Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist (400)
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) allows individuals with highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience to come to Australia on a short-term basis to undertake non-ongoing, highly skilled work that cannot reasonably be sourced within Australia.
Overview
The Subclass 400 visa is intended for professionals who need to visit Australia for brief, high-impact assignments requiring specialised skills or expertise that are not readily available locally. It enables employers to bring in foreign specialists for short-term, project-based, or emergency work. Generally, this visa is granted for up to 3 months; periods of up to 6 months may be granted if a strong business case is provided.
Applications must be made from outside Australia, as the visa cannot be extended or applied for onshore. It is suitable for technical experts, consultants, engineers, or specialists working on short-duration critical tasks.
Do You Have What It Takes?
- ✔ You have specialised skills, experience, or knowledge not available in Australia.
- ✔ The work you will perform is short-term and non-ongoing.
- ✔ You have an invitation or support from an Australian business.
- ✔ You apply outside Australia.
- ✔ You provide a clear business case if requesting more than 3 months’ stay.
- ✔ You meet health and character requirements.
- ✔ You have adequate health insurance for the length of your stay.
- ✔ You can support yourself financially while in Australia.
- ✔ You genuinely intend to stay temporarily for the approved work.
- ✔ You comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.
Why Choose This Path?
- Undertake short-term, highly specialised work in Australia.
- Fill immediate, skilled labour gaps for Australian employers.
- Bring valuable expertise for short projects or training.
- Stay for up to 3 months (or 6 months with approval).
- Apply offshore with straightforward processing.
- Receive a low-cost visa (AUD 430).
- Travel into and out of Australia during the visa’s validity.
- Include dependent family members (if eligible).
- Support international collaboration and emergency projects.
- Gain global work exposure and strengthen professional networks.
Your Roadmap to Success
- Confirm that your work is non-ongoing and highly specialised.
- Secure an Australian host or business sponsor invitation.
- Obtain relevant supporting documents (project description, business case, resume).
- Prepare identity, experience, and qualification evidence.
- Arrange health insurance for your stay.
- Complete the online visa application before travelling.
- Pay the AUD 430 fee unless exempt.
- Undertake health and character checks if required.
- Wait for a decision while outside Australia.
- Once granted, travel to Australia and perform only the approved work.
Visa Duration
Initial Duration
Temporary
Visa Pathways
Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa Subclass 482
While the Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa is designed for short-term, highly specialized work with no direct pathway to permanent residency, successfully completing your specialized assignment in Australia can position you strategically for longer-term employer-sponsored opportunities, particularly the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa Subclass 482. After demonstrating your highly specialized skills, professional capabilities, and value to Australian businesses during your 400 visa period, you may build relationships with Australian employers or client organizations that recognize your expertise and are willing to provide formal sponsorship for longer-term employment.
Processing times
Costs
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Application Fee | AUD430.00 | Primary application fee |
| Additional Applicant (18+) | AUD430.00 | For each additional applicant 18 years and over |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | AUD110.00 | For each additional applicant under 18 years |
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