Australia•Oceania7-21 days
430 AUD
3 months
No
Required
Not Specified
No
Not Required
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa.
The Subclass 400 is an Australian visa for overseas specialists needed for short-term, non-ongoing work that cannot be filled locally. It covers urgent, specialised tasks — installing proprietary machinery, expert consultancy, or emergency repairs — sitting between a visitor visa and longer employer-sponsored visas.
Standard grants are up to 3 months (90 days); a strong business case is required for stays up to 6 months. Processing typically takes 1–3 weeks at a cost of AUD 430. The visa is not renewable and offers no pathway to permanent residence. Family members may be included in the application.
This visa is ideal for foreign technicians, engineers, or consultants with a short-term, time-sensitive project at an Australian business who need work authorisation quickly.
| Initial grant | 3 months |
Work must be highly specialised and not ongoing
Work must not have adverse consequences for the employment or training of Australians
Must possess relevant skills, qualifications, or experience for the specialised activities
Must satisfy Australian health requirements
Must satisfy character requirements
Must hold adequate health insurance for the duration of stay
Must have the support of an Australian organization or employer (though formal sponsorship is not required)
Job Offer
Required
Valid passport
Evidence of specialised skills, qualifications, and relevant experience
Letter of support or contract from the inviting Australian organization or employer
Employment contract or statement of activities for the short-term work
Proof of adequate health insurance
Health examination results (if requested by the department)
Police clearance certificates (if requested)
| Application Steps | Obtain a letter of support or contract from an Australian business or organization; Gather supportin… | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Fee Breakdown | Base application charge: 430 AUD | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Fees | AUD 430 | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Forms | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Included Nationalities | — | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Job Offer Required | true | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Official Info | https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/temporary-work-400 | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
| Max Stay | Up to 6 months (generally up to 3 months; a strong business case is required for stays longer than 3… | immi.homeaffairs.gov.au |
Let's check your eligibility against published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.
Check Eligibility