Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, Subclass 400, offers a pathway for individuals with highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience to engage in short-term, specialised work in Australia. This visa also extends the possibility to bring family members along, although they are not permitted to work or study in Australia, except for specific circumstances, such as participating in a language training program.
Under this visa category, you can engage in highly specialised job roles that require your exceptional expertise. To qualify for this visa, your prospective employer must provide a contract or a letter of offer confirming the nature and duration of your employment.
How long you can stay
The Subclass 400 visa is temporary and allows you to stay in Australia for up to 6 months, depending on the specific circumstances of your work engagement. You must enter Australia within 6 months of visa grant, as indicated in your visa grant letter. Your stay period commences upon your initial arrival and does not reset with subsequent entries.
Stay longer
This visa cannot be extended. If you require additional time in Australia, you must explore other visa options.
Include family
You have the option to include family members in your visa application, provided they meet health and character requirements. Family members under this visa category are not allowed to work or study in Australia. It is your responsibility to demonstrate that you and your family have adequate means to support yourselves during your stay.
The application cost for the main applicant is AUD405.00. However, you may be exempt from this charge if you are acting as a representative of a foreign government or if you are listed in a legislative instrument. Additional charges apply for each family member included in the application. Other costs, such as health checks, police certificates, and biometrics, may also be applicable.
Applicants must be outside Australia at the time of application submission and during the decision-making process.
The processing times for this visa are as follows:
25% of applications: 6 Days
50% of applications: 12 Days
75% of applications: 19 Days
90% of applications: 34 Days
Delays in processing may occur if the application is not filled out accurately, if required documents are missing, or if additional information is requested. Failure to pay the correct visa application charge may also lead to processing delays.
Your obligations
Both the primary visa holder and their family members must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. The specific visa conditions may include restrictions on work, work limitations, compliance with behavioral expectations, and a “no further stay” condition.
Adequate health insurance
It is strongly recommended to have health insurance covering unforeseen medical expenses during your stay in Australia. The responsibility for healthcare costs in Australia lies with the individual. In certain cases, reciprocal healthcare agreements between countries and Australia may provide limited coverage.
Travel
The visa can be granted with either a single entry or multiple entries. A single entry visa allows for a one-time entry to Australia, and you must apply for a new visa if you intend to return. Multiple entry visas permit multiple entries within the visa’s validity period, but each entry does not reset the original stay period.
Visa label
Visa labels are not issued for this visa type; instead, the visa is digitally linked to your passport.
To be eligible for the Subclass 400 visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
Highly Specialised Skills: You must possess highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that can benefit Australian businesses, are not readily available in the Australian labor market, and are non-ongoing (likely to be completed within 6 months or less).
Work outside Entertainment Industry: The Subclass 400 visa is not intended for individuals in the entertainment industry, such as performers or production personnel for events in Australia. Different visa categories apply to such activities.
Financial Support: You and your family members must demonstrate adequate financial means to support yourselves during your stay in Australia.
Genuine Visitor: Your intention must align with a temporary visit to Australia for the purposes specified in the visa application.
Visa History: Your immigration history is considered when applying for this visa, and previous visa cancellations or refusals may impact your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, family members can be included in the application, but they are not permitted to work or study in Australia. Adequate financial support for the entire family must be demonstrated.
Unfortunately, this visa cannot be extended. If you need more time in Australia, you should explore alternative visa options.
The Subclass 400 visa is intended for individuals with highly specialised skills to engage in non-ongoing work that is not available in the Australian labor market.
Yes, you can travel to and from Australia for 5 years after receiving the visa. After this period, you will need a Resident Return Visa (RRV) to re-enter Australia as a permanent resident.
No, if your work involves the Australian entertainment industry, you should consider the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) – Entertainment.
Family members included in the application must meet the health and character requirements, just like the primary visa holder.
Your immigration history is considered, and previous visa cancellations or refusals may impact your eligibility for this visa.
Currently, there are no frequently asked questions available for the Aged Dependent Relative Visa (Subclass 114).