400 Visa – Temporary Work Visa

The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is an Australian visa designed for short-term, highly specialized work. This visa allows individuals to enter Australia temporarily to undertake work that is highly specialized, non-ongoing, and typically not available in the Australian labour market.

Visa Subclass	Description	Duration	Key Features
Subclass 400	Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa	Up to 3 months (up to 6 months in exceptional cases)	For short-term, highly specialized, non-ongoing work.
Subclass 482	Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa	Up to 2 years (Short-Term Stream), Up to 4 years (Medium-Term Stream)	Allows employers to address labor shortages by bringing in skilled workers from overseas.
Subclass 407	Training Visa	Up to 2 years	For occupational training or professional development.
Subclass 403	Temporary Work (International Relations) Visa	Varies based on stream	For individuals entering under international agreements or to promote international relations.
Subclass 408	Temporary Activity Visa	Up to 2 years	For participation in specific short-term activities.
Subclass 485	Temporary Graduate Visa	18 months to 4 years	For recent graduates from Australian educational institutions.
Subclass 417	Working Holiday Visa	Up to 12 months	For young people from eligible countries who want to holiday and work in Australia.
Subclass 462	Work and Holiday Visa	Up to 12 months	Similar to Subclass 417 but for young people from different eligible countries.
Subclass 457	Temporary Work (Skilled) Visa	Up to 4 years	Allowed skilled workers to work for an approved business. (Replaced by Subclass 482)

See our other guides on: 482 TSS Visa, 407 Training Visa, Working Holiday 417 Visa and Work And Holiday 462 Visa

Key Features of the 400 Visa:

The visa can be granted with single or multiple entries, allowing the visa holder to leave and re-enter Australia during the validity period of the visa.

Short-Term Stay:

The visa is generally granted for a period of up to 3 months. In some cases, it can be extended to six months if a strong business case is provided.

Highly Specialized Work:

The visa is intended for individuals who possess specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that is not readily available in Australia. This could include technical, scientific, engineering, or other professional expertise.

Non-Ongoing Work:

The work must be non-ongoing in nature, meaning it is project-based or for a specific task that does not have a long-term requirement.

Multiple Entries:

The visa can be granted with single or multiple entries, allowing the visa holder to leave and re-enter Australia during the validity period of the visa.

Who can apply for the Short Stay Specialist Visa (subclass 400)?

To be eligible to apply for the Short Stay Specialist visa you must

• Have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can help Australian business and can’t reasonably be found in Australia
• Only do the work or activities for which your visa was granted
• Have a genuine intention to stay in Australia temporarily to do the short-term work with no possibility of continuation 
• Be able to support yourself and any dependants included in your application.

Please check the Department of Home Affairs for the details of the eligibility listed above. 

How long can I stay with a Short Stay Specialist visa 400?

You can stay in Australia for up to 6 months depending on the circumstances. Generally, for a stay period longer than 3 months, a strong business case must be provided with the application.

400 Visa Cost

The base cost for the visa starts from AUD 405.

Additional costs may apply for:

• Additional applicants aged 18 and over
• Additional applicants under 18

You may be exempt from paying the application charge if you are:

• Coming to Australia as a representative of a foreign government
• Listed in a legislative instrument (your inviting organization will inform you if this applies to you).

Can my family members apply with me?

Your family members can apply with you for a Short Stay Specialist visa if they are:

• your spouse or de facto partner
• your child or your partner’s child aged under 18 years
• Your adult dependent child or your partner’s adult dependent child aged 18 to 23 years 
• Your adult child or your partner’s adult child aged 18 to 23 years dependent on you or your partner due to a partial or total physical or mental disability
• Your grandchild or your partner’s grandchild.

Any family members included in your application are not permitted to work or study in Australia, except to do a language training program. You must be able to show that you and your family have enough means to support yourselves while in Australia. 

Can I travel overseas with a Short Stay Specialist Visa 400?

The visa is granted with either:

• Single entry – if you leave Australia, you can’t re-enter Australia on the visa, or
• Multiple entry – you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid.

The period of stay you were granted starts on the date you first enter Australia. If you are granted a single entry visa, you will only be allowed to enter Australia once. You will need to apply for a new visa if you want to return to Australia after you leave. 

If you are granted a multiple-entry visa you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you want while the visa is valid. The time you spend outside Australia does not extend the visa.

When should I apply for the Short Stay Specialist Visa 400?

You must be outside Australia when you apply for the visa and the Department of Home Affairs decides on your application.  

How to apply for a Short Stay Specialist Visa 400?

Applications can be made online at the Department of Home Affairs. Have all your documents ready to complete the application and payment to ensure you visa application is valid. You have to submit color scanned copies or photocopies of your documents including

• Passport photo page
• letter of invitation, job offer or employment contract from an Australian organisation
• Documents showing that you can support yourself and any family you bring to Australia
• Police certificate if required by the Department
• Documents for partner and children.

If you are interested in this visa, we offer a free quick assessment. You can contact us for assistance with your application.