Subclass 400 - Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa
This visa is for individuals who wish to come to Australia to undertake short-term specialized work. Ideal for professionals and experts in specific fields.
🧭 Visa Overview & PR Benefits
The Subclass 400 Visa allows individuals to come to Australia for highly specialized work that is temporary in nature. This visa is ideal for professionals who do not seek permanent residency but need to come to Australia for a short-term project, business activity, or other specialized roles.
Work rights for a specified period of time (typically up to 3 months)
Access to Medicare (if specific work conditions are met)
No direct pathway to Permanent Residency but offers the flexibility to stay temporarily while contributing professional skills
Family inclusion is allowed for eligible dependents
Why Apply for Subclass 400?
Family inclusion allowed for eligible applicants
Ideal for individuals undertaking short-term specialized work in Australia
Work rights for a limited period, without leading to permanent residency
The visa is for applicants with unique skills in fields like business, research, or sports
✅ Eligibility Criteria & Points Test
Applicants for the Subclass 400 Visa must meet the following criteria:
Age: No specific age limit
Health & Character: Must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Department of Home Affairs
Specialized Work: The work you plan to do must be specialized and short-term
English Proficiency: May be required depending on the nature of the work nding on the activity type (e.g., work)
Family Members: Eligible family members can be included in the application if they meet the visa conditions
🧭 Step-by-Step Guide for Subclass 400
1
Check eligibility for the Subclass 400 Visa
2
Prepare documents, including proof of specialized work, health checks, and sponsorship (if required)
3
Submit the application to the Department of Home Affairs
4
Complete health and character checks
5
Wait for the visa decision
6
Enter Australia and begin your approved activity
Common Mistakes & Tips
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Incomplete documentation, such as missing sponsorship letters or unclear descriptions of the specialized work
Expired health checks or police clearances
Incorrect job descriptions or ANZSCO codes
Failure to provide clear details of the temporary work being undertaken
Tips for Strong Application
Confirm eligibility with a registered migration agent
Ensure all documents are submitted upfront
Double-check all evidence before submitting
Ensure health checks and police clearances are valid
Family Members You Can Include
Family Members
Spouse / de facto partner
Dependent Children under 18
Children over 18 (if financially dependent)
Adopted or declared dependents
Must be declared at time of application
Post-Visa Benefits
Once visa granted, you and your family can :
Full work rights (conditions apply)
Access to Medicare
Eligibility for Permanent Residency or citizenship under other visa streams in the future
Freedom to live anywhere in Australia while on the visa
Required Documents What You’ll Need
Here are the documents required for the Subclass 400 Visa application
Primary Applicant
Passport Copy
Health and character documents
English language test results (if required)
Proof of specialized work (e.g., contract or work letter)
Sponsorship letter (if applicable)
Police check
Health check
Partner / Dependents
Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, de facto relationship evidence)
Health and character documents
💰 Visa Fees & Processing Times
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| 🪪 Visa Fees: | Primary Applicant: AUD 1,300 - AUD 2,200 |
| 👥 Additional Family Members: | AUD 1,000 - AUD 2,000 (depending on age and relationship) |
| ⏳ Processing Time: | Subclass 400: Typically 1–3 months, depending on the documentation and stream |
🧰 Tools & Downloads
Discover free tools to help you plan, prepare, and lodge your visa with confidence — including points calculators, checklists, and EOI planners built for Subclass 400 applicants.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
The Subclass 400 Visa is typically granted for up to 3 months, depending on the specialized activity.
Yes, you can apply for the Subclass 400 Visa from within Australia, provided you meet all eligibility criteria.
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your Subclass 400 application.
📞 Book a Free Consultation with a Migration Expert
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Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not guarantee visa approval. All visa applications are subject to the discretion of the Australian Department of Home Affairs. For personalized guidance, please contact a registered migration agent at Visa Advisor.