Subclass 400 · Temporary
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
Come to Australia for short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work for up to 6 months. Ideal for specialists, technicians and experts on short projects.
About the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) lets you do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. The work must be non-ongoing and must need skills, knowledge or experience that cannot reasonably be found in Australia. The visa can be granted for up to 6 months; for stays longer than 3 months, a strong business case is generally needed.
With this visa you can
- Do short-term work in a highly specialised job
- Do non-ongoing work or activities only
You must
- Have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can help Australian business and cannot reasonably be found in Australia
- Only do the work or activities for which the visa was granted
Based on Department of Home Affairs information (October 2026). Visa costs, thresholds, occupation lists and processing times can change, so always confirm current details on the Department of Home Affairs website or ask our team. This page is general information, not migration advice for your circumstances.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400): Full Details
Everything about this visa, from eligibility to what happens after grant.
About this visa
Short-term, highly specialised work in Australia.
- Do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia
- Bring family members who were granted the visa with you
Usually up to 3 months, and up to 6 months in some circumstances. A stay of more than 3 months generally needs a strong business case.
From AUD535 for the main applicant. Exemptions may apply in limited circumstances.
You must apply from outside Australia. The visa cannot be extended.
Eligibility
What you need to meet.
You must have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can assist Australian business and cannot reasonably be found in the Australian labour market.
You must provide proof of the work you will do. The visa is not for work in the Australian entertainment industry.
You and your family members must have enough money to support yourselves in Australia.
You must intend to stay temporarily and only do the work this visa allows.
You and family members must meet the health and character requirements. Permanent and provisional visa applicants, and family members applying with them, must have health examinations with an approved panel physician. Temporary visa applicants might need them, depending on the visa and their circumstances. For the character requirement, Home Affairs may ask for police certificates and Form 80.
Step by step
How to apply.
Confirm the work
Confirm the specialised work and gather evidence, including a business case for stays over 3 months.
Apply online
Lodge your application in ImmiAccount from outside Australia.
After you apply
Respond to any requests promptly. Home Affairs may also ask for health examinations, police certificates or biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image).
Travel to Australia
Arrive within 6 months of grant, or any shorter period on your grant letter. Your stay starts when you arrive.
When you have this visa
Your conditions and obligations.
Follow your visa conditions and Australian laws. Check your conditions in VEVO.
You cannot extend this visa or apply for it in Australia. To stay longer you need a different visa.
You are protected by Australian workplace laws.
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400) FAQs
Straight answers to the questions we hear most.
Still have questions?
Book an appointment with a registered migration agent and get clear answers about your visa options.
Book Appointment- MARA Registered
- QEAC Certified
A temporary visa for short-term, highly specialised, non-ongoing work in Australia.
Up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances. Stays longer than 3 months generally need a strong business case.
From AUD535, with exemptions in limited circumstances.
No. The work must be non-ongoing, and you can only do the work for which the visa was granted.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Book a consultation with a MARA registered migration agent and get a clear plan for your visa.
