Subclass 400 Visa Temporary Work Visa Complete Guide
The Subclass 400 visa, officially called the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, allows eligible applicants to come to Australia for short-term, highly specialised and non-ongoing work. It is suitable when a person has specialist skills, knowledge, or experience that are not reasonably available in the Australian labour market.
Australian businesses commonly use this temporary work visa for urgent projects, technical work, specialist installations, professional assignments, business-critical tasks and short-term work that requires overseas expertise.
What Is the Subclass 400 Visa?
The Subclass 400 visa allows people to enter Australia temporarily to perform highly specialised work. Unlike long-term employer-sponsored visas, the 400 visa does not support ongoing employment. It usually suits temporary, clearly defined work that a specialist can complete within a short period.
For example, an Australian business may bring in an overseas specialist to install machinery, provide technical training, repair specialised equipment, assist with a short project, or deliver expertise that the local market cannot easily supply.
In simple terms, applicants should use the Subclass 400 temporary work visa for short-term specialist work, not general employment.
Who Should Consider the 400 Visa?
The 400 visa may suit workers, contractors, or specialists who need to travel to Australia for a specific short-term work purpose.
You may consider the Subclass 400 visa if:
- you have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience;
- an Australian business needs your expertise for a short period;
- the role does not involve ongoing work;
- an Australian worker cannot reasonably complete the work;
- you have a clear work plan, timeline, and purpose;
- you will only perform the work approved under the visa.
Australian businesses often use this visa for engineers, technicians, IT specialists, machinery installers, project consultants, specialist trainers, and other professionals involved in short-term specialist assignments.
Subclass 400 Visa Stay Period
The Department may grant a Subclass 400 visa for up to 6 months, depending on the applicant’s circumstances and the purpose of the work. However, if you request a stay longer than 3 months, you should provide a strong business case that clearly explains why the extra time is necessary.
Importantly, your stay period starts when you first arrive in Australia. Even if your 400 visa allows multiple entries, leaving Australia and returning later will not restart your stay period.
Therefore, you should plan your work timeline carefully before you travel. You cannot extend a Subclass 400 visa in Australia, so if you need to stay longer, you should consider other visa options before your visa expires.
Subclass 400 Visa Requirements
To qualify for a Subclass 400 temporary work visa, you usually need to show that your work in Australia will remain short-term, highly specialised and non-ongoing.
In addition, the Department of Home Affairs generally expects you to show that you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can assist an Australian business. You should also explain why the Australian labour market cannot reasonably supply those skills and why you will only use them for non-ongoing work.
You may need to prove:
- your qualifications;
- your work experience;
- your current employment;
- your specialist skills;
- why the work needs to take place in Australia;
- why the work will only continue for a short period;
- why an Australian worker cannot reasonably complete the role;
- your financial capacity;
- your genuine intention to stay temporarily.
Finally, the Australian business or overseas employer may also need to show that the proposed work will not negatively affect employment or training opportunities for Australian citizens or permanent residents.
What Does “Highly Specialised Work” Mean for a 400 Visa?
For a Subclass 400 visa, highly specialised work usually requires specific technical knowledge, advanced experience, or niche expertise.
However, holding a regular overseas job does not usually prove highly specialised work. Instead, the applicant should explain why their skills are specialised, why the Australian business needs their expertise in Australia, and why local workers cannot reasonably complete the role.
For example, a strong case may involve:
- installing or repairing specialised machinery;
- providing technical expertise for a short project;
- training Australian staff on a unique system;
- completing specialist testing or commissioning;
- supporting a one-off business-critical task;
- sharing knowledge linked to proprietary technology.
In contrast, a weak case may involve general labour, ordinary office work, routine hospitality work, or a role that looks like ongoing employment.
Is the Subclass 400 Visa the Same as a Visitor Visa?
No. A Subclass 400 visa is different from a visitor visa.
A visitor visa is generally for tourism, visiting family, or limited business visitor activities. A visitor visa or ETA does not allow a person to work in Australia.
If your purpose is to perform short-term specialist work for an Australian business, the Subclass 400 temporary work visa may be more appropriate than a visitor visa.
Choosing the wrong visa can create problems at the border, during the application process, or in future visa applications.
Can You Apply for a Subclass 400 Visa From Australia?
No. You must apply for the Subclass 400 visa while you are outside Australia.
Therefore, someone who already holds a Visitor visa, Student visa or another Australian visa cannot simply lodge a Subclass 400 application from within Australia. Home Affairs also states that the Subclass 400 cannot be extended in Australia.
If your circumstances change while you are already in Australia, you should assess whether another visa pathway may be available rather than assuming the Subclass 400 will solve the issue.
Subclass 400 Visa Document Checklist
You should prepare a strong 400 visa application with clear, organised and relevant evidence.
Common documents may include:
- passport copy;
- passport photo;
- current employment letter;
- resume or CV;
- qualifications and licences;
- evidence of specialist skills;
- invitation letter from the Australian business;
- employment contract or service agreement;
- project description;
- work schedule and timeline;
- explanation of why the Australian business needs the applicant in Australia;
- evidence showing that the work will remain short-term and non-ongoing;
- proof of financial capacity;
- health insurance evidence;
- family documents if you include family members.
Most importantly, the invitation or support letter should clearly explain the nature of the work, the work location, the expected dates, the applicant’s duties and why the Australian business needs the applicant’s specialist skills.
Can Family Members Be Included in a Subclass 400 Visa?
Yes, you can include eligible family members in a Subclass 400 visa application when you lodge it. However, the Department generally does not allow accompanying family members to work or study in Australia, except for limited language training.
In addition, both the main applicant and each family member must meet the relevant health and character requirements. Therefore, if your family members plan to travel with you, you should prepare their documents carefully to avoid unnecessary delays.
Subclass 400 Visa Cost
The visa application charge can change from time to time. The Department of Home Affairs recommends using the official Visa Pricing Estimator to check current visa costs.
As a guide, migration fee updates published after 1 July 2026 reported the Subclass 400 visa main applicant charge as AUD $535, with separate charges for additional applicants. Always confirm the current fee before lodging because government charges can change.
Important Tip for 400 Visa Applicants
Do not make the application look like ongoing employment.
The Subclass 400 visa is for short-term, highly specialised and non-ongoing work. If the Department believes the role is actually ongoing, ordinary employment, or a way to avoid a longer-term work visa, the application may face problems.
A strong application should clearly answer three questions:
- What makes the proposed work highly specialised?
- How does this applicant’s expertise meet the Australian business’s specific needs?
- Which evidence shows that the assignment will remain short-term and non-ongoing?
If these answers are unclear, it may be better to seek legal advice before lodging.
Subclass 400 Visa vs 482 Visa
The Subclass 400 visa is for short-term, highly specialised and non-ongoing work.
The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa is more suitable for longer-term skilled employment with an approved employer sponsor.
If the role is ongoing, full-time, and part of the business’s long-term workforce needs, a 482 visa may be more appropriate than a 400 visa.
Does the 400 Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
The Subclass 400 visa does not directly lead to permanent residency.
However, it may form part of a broader migration strategy if the applicant later becomes eligible for another visa, such as an employer-sponsored visa, skilled visa, or partner visa.
For example, if an Australian employer later wants to offer ongoing employment, the worker may need to consider a longer-term visa, such as the 482 visa or a permanent employer-sponsored pathway.
Can You Work for Any Employer on a Subclass 400 Visa?
No. A Subclass 400 visa holder must only do the work or activities for which the visa was granted.
This means you should not use a 400 visa to enter Australia and then work for a different employer or perform unrelated duties.
Doing work outside the approved purpose can create serious visa compliance issues.
Workplace Rights on a Temporary Work Visa
Workers in Australia, including visa holders with permission to work, have workplace rights under Australian law.
The Fair Work Ombudsman also confirms that workplace laws generally apply equally to visa holders and migrant workers in Australia.
This means employers should take workplace obligations seriously, including wages, conditions and lawful treatment of workers.
How Emigrate Lawyers Can Help With a Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa
Emigrate Lawyers can assist applicants, employers, and businesses with Subclass 400 visa matters by reviewing eligibility, preparing documents, and identifying legal risks before lodgement.
Our team can help with:
- assessing whether the 400 visa is the right option;
- reviewing the proposed work and stay period;
- preparing a strong business support letter;
- explaining why the work is highly specialised;
- organising evidence of skills and experience;
- addressing Department concerns;
- advising on alternative visas such as 482, 407, or 408;
- assisting with complex or urgent temporary work visa matters.
For businesses, getting the visa strategy right from the beginning can reduce avoidable delays and help ensure the worker enters Australia for the correct purpose.
FAQs
Q1. What is the difference between visa 400 and 482?
A- The Subclass 400 visa is for short-term, highly specialised and non-ongoing work in Australia, while the Subclass 482 visa is for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer to fill a position they cannot source locally. The 400 visa is usually for temporary specialist projects, whereas the 482 visa is more suitable for longer-term skilled employment.
Q2. How long is a 400 visa valid for?
A- A Subclass 400 visa can allow a stay in Australia for up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances of the application. The exact stay period, entry conditions and visa validity will be stated in the visa grant letter.
Q3. Which is better, 407 or 482 visa?
A- The 407 visa is better if the main purpose is structured workplace training or professional development, while the 482 visa is better for sponsored skilled employment. For long-term work and possible PR planning, the 482 visa is usually more suitable than a 407 visa.
Q4. How many years from 482 to PR?
A- Many Subclass 482 visa holders may become eligible for the Subclass 186 Temporary Residence Transition stream after at least 2 years of eligible sponsored employment, if they meet all visa and nomination requirements. PR is not automatic, so the applicant and employer must still satisfy the relevant criteria.
Final Thoughts
The Subclass 400 visa can be a useful option for businesses that need overseas specialists to complete short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. However, this temporary work visa is not suitable for ordinary employment, ongoing roles, or long-term workforce planning.
If you need help with a 400 visa, Subclass 400 application, or temporary work visa strategy, contact Emigrate Lawyers for professional legal guidance. Our team can help you assess your options, prepare strong supporting documents, and choose the right pathway for your Australian work visa matter.
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