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Eligibility assessment
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Short Stay Specialist
Visa (Subclass 400)
The Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400) allows overseas specialists to undertake short-term, highly specialised work or participate in limited non-ongoing activities in Australia. It is designed for individuals whose specialist knowledge, skills, or experience cannot reasonably be sourced within the Australian labour market.
Our Australian registered migration agents assist employers, businesses, and overseas professionals with eligibility assessments, document preparation, compliance requirements, and complete Subclass 400 visa applications.
Prefer to talk first? +61 414 996 546·info@realmigration.com.au
Specialist
Short Stay
Subclass 400
Business
Short Stay Specialist Visa
(Subclass 400) Overview
The Subclass 400 visa is a temporary visa for individuals undertaking highly specialised, short-term work in Australia. It is commonly used by overseas experts, technical specialists, consultants, trainers, engineers, installers, and other professionals required for projects that cannot be completed by the local workforce.
The visa generally allows short stays for approved specialist activities and is not intended for ongoing employment.
Typical purposes include:
- - Specialist technical work
- - Equipment installation
- - Business projects
- - Emergency repairs
- - Professional consulting
- - Training delivery
- - High-level expertise
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Eligibility Criteria for Visa 400
Applicants generally need:
- - Highly specialised skills or experience.
- - A genuine temporary purpose.
- - Supporting invitation or business documentation.
- - Evidence that the work cannot reasonably be undertaken by an Australian worker.
- - Health and character compliance.
- - Financial capacity where applicable.
Who Can Apply for Subclass 400
Overseas experts, technical specialists, consultants, trainers, engineers, installers, and other professionals with highly specialised skills required for short-term projects in Australia may pursue Subclass 400 where eligibility criteria, business documentation, and specialist work requirements are met.
Queensland Specialist Visa Support
Applicants across Queensland and Australia can plan specialist eligibility, employer evidence, and compliance with structured temporary activity visa support.
Application process
Application Process for Subclass 400
We manage this pathway in a structured way, from specialist assessment to visa grant, with compliance checks at every stage.
2
Review specialist work requirements
3
Prepare supporting documentation
4
Complete visa application
5
Submit supporting evidence
6
Department assessment
7
Visa decision
8
Travel to Australia
Specialist Assessment
Employer Evidence
Business Justification
Visa Lodgement
Department Assessment
Planning and compliance
Subclass 400 Planning and Compliance Guidance
Plan specialist assessment, employer evidence, and lodgement timing before submission to reduce avoidable delays and refusal risks.
Indicative Timeline
- Processing times vary depending on application complexity, supporting documentation, and departmental assessment.
Cost Planning
- - Visa application charges
- - Health examinations where applicable
- - Police clearances if requested
- - Translation and certification costs
- - Professional migration assistance
Compliance Guidance
- - Temporary work compliance
- - Document verification
- - Business activity review
- - Department communication support
- - Visa condition guidance
Trust and delivery
Why Clients Trust Our Subclass 400 Visa Services
Specialist visa expertise
400
Subclass 400 delivery focus
Document verification stages
8+
Structured evidence checkpoints
Application review checkpoints
6
Specialist and employer review
Australian migration compliance
AU
Gov source aligned strategy
Documents
Subclass 400 Document Checklist
- Passport
- Invitation letter
- Employment contract
- Business justification
- Qualifications
- Curriculum Vitae
- Employer documentation
- Business activity details
- Financial evidence where applicable
- Health documents where required
- Police clearances where required
Risk review
Common Refusal Risks for Subclass 400 Applications
- Insufficient evidence of specialist skills.
- Work not considered highly specialised.
- Incomplete employer documentation.
- Weak business justification.
- Incorrect visa purpose.
- Incomplete application.
- Health or character concerns.
Our approach
Our Process: How We Manage Your 400 Visa Application
Step 1: Eligibility review
Specialist-fit review with employer arrangements, business activity evidence checkpoints, and eligibility analysis.
Step 2: Business activity assessment
We structure employer support, invitation letters, business justification, and specialist duty documentation for consistent lodgement.
Step 3: Document preparation
Specialist work requirements, genuine temporary purpose, and declaration consistency checks before lodgement.
Step 4: Application lodgement and monitoring
Decision-ready lodgement support and post-grant condition guidance before visa expiry.
Ready to start your short stay specialist visa case?
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Agents and Visa Consultants Now.
Contact UsFAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)
What is the Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)?
The Subclass 400 visa allows overseas specialists to undertake short-term, highly specialised work in Australia.
Who can apply for a Subclass 400 visa?
Applicants with specialised skills, knowledge, or experience required for temporary work in Australia may be eligible.
Can offshore applicants apply for Subclass 400?
Yes. Most applicants apply while outside Australia before travelling for their approved activity.
How long can I stay in Australia on a Subclass 400 visa?
The permitted stay depends on the approved activity and the visa granted by the Department.
Can I work for multiple employers on a Subclass 400 visa?
Only approved activities and conditions specified in the visa should be undertaken.
Do I need an employer sponsor?
A formal sponsorship is generally not required, but strong supporting documentation from the Australian business or organisation is usually expected.
Can I include my family members?
Eligible family members may apply where permitted, subject to visa requirements.
Is the Subclass 400 visa a pathway to permanent residency?
No. The Subclass 400 visa is designed for temporary specialist work and is not a direct pathway to permanent residency.
What documents are required for a Subclass 400 application?
Common documents include your passport, invitation or contract, qualifications, CV, employer support, and evidence of the specialist activity.
Can a migration agent help with a Subclass 400 application?
Yes. A registered migration agent can help assess eligibility, prepare supporting documents, and ensure the application meets legislative requirements.
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Next step
Ready to Apply for a Short Stay Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)?
Whether you are an overseas specialist or an Australian business requiring temporary specialist expertise, our Australian registered migration agents can help you assess eligibility, prepare supporting documents, and manage your Subclass 400 visa application from start to finish.
Questions? Call +61 414 996 546 or email info@realmigration.com.au.