The Subclass 400 Visa, also known as the Short-Term Temporary Work Visa, is a temporary visa that allows skilled professionals to come to Australia for short-term, non-ongoing, and highly specialised work.

It’s ideal for professionals who need to complete a specific project, contract, or assignment in Australia — often lasting only a few weeks or months.

Unlike long-term employer-sponsored visas such as the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) or Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), the 400 visa is designed for short, focused engagements, not ongoing employment.

---

Who Is the Subclass 400 Visa For?

This visa is suitable for individuals who:

• Possess specialised skills, knowledge, or experience not readily available in Australia.

• Have been invited by an Australian business or organisation to undertake short-term work or participate in a project.

• Intend to stay in Australia temporarily — generally for a period of up to three months, with a possible extension to six months in limited cases.

It is commonly used by:

• Engineers, technicians, or tradespeople involved in short-term installations or repairs.

• Managers or specialists providing training or consultancy.

• Professionals assisting with urgent operational requirements or specialised equipment.

---

Key Features of the Subclass 400 Visa

---

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Subclass 400 Visa Australia, applicants must meet several key requirements:

1. Highly Specialised Skills
   You must demonstrate that your expertise is both specialised and essential for the project — and not easily available within the Australian labour market.

2. Genuine Temporary Stay
   Applicants must show clear evidence of temporary intentions, including return travel bookings, ongoing employment overseas, or family ties outside Australia.

3. Invitation or Support from an Australian Entity
   A formal invitation letter or support statement from the Australian business outlining the purpose, duties, and duration of the work is required.

4. Health and Character Requirements
   You must meet the general health and character requirements under the Migration Regulations 1994.

5. Adequate Funds and Insurance
   You should have enough funds to cover your stay and hold adequate health insurance for the entire duration in Australia.

---

Common Scenarios for Subclass 400 Visa Use

• A European engineer travelling to Australia for equipment installation on a short-term project.

• A film or media professional engaged for a brief production shoot.

• An overseas technician sent to train local staff on proprietary machinery.

• A consultant providing specialised advice to a business or government agency.

These assignments are short, non-ongoing, and require the worker’s expertise to complete a defined outcome within a limited time frame.

---

When to Choose the Subclass 400 Visa

The Subclass 400 Visa is the right option when:

• The work period is short-term (generally under three months).

• The role is project-specific and not an ongoing position.

• The skills required are unique or unavailable locally.

• The applicant will return overseas after completing the task.

For employers, it provides a fast and flexible way to bring in specialised overseas talent without the cost or time required for a full sponsorship under the SID (Subclass 482) framework.

---

Final Thoughts

The Subclass 400 Short-Term Temporary Work Visa Australia is a practical, efficient solution for businesses needing short bursts of specialised expertise — and for professionals seeking to contribute their skills to Australian projects on a temporary basis.

While it does not lead to permanent residency, its speed, flexibility, and lower compliance burden make it one of the most useful short-term options in Australia’s skilled visa system.

The subclass 400 visa does not normally limit further visa requests from inside Australia. If you wish to discuss how this visa can benefit your business or if you’re a potential visa applicant, get in touch with our Migration Agent.