HomeVisasSubclass 400
Subclass 400 · Working & Skills Visas

Temporary Work (Short Stay Activity) visa (subclass 400)

The Highly Specialised Work stream of this temporary visa lets you do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia.

Stay
We can grant this visa for up to 6 months (depending on the circumstances). Generally, for a stay period longer than 3 months, a strong business case must be provided with the application. Your stay period in Australia commences once you arrive and does not restart each time you travel. You can't apply for this visa in Australia or stay longer by extending this visa.
How long you can remain on this visa
Application fee
AUD430.00
From — main applicant
Typical wait
4 Days – 13 Days
Recent Department of Home Affairs decision times

Overview

Tap a section to expand.

What you get

Key entitlements granted to visa holders.

  • Do short-term work in a highly specialised job
  • The work or activity must be non-ongoing

Eligibility

High-level requirements. Detailed criteria are on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience

You can apply for this visa if you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that:

  • can assist Australian business
  • can't reasonably be found in the Australian labour market
  • will be non-ongoing

Non-ongoing work means work that is likely to be completed within 6 months or less, and you do not expect or arrange to stay in Australia after this time for any reason related to that work. 

You will need to show that you have the skills, knowledge or experience to do this work. Things you could show us include:

  • a copy of your resume
  • any licenses or qualifications you have
  • a letter from your overseas employer explaining your current position and duties.

The Australian business or overseas employer might need to show that they have tried to find Australian workers to do the work first, as this visa can't be granted if it affects employment or training opportunities for Australian citizens or permanent residents.

Have work, not in the Australian entertainment industry

You will need to provide proof that you have work.  To see what you need to provide go to Step by Step, Gather documents. 

You can apply for a subclass 400 to:

  • direct, produce or have any other role in a production that will not be shown in Australia (you will need to provide a distribution contract or other evidence to support this)
  • come to Australia for a promotional activity, for example:
    • an actor visiting Australia for a red carpet premiere
    • a rock band in Australia for a promotional tour but no performances

The subclass 400 visa does not allow a person to:

  • perform as an entertainer in Australia or support an entertainer or group of entertainers performing in Australia
  • direct, produce or take any other part in a production that will be shown, broadcast or performed in Australia (including theatre, film, television, radio, concert or a recording).

If you want to do these activities, you should consider applying for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) – Entertainment.

Be able to support yourself and any dependants

Meet our health requirement

Meet our character requirement

Be a genuine visitor

Have paid back your debt to the Australian government

Not had a visa cancelled or an application refused

Costs & fees

Indicative fees for the main applicant and family members.

Applicant
Fee
Main applicant
AUD430.00
Partner / spouse (18+)
AUD430.00
Child (under 18)
AUD110.00
Indicative fees only. Final fees depend on your circumstances and are confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs at lodgement.