing work or long-term employment; instead, it is intended for tasks like:
Completing a specialized project
Providing technical or expert services
Installing or repairing highly specialized equipment
Who Can Apply for Subclass 400 Visa?
You can apply for this visa if you:
Have specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that is not easily found in Australia
Need to undertake short-term work in Australia
Are invited or sponsored by an Australian organization (in most cases)
Key Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400), applicants must meet these requirements:
1. Genuine Temporary Stay
You must show that you intend to stay in Australia temporarily and will leave once your work is complete.
2. Specialized Skills
Your skills should be unique and essential for the specific project in Australia.
3. Financial Support
You should have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay or have your expenses covered by your employer.
4. Health & Character Requirements
Provide a health examination if required
Meet the character requirements by providing police clearance certificates
5. No Impact on Australian Workers
Your employment should not affect Australian workers, meaning your role must be something that cannot be easily filled by locals.
Documents Required for Subclass 400 Visa
Here are the key documents you will need:
Valid passport
Proof of specialized skills or experience (resume, qualifications, references)
Invitation letter from an Australian company
Proof of financial capacity (bank statements)
Health insurance
Police clearance
How to Apply for Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400)?
The application process is entirely online through ImmiAccount. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents, including identity proof, employment details, and financial evidence.
Step 2: Create an ImmiAccount
Sign up on the Department of Home Affairs website and create your account.
Step 3: Complete the Application Form
Fill in all details carefully and upload the supporting documents.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Fee
The Subclass 400 visa application fee is currently AUD 405. Additional charges may apply for health checks and biometrics.
Step 5: Wait for Processing
Submit the application and wait for a decision.
Processing Time for Subclass 400 Visa
The processing time for a Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400) usually depends on your case and the complexity of your work. On average:
75% of applications: processed in 2–4 weeks
90% of applications: processed within 6 weeks
Tip: Apply well in advance of your intended travel date.
Cost of Subclass 400 Visa
The base application fee is AUD 405. Additional costs may include:
Medical examinations
Police checks
Biometrics
Benefits of the Subclass 400 Visa
Short-term specialized work opportunities in Australia
Multiple entry option (in some cases) during the visa validity
Quick processing times compared to other work visas
However, note that you cannot:
Stay for more than 6 months
Apply for permanent residency directly on this visa
Bring family members unless they are included in your application
Also Read- medical treatment visa australia
Common Reasons for Visa Refusal
Failure to prove specialized skills
Insufficient financial evidence
Lack of genuine temporary stay intention
Incorrect or incomplete documentation
Final Thoughts
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400) is a fantastic option for professionals who need to complete short-term, highly specialized work in Australia. By meeting all requirements, providing accurate documentation, and applying early, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process.
If you need expert guidance on your Subclass 400 visa application, consult a registered migration agent to avoid delays and mistakes.
