Temporary Work Visa

Need a short-term work visa? The Subclass 400 Visa could be right for you

With countless opportunities for work in Australia, many individuals across the globe are considering a move down under. However, unique circumstances require unique processes. If you are a skilled individual whose expertise is required, a temporary employment visa (Subclass 400) could simplify your immigration journey.

 What is the Subclass 400 Visa?

The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is a short-term visa that allows skilled individuals to enter Australia for non-ongoing work or activities that require specialised knowledge or expertise. It is intended for professionals who are invited to undertake highly specialised work or to participate in projects that are not readily filled by the local labour market. 

The Temporary Work – Short Stay Specialist (Subclass 400) Visa allows you to come to Australia for a short -term, usually three months, to complete highly specialised non-ongoing work. In some cases, the visa can be approved for up to six months if there is a strong business need. This visa allow Australian businesses to contract international specialists to complete highly specialised, short-term projects.

When is the 400 Visa the best option?

The temporary employment visa (Subclass 400) is ideal when there is a genuine need for short-term, highly skilled work that cannot be delayed. It is the best option when a business requires urgent support from overseas experts — such as a one-off project, specialist consultation or when work is of a short, fixed duration that won’t lead to ongoing employment in Australia. It’s particularly suitable when the timing is critical, and a longer-term visa is unnecessary or not practical.

Who typically uses this temporary employment visa?

It is commonly used by overseas professionals, contractors and specialists in fields such as engineering, IT, construction, defence and technical consultancy. Australian companies often sponsor overseas workers under this visa when they need immediate access to niche skills for short-term assignments.

Depending on the industry, it is also used for activities such as equipment installation, conducting audits or providing specialised training that is not available locally.

Why choose the immigration gurus for your 400 Visa

  • Hundreds of successful 400 Visas processed
  • Quality, up to date advice on 400 regulations
  • Upfront expectations and assessment
  • High success rate for 400 Visa approvals
  • Upfront fixed fee pricing

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How does the Temporary Work – Short Stay (400) Visa work?

A Subclass 400 Visa allows you to carry out short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work within Australia. In limited circumstances, you can participate in an activity or work relating to Australia’s interests. You can include and bring your family with you. Usually, you will need to be invited or sponsored by an Australian business or organisation and to show that the work you will be completing is specialised and non-ongoing. You will need to demonstrate that you have the qualification and experience to complete the specialised work. You will usually need to demonstrate that the activity is likely to be completed within 3 months. A stay of up to 6 months may be considered where there is a strong business case. The scope of what the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) will accept as Specialised Work is considered on a case by case basis and can cover a broad range of projects.

Subclass 400 Visa requirements — are you eligible?

To ensure a smooth and successful Subclass 400 Visa experience, it’s important to provide accurate and complete applications. 
  • Be older than 18 years
  • Apply from outside of Australia
  • Have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that are not generally available in Australia
  • Prove that you are required to work in Australia.
  • Demonstrate a financial capacity to support yourself during the project.
  • Only work on the project for which the Visa is granted
  • Meet the health and character requirements.

What documents do you need for a successful application?

While specific requirements may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the nature of the work, you’ll typically need the following:

  • A valid passport 
  • A detailed employment or invitation letter
  • Evidence of your specialised skills or expertise (CV, qualifications, licences, references and proof of previous experience in your field)
  • Travel itinerary (entry and exit dates) 

How the 400 Visa application process works with us

  • Step 1 — Book your consultation

You start with a personalised consultation with one of our registered migration agents. We’ll assess your situation, discuss your goals and confirm if the Subclass 400 Visa is the right fit for your needs. During this stage, we’ll also outline the required documentation and timeframes.

  • Step 2 — We handle your visa strategy and submission

Once we’ve confirmed your eligibility, our team will craft a tailored visa strategy that supports your short-term work goals in Australia. We’ll also prepare and lodge your application, ensuring all paperwork is complete, compliant and presented in the strongest possible way.

  •  Step 3 — Ongoing support until decision

After submission, we continue to monitor your application and communicate with the Department on your behalf. If additional information is requested, we’ll help you respond quickly and accurately. From start to finish, you’ll have ongoing support and peace of mind until a decision is made.

Ready to apply for a Subclass 400 Visa? Let’s get started today

Have your Subclass 400 Visa application managed by the expert team at Immigration Gurus. We specialise in preparing and submitting visa applications across various subclasses, including 400, 186, 187 and 190. Contact us today for a consultation.

The 400 Visa has two main streams

The Highly Specialised Work Stream

Allows you to work for 3 months, on a highly specialised non-ongoing project.

Australia's Interests Stream

Lets you do highly specialised work in compelling circumstances that are affecting Australia’s interests such as major disasters or emergencies.

Find the right Visa pathway for you

Partner

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Student

Study in Australia

Worker

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Family

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Skilled

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Business
Owner

Sponsor a valued worker

What our clients say

“Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! I was very satisfied with your work, you provided accurate advice and got me on the right student pathway. Now I am working full time in Australia and it is all thanks to you! When I need help for a visa again, I will come to the Immigration Gurus.”

ShunsukeJapan

“The Immigration Gurus are reliable, effective and helped us to get our partner visa. They closely followed our case which made us feel they were very professional and made us feel relieved. They always updated our case situation and progress. If someone is looking for a good quality immigration consultation service, we have no doubt to recommend the Immigration Gurus to them. We are very happy that we chose them.”

ZoeHong Kong

“The Immigration Gurus were fantastic in helping me obtain the right visa. The team were very organised and professional during the application process and made sure that I was given the best chance of success. Their expert advice gave me confidence from the lodgement date until my visa was granted. I would highly recommend the Immigration Gurus to anyone looking for top quality immigration advice.”

JuliaUSA

“The Immigration Gurus made the journey to permanent residency a breeze. Because I work and live in a remote area of Australia, I haven’t had the chance to meet the Guru team in person yet. However, the support and effort they provided during my immigration application was much appreciated. I highly recommend their services.”

GurpreetIndia

“The Immigration Gurus were always kind, fast and precise in answering our questions... they helped my partner and I in obtaining a student visa. Ask for their help and you will not regret it!”

ElisaItaly

“The Immigration Gurus made me feel comfortable asking questions and when the government changed the rules during my application, they bent over backwards to help me and my partner get our submission in. I appreciate everything the Gurus did, thanks for helping us get our de-facto partnership visa!”

RachelUSA

“Thank you so much to the Immigration Guru team, you are all such genuine, professional and approachable individuals. We had a great feeling about Nat and his team and we weren't disappointed, they guided us all the way. I will definitely be recommending you to everyone!”

EmiliaUK

“Thank you Immigration Gurus for making the whole visa process so simple. Everything was explained thoroughly, meaning all we really had to was tick the right boxes and wait for the visa to be approved! We would be happy to recommend the Gurus to anyone in the future! Big thumbs up!”

MandyUK

“The Immigration Gurus are great! They helped me not only for my visa, but also for every other issues as well. Thank you for your help, I will see you for my next visa!”

AllesandroItaly

“I can't express my gratitude in words, you handled my case with great professionalism. Due to a bad turn of events my visa was cancelled and I faced loosing all that I had here in Australia, you assured me from the start and were able to turn around the decision. I am now a citizen of Australia and am working toward building my own business and starting my family. Thank you very much!”

KuldeepIndia

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FAQs

Who is eligible for a 400 Visa for Australia?

The Subclass 400 Visa is suitable for highly skilled individuals who are invited to Australia to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work. To be eligible, you must have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that is not readily available in Australia. You must also be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted.

How long does the Subclass 400 Visa last?

The 400 Visa generally allows you to stay in Australia for up to three months. In some cases, stays of up to six months may be granted if there is a strong business case and the work is critical to the Australian industry.

Can I extend a 400 Visa once I’m in Australia?

No, the Subclass 400 Visa cannot be extended. If you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a new visa that suits your circumstances. It’s best to consult a migration agent, like the expert team at Immigration Gurus, before your current visa expires to explore your options.

How quickly can I get a Subclass 400 Visa approved?

Processing times for the 400 Visa can vary depending on your circumstances and the completeness of your application. However, many applications are processed within 14 to 21 days. If a strong business case is provided, urgent cases may be expedited.