Short-Term Specialist Work Visa for Australia
Visa Overview
The Subclass 400 visa is designed for highly specialized workers who need to:
- Perform short-term, non-ongoing work in Australia
- Participate in specific events or projects
- Provide specialist skills not available locally
Key Features:
✔ Very fast processing
✔ Stay up to 3 months (6 months in exceptional cases)
✔ No sponsorship required
✔ Single or multiple entries available
✔ Bring family members in some circumstances
Eligibility Criteria:
Applicant Requirements:
- Must demonstrate specialist skills, knowledge or experience
- Work must be:
- Highly specialized and
- Non-ongoing (temporary only) and
- Of benefit to Australia
- Must have genuine intention to stay temporarily
- Must meet health and character requirements
Work Requirements:
- Cannot fill an ongoing position
- Must not be working for an Australian labour hire company
- Must not be doing work readily available in Australia
Application Process
- Document Preparation:
- Evidence of specialist qualifications/experience
- Detailed work itinerary
- Invitation/contract from Australian organization
- Proof the work can’t be done by an Australian
- Online Application:
- Apply through ImmiAccount
- Pay application fee
How Immigrad Can Help
Our registered migration agents assist with:
✅ Eligibility assessment against legislative requirements
✅ Strong case preparation demonstrating specialist skills
✅ Document checklist tailored to your situation
✅ Application lodgement and follow-up
Important Considerations
⚠️ Not for ongoing work – For longer engagements, consider the 482 Skills in Demand (SID) visa
⚠️ No pathway to PR – Purely temporary visa
⚠️ Strict conditions – Must comply with visa conditions
Official Resources:
Home Affairs – Subclass 400
Migration Regulations – Part 400
Need specialist visa assistance?
Note: Immigration regulations change frequently. While we maintain current knowledge, we recommend verifying information with the Department of Home Affairs or consulting a registered migration agent.
Frequently asked questions
What is a subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa?
The subclass 400 lets a person come to Australia to do short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work. The Department of Home Affairs describes it as suitable where the applicant has specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia. It is not a general work visa and cannot be used to fill an ongoing position.
How long can you stay on a subclass 400 visa?
The Department can grant a subclass 400 visa for up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances. For a stay period longer than 3 months a strong business case generally has to be provided with the application. The stay period starts on arrival and does not restart on each trip, and the visa cannot be extended.
How much does a subclass 400 visa cost?
The visa application charge starts from AUD535.00, as published by the Department of Home Affairs and checked on 18 September 2026. Exemptions may apply in limited circumstances. Additional applicant charges apply for accompanying family members where they are eligible to be included.
Does a subclass 400 visa need an employer sponsor?
There is no approved sponsorship or nomination stage as there is for a subclass 482 or 407. The Australian business does, however, need to supply a supporting letter setting out the specialised work, why it cannot readily be done by someone already in Australia, and how long it will take. In practice the business carries most of the evidentiary weight.
Can a subclass 400 visa be applied for from inside Australia?
No. The Department states that this visa cannot be applied for in Australia, and a subclass 400 holder cannot extend their stay by applying for another one onshore. Work that turns out to be longer or more ongoing than expected usually needs a different visa, which is worth identifying before the person travels.
What is the difference between a subclass 400 and a subclass 482 visa?
A subclass 400 covers brief, highly specialised, non-ongoing work with no sponsorship approval stage. A subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa covers ongoing employment in a nominated skilled occupation and requires an approved sponsor and nomination. Using a 400 for what is really ongoing work is a common compliance risk for employers.
Related Immigrad pages
- Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa
- Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa
- Employer sponsored visas overview
- Sponsoring an employee in Australia, a guide
This page is general information only and is current as at 18 September 2026. It is not personal migration advice. Fees, criteria and processing times published by the Department of Home Affairs change. Complex circumstances need personal advice from a registered migration agent. Immigrad is operated by Oceans Consultancy Pty Ltd; Gaurav Duggal, MARN 1805710.