The Subclass 400 Visa is a temporary work visa that allows individuals with highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience to undertake short-term work in Australia. This visa generally allows a stay of up to 3 months, and in limited circumstances, up to 6 months, depending on the nature of the work and the applicant’s circumstances.
Eligible family members can be included in the application, but they are generally not permitted to work or study in Australia while holding this visa. The Subclass 400 Visa cannot usually be extended, and applicants must generally be outside Australia when applying and when a decision is made on the application.
Shanovia provides professional guidance for Subclass 400 Visa applications, including eligibility assessment, document preparation, and application support.
400 Visa Australia requirements
To be eligible for the Subclass 400 Visa, applicants must meet several requirements.
Specialised skills and knowledge
You must possess highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that can assist an Australian business. The work should be temporary and non-ongoing, and the required skills should not be reasonably available in the Australian labour market.
To demonstrate your specialised expertise, you may provide:
- A detailed resume.
- Relevant qualifications, licences, or certifications.
- A letter from your overseas employer outlining your position, duties, and experience.
The Australian business sponsoring or inviting you may also need to demonstrate that it has attempted to find suitably qualified Australian workers before seeking overseas expertise.
Proof of work
You must provide evidence that you will undertake eligible specialised work in Australia and that your activities comply with the conditions of the Subclass 400 Visa.
This visa may be appropriate for certain specialised professional activities, including some production or promotional activities that meet the visa requirements.
However, the Subclass 400 Visa generally does not allow applicants to undertake entertainment performances or participate in productions intended for broadcast or public performance in Australia where another visa category is more appropriate.
Financial support
You must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Australia.
Health and character requirements
Applicants must meet the health and character requirements set by the Australian Government.
Genuine temporary stay
You must genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily and undertake only the activities permitted under the Subclass 400 Visa.
Genuine temporary entrant
The Department of Home Affairs may consider factors such as your personal circumstances, immigration history, previous compliance with visa conditions, and the purpose of your visit when assessing whether you genuinely intend a temporary stay.
Outstanding debts
You should not have any outstanding debts to the Australian Government when applying for this visa.
Previous visa refusals or cancellations
Your immigration history may be considered during the assessment process, and previous visa refusals or cancellations may affect the outcome of your application.
Application process
Gather your documents
You will need documents that confirm your identity, the purpose of your visit, your financial capacity, and your work arrangements in Australia.
Common documents include:
- Passport and identity documents.
- Invitation letter from the Australian organisation.
- Employment contract or work agreement.
- Details of your position and work duration.
- Evidence of financial capacity.
- Health insurance (if applicable).
- Character documents such as police certificates.
Documents that are not in English should generally be accompanied by certified English translations.
Submit your visa application
Applications are lodged online through ImmiAccount. You should generally be outside Australia when submitting your application and when a decision is made by the Department of Home Affairs.
After applying
You can track your application through your ImmiAccount. The Department will notify you of the outcome by email, and if approved, you will receive your visa grant notification.
400 Visa Australia processing time
Processing times vary depending on individual circumstances and the completeness of the application.
Delays may occur due to:
- Incomplete applications.
- Missing supporting documents.
- Verification of information.
- Additional health or character checks.
- Incorrect payment of the visa application charge.
Many Subclass 400 Visa applications are processed within a few weeks, although processing times may vary.
Document checklist for Subclass 400 Visa
Applicants may need to provide:
- Passport and identity documents.
- Invitation or nomination documents.
- Evidence of specialised skills and qualifications.
- Employment documents.
- Proof of financial capacity.
- Health and character documents.
- Evidence supporting the genuine temporary stay requirement.
- Any additional documents requested by the Department of Home Affairs.
Why choose Shanovia for your Subclass 400 Visa?
Applying for a Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa requires careful preparation and accurate documentation. Shanovia provides professional assistance throughout the application process, helping applicants prepare strong and complete visa applications.
Professional visa guidance
Our team helps assess your eligibility and identify the most appropriate visa pathway for your specialised work in Australia.
Complete application support
We assist with document preparation, employer documentation, application review, and submission guidance.
Accurate and organised documentation
Carefully prepared applications can reduce the risk of delays caused by missing information or documentation errors.
End-to-end assistance
From the initial eligibility assessment to final visa submission and follow-up, Shanovia supports applicants throughout the entire process.
The Subclass 400 Visa is an excellent option for professionals with highly specialised skills who need to undertake short-term work in Australia. Shanovia can help you prepare a well-documented application and navigate the Australian visa process with confidence.
