If you’ve been asked to work on a short-term project in Australia but don’t know how to enter the country legally and quickly, the subclass 400 visa might be the solution.
To qualify, you must demonstrate that your skills are highly specialised, show a genuine need for a temporary stay and have an invitation from an Australian organisation. You’ll also need to meet health, character and financial requirements.
Not sure if you’re eligible? Read on for a clear breakdown of subclass 400 visa requirements, tips to strengthen your application and how to avoid common delays.
Subclass 400 Visa Requirements – A Quick Overview
This visa is for short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. To be eligible, you’ll need to meet several key conditions that prove the role is temporary and cannot be filled locally. The key requirements include:
- Specialist skills not readily available in Australia
- Invitation or support from an Australian organisation
- Genuine temporary stay with plans to leave after the work ends
- Health and character checks
- Proof of funds to support yourself
- Not valid for ongoing work or formal study
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What is a Subclass 400 Visa?
The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa is designed for individuals possessing specialised skills, knowledge or experience not readily available in Australia. This visa allows for short-term, non-ongoing work or activities that benefit Australian businesses or are in Australia’s interest.
Typically, the visa permits a stay of up to three months. However, in exceptional cases, a stay of up to six months may be granted if a strong business case is presented. It’s important to note that this visa is not intended for ongoing employment or long-term stays.
Some benefits of a subclass 400 visa include:
- Short-term employment opportunities in Australia.
- Utilisation of specialised skills not found locally.
- Contribution to Australian businesses and projects.
- Possibility to bring eligible family members.
- Multiple entries are allowed if specified.
- Quick processing times facilitate urgent project needs.
Who is Eligible for the Subclass 400 Visa?
To apply successfully for the subclass 400 visa, applicants must meet clear eligibility standards set by the Department of Home Affairs. These are aimed at ensuring that the visa is used strictly for short-term, high-value activities.
- Possessing highly specialised skills not available in Australia: You must hold rare or niche expertise that cannot be sourced from the local workforce.
- Having a genuine intention to stay temporarily: You must prove that your visit is short-term, with solid plans to return home after completing your task.
- Being invited or supported by an Australian organisation: A formal letter from an Australian business or agency must confirm the purpose and need for your visit.
- Meeting health and character requirements: You must meet health standards and have no significant criminal record to qualify for the visa.
- Demonstrating financial capacity to support oneself and any dependents: You must show that you can cover your expenses and those of any accompanying family during your stay.
- Not engaging in ongoing employment or study leading to a formal qualification: This visa is only for short-term tasks, not for long-term work or formal education.
Requirements for Subclass 400 Visa
The subclass 400 visa allows people with specialised skills to work in Australia on short-term projects. Applicants must meet key conditions to show their visit is genuine and supported by a local organisation. Have a look at these requirements:
Proof of Specialised Skills
One of the core eligibility factors is proving that the applicant holds skills that are not readily available in the local labour market. These skills should be relevant, niche and directly tied to the short-term job they are being invited for.
Acceptable evidence includes:
- academic qualifications
- formal certifications
- detailed resumes
- reference letters from past employers.
This documentation must show a clear link between the applicant’s experience and the task at hand in Australia. The skills must also be relevant to a specific job role or project that is time-limited and highly dependent on the individual’s presence. The Department of Home Affairs assesses the uniqueness and the urgency of the skill when processing the visa.
Invitation or Support Letter
A formal invitation or support letter from an Australian organisation is crucial. This letter outlines the reason for inviting the individual, the timeframe of the work and a statement confirming that the expertise cannot be sourced locally. It must include:
- full details of the project
- the applicant’s role
- how the individual’s input is critical for successful completion.
The Australian party offering the invitation must also demonstrate that they are a legitimate business or institution. The letter should be written on company letterhead, signed by an authorised official and submitted with the visa application.
Financial Evidence
To show they will not become a burden on Australian resources, applicants must provide financial documents that prove they can cover all living expenses during their stay. This includes accommodation, transport, meals and any other daily costs. Acceptable documents include:
- recent bank statements
- payslips from a current employer
- proof of income or confirmation that the inviting Australian organisation will cover some or all of the expenses.
In some cases, applicants may be required to show additional financial support if they intend to bring dependents with them.
Health and Character Checks
Australia maintains strict health and character standards for all temporary visa holders. Applicants may need to complete a medical examination depending on their country of residence, the nature of their work or the duration of their stay. The goal is to prevent any public health risks.
Police clearance certificates may be required from any country where the applicant has lived for 12 months or more over the last 10 years. A clean criminal history is vital. Any previous convictions or concerns must be disclosed and explained, as failure to do so can result in visa refusal.
Genuine Temporary Entrant
Applicants must demonstrate that they intend to stay in Australia temporarily. This is known as the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. Evidence should support that the applicant will return to their home country after the project or work is completed. Examples include:
- return flight bookings
- ongoing employment commitments back home
- family obligations or ownership of assets such as a home or business.
The Department uses this information to ensure that the visa is not misused for migration or long-term work.
No Previous Visa Cancellations
Individuals who have previously had an Australian visa cancelled or refused may be subject to extra scrutiny. Applicants must declare all past visa issues and provide reasons or evidence to explain the circumstances.
While a previous cancellation does not automatically disqualify a person, failing to disclose it certainly can. Providing a transparent and complete application helps establish credibility and strengthens the applicant’s case.
Compliance with Australian Laws
All subclass 400 visa holders must follow Australian laws and comply with the specific conditions of their visa. This includes:
- sticking to the job role listed in the application
- not overstaying the visa period
- not engaging in activities outside the visa’s scope.
Violating these conditions can result in visa cancellation or a ban on future entries. Applicants must sign declarations during the application process, confirming their understanding of and agreement with these conditions.
Health Insurance
Although not mandatory in all cases, it is highly recommended that applicants secure adequate overseas visitor health insurance before arriving in Australia. Public healthcare access is limited for temporary residents, and having insurance helps cover the cost of any unexpected medical treatment.
Health insurance should remain valid for the entire stay and must include hospital cover, emergency care and specialist treatment if needed. Some companies may also require proof of health cover before offering an invitation to work in Australia.
Who Needs a Subclass 400 Visa?
The subclass 400 visa is tailored for people coming to Australia to complete specific tasks requiring unique skills or expertise. Below is a detailed look at the types of professionals who often require this visa:
- Specialists invited for short-term projects: You may qualify if you’re hired to complete unique, high-skill work for a limited period.
- Consultants providing expert advice: International advisors offering insights or solutions for business improvements are ideal candidates.
- Engineers overseeing specific installations: Engineers responsible for setup or training on imported systems often use this visa.
- Technicians required for equipment servicing: If your skills are essential for maintaining specialised machinery, this visa may apply.
- Academics conducting short-term research: Researchers contributing to academic projects or delivering expert knowledge may qualify.
- Professionals attending business meetings or seminars: This visa suits those participating in strategic discussions or industry-specific events.
Summing Up
The subclass 400 visa is a practical solution for professionals who bring rare and valuable skills to Australia for short-term tasks. With strict but reasonable conditions, it ensures that only qualified people contribute to urgent business needs.
By understanding the exact requirements, you avoid unnecessary delays and give your application the best chance for approval. If you meet the criteria, act confidently and submit a complete application backed by the right documents.
