Australia’s Subclass 400 Visa: Short-Term Work Opportunities for Specialists
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400) is designed for individuals who need to carry out short-term, non-continuous, highly specialised work in Australia.
Highlights
- You may apply for this visa while outside Australia.
- It allows you to perform highly specialised work in Australia.
- The visa is temporary, granting a stay of up to 6 months.
- There are two main streams: Highly Specialised Work and Australia’s Interest.
Key Eligibility Requirements
Common Criteria for Both Streams
- You must possess personal attributes, work experience, or both that are relevant to the proposed work, event, or activity in Australia.
- Demonstrate that your presence in Australia is necessary for the activity or event.
- Show a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia.
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Meet Public Interest and Special Return criteria.
- Satisfy Australian health and character requirements.
Highly Specialised Work Stream
- The work must be highly specialised and short-term.
- You must not engage in ongoing employment in Australia.
- You cannot work as an entertainer under a performing contract or for non-profit purposes.
- You cannot support entertainers, or participate in film, television, radio, theatre, concert, or recording productions for performance or broadcast in Australia.
- The work must not negatively affect employment or training opportunities for Australian citizens or permanent residents.
- You cannot enrol in courses leading to primary, secondary, or higher education qualifications, diplomas, trade certificates, or other formal awards.
Australia’s Interest Stream
- You must demonstrate that your presence in Australia is necessary due to compelling circumstances that affect the nation’s interest.
- The event, activity, or work you participate in must directly relate to these compelling circumstances.
Process to Apply for Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
Applying for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400) involves a series of structured steps. Here’s a clear breakdown to guide you:
Step 1 — Check Eligibility
Before starting your application, confirm you meet all criteria for your selected stream — Highly Specialised Work or Australia’s Interest. Ensure your role is short-term, non-continuous, and requires your unique expertise.
Step 2 — Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare the required documents in advance, including:
- Valid passport (proof of identity)
- Qualifications and work experience evidence related to your specialist role
- A detailed description of the proposed work or event in Australia
- Proof that the work is short-term and non-ongoing
- Health and police clearance certificates
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
Step 3 — Lodge the Visa Application
Submit your Subclass 400 visa application online via ImmiAccount. Attach all supporting documents and pay the application fee. Accuracy and completeness at this stage help prevent delays.
Step 4 — Health and Character Checks
You (and any included family members, if applicable) must undergo medical examinations and provide police clearance certificates to meet Australian health and character requirements.
Step 5 — Track Your Application
After submission, you will receive an acknowledgment email. Use ImmiAccount to regularly monitor your application progress, respond to document requests, and check for updates from the Department of Home Affairs.
Step 6 — Visa Decision
Once assessments are complete, the Department of Home Affairs will issue a decision. If approved, you will receive a visa grant notification outlining conditions, validity dates, and work permissions.
Processing Times for Subclass 400 Visa
- Typical processing time: 1 to 3 months (varies by stream, nationality, and application completeness).
- Submitting a well-prepared, fully documented application helps speed up the process.
Why Apical Immigration Experts?
At Apical Immigration Experts, we are more than just immigration consultants — we are your trusted partners in making your short-term work plans in Australia a success. With experience, transparency, and a proven track record, we guide you through every step of the Subclass 400 visa process.
Affordable Processing Fees
We offer fair and transparent pricing, ensuring you get expert guidance without unnecessary costs.
Seven Days a Week Support
Our team is available 7 days a week to answer your queries and provide guidance throughout your visa journey.
End-to-End Assistance
From eligibility assessment to document preparation, application lodgement, and post-arrival guidance, we handle the entire process for you.
No Visa, No Fee
You only pay when your visa is granted. If your application is unsuccessful, there is no charge, giving you peace of mind.
Complementary Services
Beyond visa applications, we provide services such as job assistance, resume guidance, and post-arrival support to help you settle in Australia seamlessly.
High Success Rate
With years of experience in short-term specialist visas, we maximize your chances of approval.
Tailored Solutions
We create customised strategies that match your specialist skills with employer needs, ensuring a smooth visa process.
Book your consultation today and let Apical Immigration Experts manage your Subclass 400 visa application while you focus on your specialist work in Australia.
FAQs: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa Subclass 400
It allows skilled specialists to enter Australia temporarily to perform short-term, non-ongoing, highly specialised work.
The visa generally permits stays of up to 3 months, and in special cases up to 6 months.
Yes, eligible family members can be included, but they must meet health and character requirements and have financial support arrangements.
Yes, in most cases you need an invitation or support from an Australian business or organisation requesting your expertise.
No, this visa is designed for short-term purposes and cannot usually be extended. A new visa application would be required if further stay is needed.
Sumit Katyal
