Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay) Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
Published 2026-02-14
Key Facts — Subclass 400 at a Glance
Visa type: Temporary (short-stay work). Duration: Up to 3 months (sometimes 6 months in exceptional circumstances). Application cost (2025–26): $390 (main applicant). Processing time: 1–30 days (most decided within 1–2 weeks). No points test. No skills assessment. No age limit. No minimum English requirement. No sponsorship required (but employer support letter needed). Cannot lead to permanent residency. Must demonstrate the work is short-term, non-ongoing, and highly specialised.
What is the Subclass 400 Visa?
The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa is designed for people who need to come to Australia for short-term, highly specialised work that cannot be done by an Australian worker. It covers a wide range of scenarios: a foreign engineer installing specialised equipment, an overseas executive attending critical business meetings, a foreign specialist conducting training for Australian staff, a performer or entertainer at a specific event, or a researcher collaborating on a short-term project. The key principle is that the work must be genuinely short-term (typically up to 3 months), non-ongoing, and specialised. The 400 is not a pathway to longer-term work or permanent residency — it is a quick, affordable visa for specific short-term needs.
When to Use the Subclass 400
The 400 visa is appropriate when: you need to perform specialised work in Australia for a short period, your company is sending you to install, repair, or commission equipment, you are attending business meetings that involve hands-on work (not just attending a conference — that is usually covered by a visitor visa), you are providing specialised training that cannot be delivered by Australian-based trainers, you are an entertainer performing at a specific event, you are participating in a specific project with a defined end date, or you are covering for a critical role on a very short-term basis. The 400 is NOT appropriate for ongoing employment, filling a permanent vacancy, replacing Australian workers, or working for more than 3–6 months. For longer work, consider the Subclass 482, 494, or 407 visas.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 400 visa, you must demonstrate that the work is genuinely specialised and short-term, you have the skills and experience to perform the work, the work benefits Australia, you have a genuine intention to stay temporarily, you meet health and character requirements, and you have adequate health insurance for your stay. You will need a letter from the Australian organisation or employer explaining the nature of the work, why it must be performed by you specifically (rather than an Australian worker), the expected duration, and confirmation of the work arrangements. The Department will assess whether the work is genuinely short-term and specialised — routine work that could be done by an Australian worker will be refused.
Application Process
Step 1: Obtain a letter from the Australian organisation detailing the work, your specific qualifications, the duration, and why an Australian cannot do it. Step 2: Apply online through ImmiAccount. Step 3: Provide supporting documents — passport, CV, qualifications, letter from Australian organisation, evidence of your expertise, health insurance, and any other relevant documents. Step 4: Pay the $390 application fee. Step 5: Undergo medical checks if requested (not always required for short stays). Step 6: Provide police clearances if requested. Step 7: Receive a decision — most straightforward applications are decided within 1–2 weeks. You can apply from outside or inside Australia (though applying inside Australia has restrictions). Apply well before your intended travel date, though the fast processing times mean last-minute applications are sometimes possible.
Conditions and Restrictions
The 400 visa comes with strict conditions. Condition 8107: You can only perform the work specified in your application for the employer specified. You cannot change employers or take on additional work. Condition 8503 (usually): No further stay — you cannot apply for another visa while in Australia. This prevents people from using the 400 as a stepping stone to a longer visa. Condition 8101 (in some cases): No work permitted — if your 400 is granted for non-work purposes. The duration is fixed and cannot be easily extended. If your work takes longer than expected, you will generally need to leave Australia and apply for a new visa. Overstaying or breaching conditions can result in visa cancellation and a ban on future Australian visas.
400 Visa vs Other Work Visas
The 400 visa fills a specific niche. Compared to the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), the 400 is faster, cheaper, and requires no sponsorship, but is limited to 3 months and does not lead to PR. Compared to a Subclass 600 Visitor visa with a business stream, the 400 allows actual hands-on work (not just meetings and conferences). Compared to the Subclass 407 Training visa, the 400 is for performing specialised work, not receiving training. Compared to the Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa, the 400 is faster and cheaper but more limited in duration. Choose the 400 when you need someone in Australia quickly for a short, defined piece of work. Choose other visas when the work is longer-term or ongoing.
Costs and Practical Considerations
The 400 visa is one of Australia's most affordable work visas at $390 for the main applicant. Additional applicants (family members) pay $390 each (18+) or $100 each (under 18), though family members are rarely included on short-stay work visas. Additional costs include health insurance for the duration of your stay ($50–$200 for a short trip), potential medical examination costs ($300–$500 if required), and police clearances ($50–$100). Migration agent fees for a 400 visa are typically $500–$1,500 given the straightforward nature of the application. Many employers handle 400 visa applications in-house or through their HR/legal teams.
Tips for a Successful Application
The most common reason for 400 visa refusals is failing to demonstrate that the work is genuinely specialised and short-term. To strengthen your application: be specific about the work — describe exactly what you will do, how long it will take, and why it requires your specific expertise. Provide a clear timeline with start and end dates. Explain why an Australian worker cannot do this work — is it proprietary technology? Specialised equipment? Unique expertise? Include evidence of your qualifications and experience relevant to the specific task. Have the Australian organisation provide a detailed, well-written support letter. Show strong ties to your home country (employment, family, property) to demonstrate genuine temporary intent. Keep the application focused — the 400 is not for general employment.
When to Use a Migration Agent
For straightforward 400 applications — such as a specialist coming to install equipment for 2 weeks — a migration agent may not be necessary. The application is relatively simple and the fee is low. However, an agent can be valuable if the nature of the work is ambiguous (could it be seen as ongoing?), if you have had previous visa refusals or cancellations, if you need to bring family members, or if the timeline is tight and you need the application prepared correctly the first time. Search our directory at /migration-agents for agents experienced with temporary work visas. Verify any agent's MARA registration at /tools/mara-check.
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