Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa, Subclass 400
The 400 visa lets a business bring in a specialist for a short, defined piece of work in Australia, such as installing equipment, commissioning a system or running specialised training. It needs no sponsor and no nomination, which makes it quick to plan around. It is also strictly short-term, so the task, the person and the timing all have to fit. Employers regularly ask us to arrange it for their visiting staff.
Is the 400 the right visa?
Short-term work can sit under different visas. A quick check of the task usually points to the right one.
- Short Stay Specialist (400)Specialised, non-ongoing work for a defined task. No sponsor needed.
- Training (407)Occupational training for overseas staff. This needs an approved sponsor.
- Skills in Demand (482)Longer-term skilled work for a sponsored employee. This needs a sponsor and a nomination.
Overview
The 400 is a short-term work visa for a specialist doing a defined task in Australia, such as installing, commissioning, repairing or training.
- There is no sponsor and no nomination, so the application rests on the task, the specialist and the evidence behind them.
- It is strictly short-term. If the work is ongoing, another visa is usually the right one.
Who this suits
Australian businesses hosting a specialist from an overseas parent, supplier or partner
Overseas companies sending their own staff to install, commission, repair or train
Specialists whose work is short, defined and cannot be done locally
Key facts
- Short-term visa for specialised, non-ongoing work
- No sponsor and no nomination required
- The work must be defined, with a clear start and end
- Not a way to fill an ongoing role or replace local staff
What you need to qualify
- The work must be specialised, short-term and non-ongoing, with a clear start and end.
- The specialist must have the skills and experience the task needs, and the work should not be something local staff could readily do.
- The task and the need for this person should be supported by the Australian business or the overseas employer.
- The specialist must meet health and character requirements and intend to leave when the work ends.
How the process works
- 01Confirm the task, the specialist and the dates, and check the 400 is the right visa
- 02Gather the supporting evidence of the task and the specialist’s skills
- 03Prepare the application and any invitation or supporting letter from the Australian business
- 04Lodge in good time before the planned start
- 05Respond to any requests, and receive the decision before travel is booked
Documents you will need
- The specialist’s passport and identity documents
- A description of the task, with dates and the reason a specialist is needed
- Evidence of the specialist’s skills, qualifications and experience
- A supporting letter from the Australian business or the overseas employer
- Police certificates and health examination results when requested
After the visa is granted
- The specialist can do only the work the visa allows, for the period granted.
- Keep to the visa conditions, including the end date.
- If the work could run over, speak to us early. Extensions are very limited.
- We keep consistent records for businesses that bring in several specialists.
How we help
- Check the 400 is the right visa before you commit to dates
- Prepare the invitation and evidence of the task and the specialist’s skills
- Lodge in good time for the planned start
- Plan ahead if the work could run beyond the first estimate
Common pitfalls
- Using the 400 for work that is really ongoing
- Describing the task in general terms rather than as a defined project
- Leaving the application too close to the planned start date
- Assuming the visa can be extended if the work runs over
Not sure whether this applies to your business? Ask us
Frequently asked questions
Does the employer need to be a sponsor?
No. The 400 does not need a sponsor or a nomination. The Australian business usually provides supporting information about the task and the specialist.
How long can the specialist stay?
The 400 is for short stays only, generally a few months. The length depends on the task, and we confirm it before you set dates.
What kind of work does it cover?
Specialised, short-term work such as installing, commissioning or repairing equipment, or delivering specialised training. It is not for ongoing roles.
Can the visa be extended if the work takes longer?
Extensions are very limited, so plan the timeline carefully. If the work could run over, speak to us early about the options.
Can the specialist apply from inside Australia?
The 400 is generally lodged from outside Australia, with limited exceptions. We check this against your circumstances.
Can you manage this for several visiting staff?
Yes. Many of our employer clients send us a list of visiting staff, and we prepare each application with consistent evidence.
Talk to us about your sponsorship
Tell us about your business and the role you need to fill. We will review your circumstances and explain the suitable pathway and next steps.