Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
Subclass 400 allows eligible specialists to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work requiring highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience not reasonably available in Australia.
This visa is for genuinely short-term specialist assignments. You must apply outside Australia and perform only the work or activities approved in the visa grant.
What is the Subclass 400 Visa?
The Highly Specialised Work stream supports Australian businesses that need an overseas specialist for a defined, non-ongoing assignment. The proposed work must benefit the Australian business and generally be capable of completion within six months.
This visa is not intended to fill an ongoing position or maintain long-term residence. It is also generally unsuitable for entertainment work that will be performed, broadcast or shown in Australia.
Key visa features
Key eligibility considerations
You must demonstrate specialised skills, knowledge or experience relevant to the assignment. Evidence can include qualifications, licences, a detailed resume, overseas employment records and an explanation of why the expertise cannot reasonably be sourced in the Australian labour market.
You must have an Australian contract or letter of offer, adequate funds, genuine temporary intentions, and satisfy health, character and government-debt requirements. The work must not disadvantage employment or training opportunities for Australian citizens or permanent residents.
How the Subclass 400 process works
Assess the assignment
Confirm that the work is highly specialised, non-ongoing and suitable for Subclass 400.
Prepare the business case
Document the project, specialist need, duration, Australian benefit and recruitment considerations.
Gather specialist evidence
Provide the offer or contract, role duties, itinerary, resume, qualifications, licences and experience.
Apply from outside Australia
Lodge online through ImmiAccount with complete documents and the correct application charge.
Review the visa grant
Check the approved work, employer, stay, entry type and conditions before travelling.
Stay period and business case
The Department can grant a stay of up to six months depending on the circumstances. A request exceeding three months generally requires a strong business case explaining why the longer period is necessary. The authorised period starts on first arrival and does not restart after travel.
You generally must arrive within six months of grant or by the earlier date stated in the grant letter. The visa cannot be extended, and another Subclass 400 application cannot be lodged from within Australia.
Work and family conditions
You may work only in the approved position or activity. Eligible family members can be included, but accompanying family members cannot work or study in Australia other than undertaking a language training program. You must show sufficient funds for everyone included.
Important Subclass 400 Conditions
- Perform only the work or activity approved in the visa.
- Ensure the assignment is short-term and non-ongoing.
- Do not use this visa for an ongoing Australian position.
- Apply while outside Australia.
- Check whether single or multiple entry was granted.
- Maintain adequate health insurance for the stay.
- Review all work and stay conditions in VEVO.
Documents commonly required
Documents may include passport and identity records, contract or offer letter, detailed role and project description, business-case statement, itinerary, resume, qualifications, licences, overseas employer letter, proof of funds, family records, health insurance, police certificates and health examinations.
How Echoes Global Education can assist
Our migration team can assess whether the assignment suits Subclass 400, help structure the specialist-work business case, prepare a tailored checklist and review the applicant and employer evidence before lodgement.