Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa ( Subclass 400 Visa)

Are you a highly skilled professional looking to take your expertise global? 

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa – Subclass 400 allows you to immigrate to Australia temporarily to engage in specialized, non-ongoing work. Tailored for short-term assignments, project-based work, or urgent professional services, this visa is ideal for individuals with niche skills not readily found in the Australian labour market.

What is the Subclass 400 Visa?

This visa is typically granted for up to 3 months, and in exceptional circumstances, it can be extended to 6 months. It is a single-entry visa, which means once you leave Australia, you would need to apply again to re-enter (unless another visa is granted). The Subclass 400 visa is a short-term, temporary visa that allows individuals to come to Australia for:

• Highly specialized, non-ongoing work
• Participating in work or activity with Australia’s national interest
• Urgent technical or project-based assignments

Key Benefits of the Subclass 400 Visa

The key benefits of the Subclass 400 Visa are as follows:

• No Formal Sponsorship Needed: Just a contract or invitation letter
• Fast-Track Entry: Ideal for urgent or high-priority projects
• Legal Work Authorization: Legally engage in short-term work across various sectors
• Specialized Occupation Focus: Designed specifically for those with niche or rare skills
• Flexible Duration: Generally valid for 3 months, extendable to 6 months when justified
• Bring Your Family: Family members can be included (conditions apply)

At Cross Border Education, we ensure your application is prepared meticulously to avoid delays or refusals.

Who is Eligible for a Subclass 400 Visa?

This visa is ideal for professionals such as:

• IT consultants brought in to install or troubleshoot systems
• Engineers and technicians hired for temporary infrastructure projects
• Specialist trainers providing short courses 
• Creative professionals invited for short-term art or media assignments
• Emergency workers for urgent repairs or maintenance
• Construction experts involved in non-ongoing projects
• Researchers or scholars collaborating on time-sensitive academic work

If you possess unique expertise, and an Australian employer needs your skill set for a defined, limited period, this visa is for you.

Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 400 

To qualify for the Subclass 400 visa, you must:

• Be invited by an Australian organization to perform specialized work
• Prove that the work is non-ongoing (short-term and temporary in nature)
• Demonstrate that the work cannot be reasonably performed by an Australian citizen or permanent resident
• Have the required skills, experience, and qualifications
• Have no intent to stay in Australia longer than the visa allows
• Meet health and character requirements
• Have adequate financial means or support for the duration of your stay

Required Documentation for Subclass 400 Visa

A successful application must include:

• A valid passport
• An invitation or job offer letter from an Australian organization
• Detailed CV/resume highlighting relevant experience
• Statement of duties and how your skills meet the project needs
• Proof of qualifications or technical certifications
• Evidence of sufficient funds or employer covering expenses
• Health insurance coverage for your stay
• Police clearance certificates (if requested)
• A statement of intent to stay temporarily

Cross Border Education offers a thorough documentation checklist and guides you through each requirement step-by-step.

Visa Duration, Fees & Processing

• Typical Duration: The Subclass 400 visa is generally granted for up to 3 months. In exceptional cases, where a strong justification is provided, the visa may be granted for up to 6 months.
• Processing Time: Most applications for this visa are processed within 2 to 6 weeks. The exact processing time depends on factors such as the complexity of the case, the volume of applications, and whether all required documentation has been submitted.
• Application Fee: The base application charge for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa – Subclass 400 is AUD 405. Additional charges may apply for dependents or if extra services are required.
• Entry Type: This is a single-entry visa, meaning you can enter Australia only once. If you leave the country before the visa expires, you will need to apply for a new visa to return.

How Cross-Border Education Can Help?

At Cross Border Education, our mission is to make your visa journey smooth, clear, and efficient. Here is how we support you:

• Free initial eligibility assessment
• Personalized consultation for your occupation and work purpose
• Checklist preparation and documentation review
• Application drafting and submission
• Assistance with extension or related visa applications
• 100% transparent communication

Conclusion

The Temporary Work Short Stay Specialist Visa allows highly skilled professionals to immigrate to Australia for short-term, non-ongoing work that requires specialized expertise not readily available in the local workforce. It is a single-entry visa with fast processing times and does not require formal sponsorship.

Typically granted for up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months in exceptional cases), this visa is ideal for urgent technical projects, consulting roles, training assignments, and more. Cross Border Education offers expert guidance throughout the application process, ensuring a smooth and successful visa experience for professionals and organizations alike.