Subclass 400: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
Subclass 400 is for a short period of highly specialised, non-ongoing work. It is not a general employer-sponsored pathway to continuous employment in Australia.
Short-term, non-ongoingLast verified: 18 October 2026
Temporary Guide to the current pathway, not an eligibility determination.
What matters for this pathway
Subclass 400 is for a short period of highly specialised, non-ongoing work. It is not a general employer-sponsored pathway to continuous employment in Australia.
Genuine short-term and specialised activity
The role should require specialised skills, knowledge or experience that are not generally available in Australia.
Stay and timing
A stay of up to six months may be granted depending on circumstances. Longer-than-three-month stays usually require a strong business case.
Apply outside Australia
The applicant must be outside Australia when applying and when a decision is made. The visa cannot normally be extended in Australia.
Permitted activity only
Only perform the approved work or activities. A general ongoing job or unrelated work is not the purpose of this visa.
Who should consider this visa?
Subclass 400 is for a short period of highly specialised, non-ongoing work. It is not a general employer-sponsored pathway to continuous employment in Australia.
Core idea
For short-duration work requiring highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia.
Core eligibility and evidence
Start with these themes, then verify the relevant visa stream and current government criteria before any application.
Demonstrate that the proposed Australian activity is genuine, short term and highly specialised.
Explain why the specialised skills or knowledge are needed and why the activity is not ongoing.
Supply employer support such as a contract, letter of offer or documented task description.
Apply while outside Australia and comply with the work and duration conditions attached to the grant.
A practical application sequence
Sequence matters. Each stage depends on the evidence collected at the one before it.
Scope the task
Define deliverables, Australian location, business need and a realistic end date.
Prepare employer evidence
Provide an invitation or contract describing the specialist work and relevant experience.
Assess stay period
A stay longer than three months often needs a particularly strong business case.
Apply offshore
Lodge a complete application and do not travel expecting the grant to be automatic.
What applicants often overlook
Subclass 400 is not a substitute for ongoing employer-sponsored employment.
An initial stay period does not reset each time the traveller exits and re-enters Australia.
The application must be made outside Australia, and the visa cannot simply be extended in Australia.
If the work is sustained or ordinary skilled employment, an employer-sponsored pathway such as subclass 482 may be more appropriate to investigate.
Frequently asked questions
Answers reflect the official program material checked in October 2026. Individual facts can change the outcome.
Can I use subclass 400 for a permanent job?
No. It is intended for short-term, non-ongoing highly specialised work.
Can I remain for six months?
Home Affairs may grant up to six months depending on circumstances; this is not a guaranteed default period.
Can I apply while already in Australia?
No. Home Affairs states applicants must be outside Australia when applying for this subclass.
Verify with Home Affairs
Read the official visa pages before relying on a threshold, stream, deadline, occupation list or eligibility claim.
Official Home Affairs references · Reviewed 18 October 2026