Complete specialist work projects or assignments in Australia under a short-term temporary visa.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
(Subclass 400) Visa
Work in Australia temporarily for highly specialised short-term assignments.
The Subclass 400 visa is a short-term work visa designed for individuals who will undertake highly-specialised, non-ongoing work or projects in Australia. This visa is suitable for specialists, experts, or professionals required by businesses needing short-term expertise that cannot reasonably be sourced in Australia.
Important: This visa is strictly for temporary work — it does not grant permanent residency or long-term work rights.
Who is Subclass 400 for and What Kind of Work Qualifies
You may apply if:
You have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that are not readily available in Australia; and
The work is project-based, non-ongoing, and time-limited, such as equipment installation, technical consulting, disaster response, or other short-term specialised tasks; and
The work or project cannot be reasonably filled by local Australian-based skilled workers.
Your work must be clearly defined, with documented scope, duration, and justification for overseas expertise.
Duration of Stay
Typical stay: up to 3 months
Possible extension to up to 6 months — but only in cases where a strong, compelling business case is provided (justifying the need for a longer stay)
Eligibility & Requirements
To qualify for Subclass 400, you must meet the following criteria:
Demonstrate specialised skills, knowledge or experience relevant to the work/project, which cannot be reasonably filled by Australian workers
Show that the work is short-term and non-ongoing (project-based)
Provide evidence of adequate financial support to sustain yourself (and dependents, if any) during your stay
Meet health and character requirements
Show a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia (Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement)
Provide supporting documentation: contract or letter of offer, scope of work/project details, confirmation of sponsorship/support, CV/qualifications/licences, etc.
Limitations & Important Conditions
- The 400 visa is temporary — if your project ends, your visa ends.
- Extensions are not guaranteed — a short stay or project-based visa only.
- Family members (dependents) — if included — generally have no work rights under this visa; their stay is tied to yours and visa conditions.
- You cannot use 400 as a bridge to permanent residency — long-term work or PR requires a different visa pathway.
FAQs About Temporary Work
(Short Stay Specialist) (Subclass 400) Visa
What is a Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400)?
The Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa allows individuals to enter Australia for a short period, typically up to three months, to undertake highly specialised, non-ongoing work or activities. In exceptional cases, the visa duration can be extended up to six months.
Who is eligible to apply for the Subclass 400 Visa?
Eligibility is for individuals with specialised skills who are invited to Australia by an approved organisation to perform short-term work that requires expertise not readily available in the Australian labour market.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 400 Visa?
The standard stay on a Subclass 400 visa is up to three months. In exceptional situations, the stay may be extended up to six months depending on the activity and purpose of the work.
Can I extend my stay on a Subclass 400 Visa?
Extensions for the Subclass 400 visa are limited and granted only under specific circumstances. Generally, the visa is issued for the duration necessary to complete the specialised work or activity.
