On this page
- Overview — Australia temporary work visa 400
- What Your Employer Must Do
- When to Get Professional Help
- Bringing Your Spouse and Children
- From Work Visa to PR
- Conditions and Portability
- Renewal and Extension
- Fees and Processing Times
- Eligibility Requirements (subclass 400)
- Application Process
- Common Petition Challenges
- Gathering the Right Documents
- Fees
- Required forms
- Related visa types
- Related guides
- Related goals
- Next steps
Overview — Australia temporary work visa 400
#The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) allows you to enter Australia for short-term, highly specialised work that cannot be sourced locally. The Department of Home Affairs assesses your application based on the specific business case and the limited duration of your stay.
What it is
The Subclass 400 visa is a temporary visa for short-term, non-ongoing work in Australia. It’s meant for situations where you bring highly specialised skills that aren’t reasonably available in the Australian labour market.
The work must be specific, clearly defined, and limited in scope. This visa includes different streams, such as the Highly Specialised Work stream and streams for certain special activities.
Each stream serves short-term needs rather than long-term employment.
Key characteristics:
- Temporary stay only
- Work must be highly specialised
- Work must be non-ongoing
- Assessment handled by the Department of Home Affairs
You don’t use this visa for standard skilled employment pathways. Longer-term employer-sponsored options include the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) and the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
Training-focused activities may fall under the Training Visa (subclass 407). Broader event or activity-based stays might align with the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
| Feature | Subclass 400 |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Short-term highly specialised work |
| Nature of work | Non-ongoing |
| Decision authority | Department of Home Affairs |
Who it's for
You should consider this visa if your expertise is highly specialised and needed in Australia for a short, defined task. Typical situations include:
- Delivering specialised services for a limited project
- Providing expert knowledge unavailable in Australia
- Participating in approved short-term special activities
- Working as eligible superyacht crew under the relevant stream
Your work must remain temporary and clearly justified. Home Affairs will assess whether the role truly requires skills that cannot be sourced locally.
You must present a strong business case explaining:
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The nature of the work
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Why it is highly specialised
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Why it is short term
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Why an Australian worker cannot reasonably perform it
Home Affairs may request supporting documents such as Form Form 80 to assess your background.
Duration & streams
The Subclass 400 visa generally allows you to stay in Australia for up to 6 months, depending on the business case provided.
Home Affairs determines the approved period based on:
- The length of the proposed work
- The justification in your application
- The relevant visa stream
The main stream referenced is the Highly Specialised Work stream, which covers short-term expert work. Other streams include those for specific special activities and superyacht crew.
| Stream | Intended Use | Typical Stay |
|---|---|---|
| Highly Specialised Work | Short-term expert services | Up to 6 months |
| Special Activity / Superyacht Crew | Defined short-term roles | Case-specific, up to 6 months |
This visa doesn’t create a pathway to long-term employment. If your role extends beyond a short-term need, you must consider a different visa category assessed separately by Home Affairs.
What Your Employer Must Do
#Your application depends on clear, specific documents from your Australian employer. Home Affairs expects written proof of the work, the timeframe, and why your skills are required in Australia.
Invitation & contract
Your employer must issue a formal letter of invitation or employment contract. This document anchors your Subclass 400 application.
It must clearly state:
- Your full name
- Your job title or role
- A detailed description of the work you will perform
- The exact duration of the engagement in Australia
- The location where the work will occur
The description should outline the actual tasks, not just a job title. Vague wording such as “consulting services” isn’t enough.
If you previously considered another visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), the contract should still reflect that this engagement is temporary and project-based.
Home Affairs assesses whether the work matches the purpose of the Subclass
- The contract must support that assessment.
Employer letters & evidence
In addition to a contract, your employer should provide a separate support letter on company letterhead. This letter should:
- Confirm the business’s legal name and operations in Australia
- Explain why you were selected for the role
- Describe your specialised skills or expertise
- Confirm the expected start and end dates
The letter must align with the details in your application and any personal background forms, including Form Form 80 if requested.
Your employer should also provide evidence that the project or engagement is genuine. That may include documentation showing the existence of the Australian business and the specific project requiring your skills.
Home Affairs compares your employer’s documents with your own evidence of experience. Inconsistencies create delays or refusal risks.
Business case support
Your employer must justify why you need to perform this work in Australia. The explanation should address:
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The nature of the project or assignment
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Why the work is short-term
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Why your specific expertise is required
If the role resembles longer-term employment, Home Affairs may expect consideration of visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
A clear business case reduces that concern.
Your employer should also confirm that the project cannot proceed as intended without your involvement. The explanation must focus on your technical or specialised contribution, not general staffing needs.
You should download the current Subclass 400 application form and instructions from the Department of Home Affairs and ensure your employer’s documents match those requirements exactly.
When to Get Professional Help
#You can prepare a Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) application on your own. Errors in eligibility selection, background disclosures, or supporting documents often cause delays or refusals by the Department of Home Affairs.
Seek help when your situation involves multiple visa options, complex history, or detailed security forms.
When to consult a lawyer
Consult an immigration lawyer if you’re unsure whether the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) fits your role. This is common if your work could fall under the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).
A lawyer helps you:
- Compare visa pathways based on the length and purpose of your stay
- Assess risk factors before you lodge with Home Affairs
- Address prior refusals or cancellations
- Prepare detailed submissions for discretionary decisions
If your employer pressures you to apply under subclass 400 but the work appears ongoing, structured, or long term, get advice before lodging. Choosing the wrong visa subclass can result in refusal and affect future applications.
You should also consult a lawyer if you have:
- Previous visa refusals
- Criminal charges or convictions
- Inconsistent immigration history
- Gaps in travel or employment records
Legal advice becomes critical when your background may trigger security or character review.
Appointing a migration agent (Form 956)
If you decide to use professional assistance, you must formally appoint your representative. You do this by completing Form 956 – Appointment of a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person and lodging it with Home Affairs.
This form authorizes the representative to:
- Receive correspondence
- Submit documents on your behalf
- Communicate directly with Home Affairs
Without Form 956, Home Affairs will communicate only with you.
Using a registered migration agent or lawyer doesn’t guarantee approval. You remain legally responsible for the accuracy of all information provided in your subclass 400 application.
Before appointing anyone:
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Confirm they are properly registered or legally authorized.
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Clarify who prepares your forms and supporting statements.
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Review all documents before submission.
You should never sign blank forms or allow incomplete information to be lodged in your name.
Complex forms & background checks
You may need to complete Form Form 80 – Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment. Authorities use this form for detailed background checks, including security screening.
processing times vary by category and location. Under the “Skilled (Permanent)” stream, Form 80 processing currently takes approximately 13 months (as of February 2026).
You must verify current timeframes with Home Affairs because they change.
Prepare Form 80 carefully. Build a complete 10-year history before you start:
- All residential addresses
- Employment and education history
- International travel
Gaps create delays. Inconsistencies between Form 80 and other forms, such as Form 1221, raise concerns.
Use passport stamps, boarding passes, and booking records to confirm travel dates. If exact dates are unavailable, provide the most accurate estimate possible.
Declare all travel, including trips to conflict-affected regions. Omissions create more scrutiny than honest disclosure.
Police certificates usually expire 12 months after issue. If processing extends beyond that period, you may need updated certificates.
| Issue | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Incomplete 10-year history | Triggers requests for further information |
| Inconsistent forms | Delays or credibility concerns |
| Expired police certificates | Additional document requests |
| Missing travel history | Extended background checks |
Bringing Your Spouse and Children
#You can include your spouse and dependent children in your Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) application. You must show that you can financially support them and provide complete identity and character documents for each family member.
Financial support
You must prove that you can financially support yourself and each accompanying family member during your stay in Australia. Home Affairs expects clear evidence that you can cover:
- Daily living expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Return travel, if required
Provide documents that show access to sufficient funds. The evidence must demonstrate that your spouse and children won’t rely on public support while in Australia.
If your family members apply with you, their stay links to the validity of your subclass 400 visa. Unlike longer-term visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), the subclass 400 remains short-term.
You should plan finances accordingly. If you cannot meet the financial support requirement, Home Affairs can refuse the family members’ applications.
| Requirement | Applies to Main Applicant | Applies to Family Members |
|---|---|---|
| Proof of financial capacity | Yes | Yes (covered by you) |
| Evidence of living expenses coverage | Yes | Yes |
| Responsibility for costs in Australia | Yes | Yes |
Required documents for family
Each accompanying family member must provide identity and character documents.
You must include:
- A valid passport
- Passport pages showing photo, personal details, and issue and expiry dates
- A national identity card, if available
- Police certificates, where required
Home Affairs may also require Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for character assessment) for adult applicants to assess character.
Prepare complete and legible copies. Missing identity pages or incomplete police certificates can delay processing or lead to refusal.
The documentation standards are similar to those applied in other temporary visa programs, such as the Training Visa (subclass 407) and the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408). Each person must meet identity and character requirements individually.
| Document Type | Spouse | Dependent Child |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Required | Required |
| Passport bio pages | Required | Required |
| National ID (if available) | Required | Required (if applicable) |
| Police certificate | Required (where requested) | May be required |
| Form 80 (if requested) | May be required | Not usually required for minors |
Other obligations
You remain responsible for your family’s compliance with visa conditions. Each family member must:
- Hold a valid visa
- Comply with all visa conditions
- Depart Australia before the visa expires
The Department of Home Affairs assesses every applicant separately, even when they apply together. A character issue affecting one family member can affect the overall application outcome.
The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border. Your family must carry valid passports and visa grant details when travelling.
If your family’s circumstances change after lodgement, you must inform Home Affairs promptly. Failure to provide accurate information can affect current and future visa applications.
From Work Visa to PR
#The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) provides short-term entry for specific work. It doesn't offer a direct route to permanent residence.
You'll need a separate visa strategy if you want to stay long term. The 400 visa is temporary by design.
Does it lead to PR?
Subclass 400 does not provide a pathway to permanent residence. Approval allows you to enter Australia for a defined work activity only.
Home Affairs approves this visa on the basis that you're a genuine temporary entrant. You must show intent to stay only for the period needed to complete your specific task or event.
If you want permanent residence later, you'll need to qualify for a different visa, such as:
| Visa | Purpose | Leads to PR? |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) | Employer-sponsored temporary skilled work | May provide a pathway depending on stream |
| Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) | Regional employer sponsorship | Designed as a provisional pathway |
| Training Visa (subclass 407) | Occupational training | No direct PR pathway |
| Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) | Specific temporary activities | No direct PR pathway |
Each visa comes with its own eligibility and application requirements set by Home Affairs. Meeting those is independent of your subclass 400 status.
Limitations
You can't treat the subclass 400 as a stepping stone toward permanent residence. Home Affairs expects you to comply strictly with the temporary purpose of your stay.
Key limitations include:
- You must be a genuine temporary visitor.
- Your stay must match the approved work purpose.
Approval is never guaranteed. Holding this visa doesn't make you eligible for another visa.
Australian Border Force manages entry at the border. Even with a granted visa, you must satisfy entry requirements on arrival.
If you apply for another visa later, Home Affairs may review your immigration history. You might need to provide detailed background information, including Form Form 80, depending on your new application.
Conditions and Portability
#The Subclass 400 visa ties you to specific short-term work in Australia. You can't freely change employers or industries.
Strict limits apply to entertainment activities and eligibility standards assessed by Home Affairs.
Job restrictions
Your work must match the activity approved in your application. You can't use the Subclass 400 visa to take up ongoing employment or switch into a different role after arrival.
If your circumstances change, you'll need to apply for a different visa that fits the new activity. Applying from within Australia isn't permitted.
You must lodge your application from outside Australia and receive a decision before you travel. If you request a stay longer than three months, you must provide a strong business case explaining why the extended period is necessary.
Home Affairs will assess whether the longer stay is justified. If your work becomes long term or employer-sponsored, consider other visa options:
| Situation | More Appropriate Visa |
|---|---|
| Ongoing skilled employment | Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) |
| Regional employer sponsorship | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) |
| Structured workplace training | Training Visa (subclass 407) |
| Broader temporary activities | Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) |
You can't transfer this visa to another employer. A new activity generally requires a new application.
Entertainment rules
You can't work in the Australian entertainment industry under this visa unless your role is strictly limited to:
- Directing a production
- Producing a production
- Participating in a production that will not be shown in Australia
If the production will be shown in Australia, this visa doesn't permit that activity.
Home Affairs examines the nature of the production and where it will be distributed. You must document the project details in your application.
If your work involves public performances, broadcasting, or commercial screenings in Australia, the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) might fit better.
Failing to comply with these limits can lead to visa cancellation.
Health & character requirements
You must meet Australia’s health and character standards before Home Affairs grants the visa.
You may need to:
- Complete required health examinations
- Provide police certificates
- Submit Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment) if requested
Home Affairs will assess whether you meet statutory character requirements based on your personal history.
You must provide accurate and complete information. Incomplete disclosures can delay processing or result in refusal.
The Department of Home Affairs decides visa eligibility. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border once your visa is granted.
Renewal and Extension
#The Subclass 400 visa does not automatically renew. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to check whether you qualify for an extension or submit a new application with full supporting evidence through Home Affairs.
Extension eligibility
You can only seek to extend your stay if Home Affairs allows it under your current visa conditions. The Subclass 400 is designed for short, highly specialised, non-ongoing work.
Review your visa grant notice in your ImmiAccount to confirm:
- Your visa expiry date
- Any conditions limiting further stay
- Whether additional activities fall within the original purpose
If your work becomes ongoing or long term, consider a different visa instead of trying to extend the Subclass
- Relevant alternatives may include:
| Situation | Possible Visa Option |
|---|---|
| Ongoing skilled employment | Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) |
| Regional employer sponsorship | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494) |
| Occupational training | Training Visa (subclass 407) |
| Short-term event or activity | Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) |
Home Affairs will look at whether your continued stay matches the temporary and specialised purpose of the original visa.
How to reapply
If you can't extend your current visa, you must lodge a new application through your ImmiAccount. There's no simple "renewal" for the Subclass 400.
Steps:
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Log in to ImmiAccount.
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Select the correct visa subclass.
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Upload all required supporting documents.
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Submit the application.
You must provide complete and accurate documentation at the time of application. If you forgot to attach documents, upload them as soon as possible in ImmiAccount.
Home Affairs may request further information, such as identity or background details. You might need to complete forms such as Form Form 80 if requested.
Processing won't move forward until you provide all requested evidence. Incomplete applications delay assessment.
Payment & processing
You must pay the correct visa application charge in AUD (A$) through the online portal at the time of lodgement. Home Affairs won't process your application if you don't pay the correct amount.
Use the official fee calculator on the Department of Home Affairs website to confirm the current charge before submitting.
processing times vary because Home Affairs must verify your information and supporting documents. Delays often happen when:
- Required documents are missing
- Information can't be verified
- Additional details are requested
You can monitor status updates and upload further documents directly in ImmiAccount. The Department of Home Affairs manages all visa processing.
Fees and Processing Times
#You pay a set government charge and then wait for a decision based on recent processing patterns. The Department of Home Affairs publishes both the application fee and indicative timeframes through its official tools.
Application fees
The base application charge for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) is:
| Applicant type | Visa application charge |
|---|---|
| Primary applicant | A$430 |
You pay this amount when you lodge your application with the Department of Home Affairs.
This figure covers only the visa application charge. It doesn't include costs for supporting documents, health checks, or police certificates.
If Home Affairs asks you to complete Form Form 80 for personal character assessment, you don't pay a separate government fee for the form.
Fees differ across other temporary work visas. For example, the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), Training Visa (subclass 407), and Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) each have their own charges.
Processing time estimates
Current indicative processing times for the Subclass 400 visa are:
| Visa | Typical processing time |
|---|---|
| Subclass 400 | 2 to 4 weeks |
This timeframe reflects recently finalised applications, not a guarantee.
Home Affairs processes applications based on the information you provide and its internal priorities. If your application lacks documents or raises character concerns requiring additional information such as Form 80, processing may take longer.
You should plan your travel and work commitments around the possibility of delays. Avoid booking non-refundable travel until you receive a visa decision.
Using the processing time guide
Home Affairs provides an online visa processing time guide showing how long recently decided applications have taken. You use a dropdown list to select the relevant visa subclass.
The guide gives historical data, not real-time status updates. It shows general ranges based on completed cases.
Steps:
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Go to the Department of Home Affairs website.
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Open the visa processing time guide tool.
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Select “Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400)” from the dropdown list.
If the page doesn't load correctly, clear your browser cache and refresh your browser (Ctrl + F5).
You can also review Home Affairs’ quarterly reports on visa processing priorities to see broader trends affecting temporary work visas.
Eligibility Requirements (subclass 400)
#You must show that your skills are highly specialised, that you intend to stay only temporarily, and that you meet health and character standards set by the Department of Home Affairs.
Each element requires clear evidence.
Specialized skills
You must have highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that an Australian business cannot readily find in the local labour market. General experience or common trade skills won't meet this threshold.
Home Affairs expects objective proof. You should provide:
- Relevant qualifications or licences
- Detailed employment history
- Evidence of specific expertise linked to the proposed work in Australia
- Documents from the Australian business explaining why your skills are required
If your skills aren't genuinely specialised for the role, Home Affairs can refuse the application.
The Subclass 400 visa isn't a substitute for longer-term programs such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494). It also differs from the Training Visa (subclass 407) and the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), which serve different purposes.
| Requirement | What You Must Show |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Highly specialised expertise |
| Labour market need | Skills not readily available in Australia |
| Evidence | Qualifications, licences, work history, employer documents |
Genuine temporary intent
You must intend to enter Australia for a short, defined period and leave when your work is complete. The Subclass 400 visa doesn't support ongoing or permanent employment.
Home Affairs will check whether your activities match the temporary nature of the visa. Your proposed work must be:
- Clearly defined in scope
- Limited in duration
- Consistent with a short-term stay
If your circumstances suggest a longer-term employment arrangement, Home Affairs may consider that you're better suited to another visa, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494).
Supporting documents should align with a temporary project or assignment. Any mismatch between your stated purpose and the evidence can raise credibility concerns.
Health, character & proof
You must meet Australia’s health and character requirements. Home Affairs will assess whether you satisfy these standards before granting the visa.
You may need to:
- Complete required health examinations
- Provide police certificates
- Submit background details, which can include Form Form 80
Character issues or incomplete disclosures can result in refusal.
You carry the burden of proof. Provide clear, organised documentation supporting:
- Your identity
- Your qualifications and experience
- The purpose and duration of your stay
The Department of Home Affairs decides visa applications. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border but doesn't grant visas.
Application Process
#You apply for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (subclass 400) online through the Department of Home Affairs. The process centers on accurate documents, correct online submission, and careful final review before payment.
Prepare & gather documents
Start by identifying which documents fit your situation. Home Affairs reviews each application based on visa type and the information you provide.
You’ll generally need:
- A completed online visa application form
- Identity documents
- Supporting documents relevant to your proposed work
- Any additional forms requested by Home Affairs
- Form Form 80, if requested for personal background information
Provide accurate, truthful information in every field. Inconsistent dates, missing employment details, or incomplete answers can hold things up or lead to refusal.
If you’ve looked at other visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), double-check that subclass 400 actually matches your short-term work purpose. Applying for the wrong visa can mean an outright refusal.
Keep your digital copies clear and easy to read. Upload them in the format ImmiAccount requires.
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Identity documents | Confirm who you are |
| Work-related evidence | Support the reason for your short-term stay |
| Form 80 (if requested) | Provide detailed personal history |
| Additional requested documents | Address specific case requirements |
Immi Account & submission
You must apply online through ImmiAccount, the Department of Home Affairs’ online portal.
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Create an ImmiAccount if you don’t have one already.
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Log in with your username and password.
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Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*).
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Upload your supporting documents.
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Review every section before submission.
If you forget your username or password, use the recovery options. Lost access to your multi-factor authentication app? Follow the account access instructions before continuing.
Complete every section of the application form. Don’t leave mandatory questions blank. Sign electronically where required.
You submit your application directly through ImmiAccount. Home Affairs communicates with you through your account, so check it regularly after you lodge your application.
Final checks & payment
Before submitting, confirm that:
- All mandatory fields are complete
- Your answers match your supporting documents
- All required documents are uploaded
- Your personal details are correct
Small mistakes can cause delays. Double-check dates, passport numbers, and employment information.
After your final review, pay the visa application charge in AUD (A$) through ImmiAccount. For the current fee, use the official fee calculator provided by Home Affairs.
Your application isn’t valid until you submit and receive confirmation in ImmiAccount. Keep a copy of your submission receipt.
Common Petition Challenges
#Most refusals and delays stem from incomplete disclosures, inconsistent history, or weak supporting evidence. You need a fully documented, consistent application for the Department of Home Affairs.
Missing or inconsistent evidence
Home Affairs expects proof that you can support yourself and any family during your stay. If you can’t show adequate financial capacity, your application may stall or fail.
Submit clear, color scans of identity documents. Blurry, cropped, or black-and-white copies often lead to requests for more information.
Inconsistencies across documents cause delays. Dates for travel, employment, and residential history must match exactly wherever they appear.
| Evidence Area | Common Problem | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Financial capacity | No proof of funds | Delay or refusal |
| Identity documents | Poor-quality scans | Request for more information |
| Travel history | Missing trips | Security review and processing delay |
If you’ve previously considered visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), make sure your history stays consistent across all applications you’ve lodged with Home Affairs.
Form & background pitfalls
All forms must be completed in English. Provide certified translations only for supporting documents issued in another language.
Form Form 80 and Form 1221 require detailed background information. Overlapping sections—such as travel, employment, and addresses—need to match word for word when the facts are the same.
Unexplained gaps in the last 10 years of employment or residence raise concerns. Account for every period, including:
- Caring for family
- Volunteering
- Extended travel
- Periods of unemployment
Disclose all criminal history, including pending charges and spent convictions. Omitting an issue is treated more seriously than the offence itself and can lead to refusal.
List every international trip. Not disclosing travel to conflict-affected or sensitive regions can trigger security scrutiny and suspend processing.
How to avoid delays/refusal
Audit your own application before submitting. Review every answer against your passport stamps, travel records, and prior visa filings with Home Affairs.
Follow this checklist:
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Cross-check Form 80 and Form 1221 line by line.
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Confirm there are no date gaps in the past 10 years.
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Verify that all offences, charges, and court matters are disclosed.
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Ensure all forms are completed in English.
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Upload clear, color copies of identity documents.
Never provide false or misleading information. Home Affairs may refuse or cancel your visa and this can affect your ability to obtain future Australian visas.
Accuracy, full disclosure, and consistent documentation give your Subclass 400 application the best chance of approval.
Gathering the Right Documents
#You must prove who you are and why you need to enter Australia for short-term, highly specialised work. Home Affairs will assess your identity, your skills, and the authenticity of every document you submit.
Identity documents
Provide clear evidence of your identity and travel details. Your documents must match the personal information you enter in your application.
At minimum, include:
- Passport bio page showing your photo, full name, date of birth, passport number, and expiry date
- Any national identity card that lists your identity card number
- Details of any other names you have used, if applicable
Make sure all identification details—such as passport and identity card numbers—are accurate and consistent across every form.
Home Affairs may also request extra personal information through forms like Form Form 80, which asks for detailed background and identity history. Complete it carefully and ensure the information lines up with your passport and other records.
If you’ve previously applied for visas such as the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), Training Visa (subclass 407), or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), make sure your identity details remain consistent across applications.
Skill & employment evidence
You need to show you have the specialised skills required for the short-term work under the Subclass 400 visa. Your documents should directly support the specific activity you’ll perform in Australia.
Common evidence includes:
- Employment letters confirming your position, duties, and length of employment
- Contracts or engagement letters from the Australian organisation
- Qualifications, licences, or certifications relevant to your work
- A detailed curriculum vitae (CV)
Employment letters should clearly describe your duties. Generic job titles don’t tell the full story.
If your role resembles positions typically sponsored under visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) Visa (subclass 494), explain why the work is short-term and non-ongoing. This helps Home Affairs see why the Subclass 400 visa fits.
Keep documents focused on the specific project or event. Don’t overload your application with unrelated career history.
Translations & originals
Submit documents in their original language, plus a complete English translation if they aren’t already in English.
Follow these rules:
- Provide a clear copy of the original document
- Include a full English translation
- Make sure identification details match across both versions
Don’t alter or summarise documents. Translations need to reflect the full content of the original.
Home Affairs expects consistency between originals and translations. Any discrepancy in names, dates, or identification numbers can delay processing.
Before you lodge your application, review every document side by side. Check that passport numbers, identity card numbers, and personal details are identical throughout your file.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application fee (primary applicant)Secondary 18+ $430; under 18 $110 | A$430 (approx $297 USD) |
Fees change; always verify on Home Affairs.
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Do you need to complete Form 80?
Home Affairs may request Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment).
You must provide accurate and complete information if requested.
How much does the subclass 400 visa cost?
Visa fees are set by Home Affairs and charged in AUD (A$).
Use the official fee calculator provided by the Department of Home Affairs for current amounts.
How long does processing take?
processing times can fluctuate.
Check the Department of Home Affairs for current estimates when planning your application.
What does the Australia temporary work visa 400 allow me to do?
The visa lets individuals with highly specialised skills not available in Australia undertake short-term, non-ongoing work; it includes a Highly Specialised Work stream and other short-stay specialist activities.
How long can I stay on this visa?
The visa is generally for temporary stays of up to 6 months depending on the business case provided; stays longer than 3 months usually require a strong business case.
Who is eligible for this visa?
You must have highly specialised skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in the Australian labour market and meet health and character requirements.
Can I work in the Australian entertainment industry on subclass 400?
Generally no — work in the Australian entertainment industry is not allowed unless it involves directing, producing, or participating in a production that is not shown in Australia.
Do I need to show I can support myself and any family members?
Yes — you must be able to support yourself and any family while in Australia and provide proof of financial means if requested.
How do I apply for the visa?
Create and log into your Immi Account, download the current temporary-work-400 form and instructions, complete all required sections and sign, then submit the application through Immi Account and pay the visa application charge online.
What documents will I need to include?
You should include identity documents (passport and identity card numbers/pages), documentary evidence of your specialised skills (licenses, qualifications, work history, employer letters), police certificates where required, and originals or certified translations of non‑English documents.
What are common reasons applications are delayed or refused?
Common issues include failure to provide proof of financial means, submitting incorrect or inconsistent information, not meeting the specialised skills requirement, poor-quality identity document scans, and that filing does not guarantee approval.
How long does processing usually take and what does it cost?
Processing is typically 2–4 weeks; the application fee for the primary applicant is A$430 (approx US$297, as of 2025-07).
Official sources referenced
Last reviewed: 2026-03-12
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
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