Subclass 400
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
The Subclass 400 is a short-stay temporary visa designed for people with highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that is not readily available in the Australian labour market. It allows them to come to Australia to carry out specific, time-limited work for an Australian business. It is one of the most streamlined temporary work visas available — there is no requirement for formal employer sponsorship or a nomination process, making it faster and simpler to arrange than most other work-related visas.
Who Is It For?
The 400 is best suited to specialists being brought in for a defined project, task, or assignment that is urgent, time-critical, or highly niche. Common examples include technical experts installing or repairing imported equipment, international consultants with company-specific knowledge, specialists conducting emergency work, or senior professionals invited to contribute to a specific business activity that cannot be fulfilled locally.
It is important to note that the entertainment industry is specifically excluded from this visa. Performers, directors, and production crew members working on productions to be shown in Australia must apply through the Subclass 408 instead.
Key Considerations
No Formal Sponsorship Required
The Work Must Be Non-Ongoing
Key Requirements
Visa Duration
Must Apply from Outside Australia
Family Members
No Pathway to Permanent Residency
The Subclass 400 is a purely temporary visa and does not lead to permanent residency. It is designed to serve an immediate, specific business need and nothing more. Businesses looking to retain a specialist long-term would need to explore pathways such as the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.
How It Differs from the 408
While both the 400 and 408 cover short-term temporary work, the key distinction is the nature of the activity. The 400 focuses on highly specialised commercial or technical work, while the 408 covers a broader range of activities including sport, cultural exchange, religious work, and research. Entertainment work specifically sits within the 408, not the 400.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Common Questions To 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
What are the prerequisites for a 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa?
- Have highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that is not readily available in the Australian labour market.
- Time-limited
- no requirement for formal employer sponsorship or a nomination process,
How difficult is the process for a 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa?
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How much does a 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa?
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How do I begin?
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