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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.

️ 🧮 Check My Eligibility

🔎 Visa Snapshot Block

Type: Temporary Visa

Pathway to PR: No direct pathway to Permanent Residency (PR

Points Test Required: Not applicable

State Nomination Required: Not Required​

Processing Time: 1 to 3 months

Family Inclusion: Yes, family members can be included if they meet the visa criteria

Common Use: For individuals coming to Australia to undertake short-term, highly specialized work 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

âś… 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

đź“Ą Download Eligibility Checklist

🧭 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

đź“Ą Download Full Subclass 400 Checklist

đź’° Visa Fees & Processing Times

TypeDetails
🪪 Visa Fees:Primary Applicant: AUD 1,300 - AUD 2,200
đź‘Ą 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.  

Specialized Work Guide
Specialized Work Guide
Discover
Eligibility Checklist
Eligibility Checklist
Discover
Document Preparation Guide
Document Preparation Guide
Discover

âť“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. 

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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.