Subclass 400 Visa Explained: Short Term Work Experience For Highly Skilled Professionals

In this blog, we’re going to explore the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, also known as the Subclass 400 visa. If you’re an employer in Australia looking to bring in overseas talent for a short-term project, or you’re a highly skilled professional with specialized expertise needed for a specific job — this visa might be exactly what you need. 

We’ll cover who is eligible, the step-by-step process, the documentation requirements, how long it takes, and how we can assist you with a smooth application.  

What is the Subclass 400 Visa? 

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (Subclass 400) is designed for individuals who have specialized skills, knowledge, or experience not readily available in Australia, and who are required to undertake short-term, highly specialized work or participate in non-ongoing projects. 

This visa is generally granted for up to 3 months, with some exceptions allowing stays of up to 6 months, depending on the project and business case. 

Who is the 400 Visa For? 

This visa is ideal for: 

· Employers in Australia who need to bring in overseas specialists to complete a short-term project or assignment. 

· Foreign professionals with niche or highly technical skills not easily sourced from the Australian labour market. 

· Individuals invited to Australia for work that requires knowledge, skills, or experience that’s highly specialized and non-ongoing.

Examples include: 

· Engineers or technical specialists for infrastructure projects 

· IT professionals for short-term software implementations 

· Medical or scientific experts 

· Highly experienced trade workers in building and construction sector 

· High-level trainers or consultants 

Key Eligibility Criteria 

To be eligible for the Subclass 400 visa, you must: 

· Have highly specialized skills, knowledge or experience relevant to the proposed work 

· Have a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia 

· Have an invitation or offer of work from an Australian business . 

· Meet health and character requirements 

· Have adequate financial support for your stay 

· Maintain adequate health insurance while in Australia 

This visa is not suitable for: 

· Ongoing employment roles 

· Jobs where the skills are easily found in the local market 

· Individuals intending to undertake training or education 

Important Notes 

· The work must not be ongoing or permanent. 

· You can include family members in the application, but they may not be eligible to work. 

· You should not start work in Australia until the visa is granted. 

· The Department may request additional documents or conduct checks — especially if the role seems to overlap with locally available skills. 

Why Work With Us? 

At Nationwide Migration and Education, we regularly assist both employers and international professionals in navigating the Subclass 400 visa process. Whether it’s 

ensuring your documents are correct, clarifying whether your project qualifies, or preparing a strong case for a 6-month stay — our team of experienced migration agents is here to guide you from start to finish. 

If you’re an employer needing quick access to overseas expertise, or an individual with a specialized skillset, get in touch with us today. 

Disclaimer:

The information shared by Nationwide Migration and Education is for general informational purposes only. While accurate at the time of publication, details may change. This content is not intended as legal or migration advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please book a consultation with us!