Employer · Subclass 400
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
Highly specialised, short, non-ongoing work, usually up to 6 months.
New from 26 October 2026: biometrics for applications made in India. What it means for you →
Who it is for
People with highly specialised skills doing short-term, non-ongoing work that cannot reasonably be done by the Australian labour market.
Key eligibility
- Specialised skills shown by CV, licences, qualifications and an employer letter.
- Non-ongoing work; genuine temporary stay; adequate means of support; health and character.
- Family members can be included but cannot work or study.
Where to apply, and bridging visas
Outside Australia only, and outside Australia at decision.
Your journey, step by step
Check the right visa
Compare the 400, a business visitor visa and the 482.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent checks which visa genuinely fits the work.
Service agreement
Before any personal advice or preparation, you receive a written service agreement and the OMARA Consumer Guide.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent sets out the work, the fee and the refund policy in writing. No money is taken for visa work before the agreement is signed.
Evidence and application
Invitation letter describing the work, dates and location. If you apply in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics at a VFS Global centre after you lodge; book an appointment quickly using the instructions in the request letter.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent prepares the specialised skills evidence.
Grant and travel
Arrive within the time allowed and leave when the work ends.
How a registered migration agent helps: A registered migration agent explains the conditions.
The Department of Home Affairs makes every decision. No one can promise a grant, an invitation or a faster decision.
Government charges from 1 July 2026
| Applicant or item | Charge |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | A$535 |
| Family member 18 or over | A$535 |
| Family member under 18 | A$135 |
Health checks, police certificates, translations, skills assessments and English tests are extra and paid to the provider. Our professional fee is separate and quoted in writing. Estimate total charges for your family.
Source: Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026, read 22 October 2026. Confirm in the Visa Pricing Estimator before you pay.
Processing times
Source: Home Affairs Global visa processing times. Read 22 October 2026. Check the current Home Affairs guide. A guide only; times change monthly and are not a promise.
Common refusal risks
- Work not highly specialised or could be done locally.
- Work looks ongoing.
- Not a genuine temporary stay.
Drawn from the published criteria and general practice experience, not Department statistics.
Document checklist
Tick items as you collect them. Ticks are saved in this browser only and are not sent to us. This is a general list; the Department may ask for more.
0 of 0 collected
The Immigration Worldwide. Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130. General information, checked 22 October 2026.
Recent changes
From 26 October 2026, if you apply for this visa in India, the Department may ask you to give biometrics (fingerprints and a facial image). This applies to new applications lodged from that date. The Department sends a request letter with instructions. Most people then book an appointment at a VFS Global Australian Biometrics Collection Centre; some eligible people can use the Australian Immi App instead.
Sources and checks
- Home Affairs: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)
- Home Affairs: Biometrics
- Home Affairs Current visa pricing table, charges from 1 July 2026
Information checked 22 October 2026. General information only, not advice about your situation. Australian advice is given by Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130.