Temporary Work Visa | Subclass 400
Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400) is a short-term visa for highly skilled individuals required to undertake specialised, non-ongoing work in Australia. It is the premier choice for international experts, technicians, and executives needed for niche projects or emergency repairs that cannot be serviced by the local labour market.
Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa – At a Glance
| FEATURE | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Temporary Work (Short Stay) |
| Stay | Up to 3 months (Standard) or 6 months (Exceptional) |
| Cost | From $535 AUD1 |
| Processing Time | Processing timeframes approx 6 – 20 days2 |
| Key Requirement | Highly specialised, non-ongoing work |
Fees are subject to change by the Department and other concession fees may apply.
To view our professional services fees click here.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the 400 visa in 2026, you must meet the Department’s rigorous criteria regarding the nature of your work and the specialized skills you bring to Australia.
1. Highly Specialised Work
You must possess niche skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in the Australian workforce. This typically applies to experts assisting in technology transfers, specialised training, or the commissioning of unique machinery.
2. Non-Ongoing Nature of Work
The work must be project-based and intended to finish within the requested stay period. In 2026, the Department strictly enforces a 3-month limit for cumulative stays within any 12-month period to ensure the 400 visa is not used to bypass the more rigorous Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa.
3. Invitation by an Australian Organisation
You must be invited by an Australian organisation that is actively and lawfully operating in Australia. The organisation must provide a formal invitation letter detailing the specialised nature of the project and why an international expert is required.
4. Financial and Character Integrity
Applicants must demonstrate access to sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. Additionally, for applicants from countries with significant pay disparity relative to Australia, the Department now requires additional evidence to ensure Australian workplace standards are upheld.
How to Apply for the Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa
A Step-by-Step Guide
Please note: The subclass 400 application is a fast-paced process that requires technical precision to avoid detailed review delays.
Step 1: Specialised Skill & Project Audit
We verify that your skills meet the “highly specialised” definition and that the project timeline aligns with the 2026 non-ongoing stay policy.
Step 2: Employment & Invitation Evidence
We assist your host organisation in drafting a compliant invitation letter that clearly differentiates the role from a standard position.
Step 3: Online Visa Lodgement
The application is lodged via ImmiAccount. All technical documents and financial proofs are front-loaded to capitalise on the Department’s current 6-to-20-day processing priority.
Step 4: Health and Character Finalisation
While many 400 applicants are exempt from medicals, those from high-risk regions or staying beyond 3 months may be required to undergo a swift health assessment.
Step 5: Visa Grant and Project Start
Once granted, you may travel to Australia immediately. The visa typically allows for multiple entries within the stay period to facilitate regional project oversight.
Being on a Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa means…
What You Can Do on the Subclass 400 Visa
- Live and work in Australia for your specialised project for up to 3 months (standard).
- Include eligible family members in your application, though they cannot work in Australia.
- Travel in and out of Australia as often as permitted by your grant letter (usually multiple entry).
Your Visa Obligations
You must only perform the specialised work for which the visa was granted. You cannot engage in ongoing employment or visa hop to remain in Australia indefinitely. Most 400 visas are subject to Condition 8107, which prevents you from changing employers without a new application.
Your Best Chance of Success with Visa Advisory Australia
In 2026, the subclass 400 is under immense scrutiny to prevent it from being used as a cheap alternative to permanent skilled migration. Our Registered Migration Agents ensure your application withstands this investigation.
Our Subclass 400 Services include:
Technical Role Profiling: Precisely mapping your project to the Department’s “highly specialised” definition.
3-Month Compliance Shield: Strategising cumulative stays to avoid the automatic refusal triggers introduced in late 2024.
Pay Disparity Submissions: Expert handling of additional evidence for applicants from emerging markets to ensure compliance with 2026 standards.
Decision-Ready Lodgement: Capitalising on current 6-to-20-day fast-track processing for specialised roles.
Full Host Coordination: Vetting the invitation paperwork for the Australian organisation to ensure seamless approval.
And much, much more.
Related Visas
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the
Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) Visa
Q: Can I extend my stay on a 400 visa once I am in Australia?
A: No. The subclass 400 cannot be extended onshore. You must generally depart Australia and lodge a new application if a new specialised project arises.
Q: Can my partner work in Australia while they are here with me?
A: No. Family members included on a subclass 400 visa are granted with a No Work condition.
Q: Do I need a skills assessment for the 400 visa?
A: A formal skills assessment is not required. Instead, you must prove your expertise through your CV, qualifications, and the endorsement of your Australian host.
Q: What is the “Australia’s Interest” stream?
A: This is a fallback stream for cases where work is not highly specialised but is critical to Australia’s national interest (e.g., disaster recovery).
- Base application charge only. Prices are subject to change. Source: Department of Home Affairs. ↩︎
- Visa processing time current as of 05 May 2026. For the latest processing time click here. ↩︎
