Subclass 400
Short Stay Specialist Work Visa Australia
Need short-term specialist work in Australia? The Subclass 400 visa is for highly skilled experts on temporary assignments.
The Subclass 400 Short Stay Specialist Work Visa is designed for highly skilled overseas professionals who need to travel to Australia for short-term, non-ongoing work that cannot reasonably be performed by an Australian worker. This visa is commonly used for urgent projects, specialist installations, technical training, audits, or highly specialised consulting work.
The Subclass 400 visa is typically granted for up to 3 months, or up to 6 months in limited circumstances, and requires strong evidence that the work is genuinely specialised, temporary, and in Australia’s interest. Applications must be carefully prepared, as the Department of Home Affairs closely assesses skill level, necessity, and the short-term nature of the role.
At LIVE-LIFE AUSTRALIA Migration Services, we provide strategic, compliant advice to ensure your Subclass 400 application is decision-ready, well-documented, and aligned with current Home Affairs policy — helping you avoid delays, refusals, or unnecessary complications.
Subclass 400 in more detail
Subclass 400 applications are closely assessed and often refused where evidence is unclear, incomplete, or poorly explained — even where the applicant is genuinely highly skilled.
At LIVE-LIFE AUSTRALIA Migration Services, we strategically structure and present your evidence to meet Home Affairs policy expectations and reduce risk.
Highly specialised work Stream
You can apply for this visa if you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that:
- can assist Australian business
- can't reasonably be found in the Australian labour market
- will be non-ongoing
Highly Specialised Work stream is for people with highly specialised skills and knowledge to undertake short-term, non-ongoing work, while not undermining the employment or training opportunities, or conditions of employment for Australians.
Stay
The department may grant this visa for up to 6 months (depending on the circumstances).
Generally, for a stay period longer than 3 months, a strong business case must be provided with the application.
Your stay period in Australia commences once you arrive and does not restart each time you travel.
You can't apply for this visa in Australia or stay longer by extending this visa.
Work Documents
You should provide a letter of invitation, job offer, employment contract or other document from an Australian organisation confirming they have employed you to work in Australia showing:
- details of your position, duties, or project of work you will undertake
- the duration of your work
- the reason why you are required to work in Australia
- support for your visa application
- your employment conditions and wages
- the Australian workplace standards or Industry Award that applies to your position
Australia’s Interest stream
The Australia’s Interest stream is to enable persons who do not satisfy the requirements of the Highly Specialised Work stream to be granted a Subclass 400 visa if the Department considers there are compelling circumstances affecting Australia’s interest.
For an applicant to satisfy the requirements of this stream there must be compelling circumstances affecting Australia’s interest that require the applicant’s entry to and stay in Australia. The applicant must be going to participate in an event, or engage in an activity or work, that relates directly to those circumstances.
For example:
- the entry of the person is required to assist in a disaster or emergency;
- Australia would miss out on a significant benefit that the person could contribute to Australia’s business, economic, cultural or other development (for example, a special skill that is highly sought after in Australia) if the person was not granted the visa; and/or
- Australia’s trade or business opportunities would be adversely affected were the person not granted the Subclass 400 visa.
Ready to Apply for a Subclass 400 Visa?
Book a confidential consultation today to confirm if the Subclass 400 visa is the right option for your situation — and move forward with confidence.
