Overview
The Subclass 400 lets specialists come to Australia for highly specialised, short-term, non-ongoing work or to participate in an invited activity. The work must be in a specialised role that an Australian worker cannot readily perform. Stays are usually up to 3 months, with some cases extending up to 6 months.
The 400 is the right visa for one-off specialised work — installing a specialised machine, leading a niche workshop, providing rare technical expertise — not for ongoing employment. The visa turns on demonstrating genuinely specialised skills and a clearly non-ongoing engagement. We help you frame the role and prepare the invitation correctly so the application doesn’t get caught.
Who is eligible
- Have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that benefit Australia
- The work must be non-ongoing and time-limited
- An Australian worker cannot readily perform the role, or the work is part of an invited activity
- Meet health, character and adequate funds requirements
Costs
Fees change with annual indexation. See the official Visa Pricing Estimator for the current figure.
Processing times
See the official global visa processing times .
How to apply
- Confirm the work is specialised and non-ongoing. The 400 is for genuinely short-term specialised work. Ongoing roles need a different visa.
- Prepare your evidence. Document your specialised skills, the role, why an Australian cannot do it, and your timeline.
- Lodge the visa. Apply with evidence of skills, the host organisation's invitation and your travel plans.
Frequently asked questions
Does the 400 visa need an employer sponsor?
No business sponsorship is required, but you do need a clear invitation or engagement letter from the Australian host organisation explaining the specialised work and its non-ongoing nature.
How long can I stay on a 400 visa?
Most 400 visas are granted for stays of up to 3 months. Stays up to 6 months may be granted where the work is clearly justified, but these are scrutinised carefully.
Can I extend or apply for another 400 from inside Australia?
The 400 is intended to be short and non-ongoing. Further 400s or onshore applications are generally not the right pathway and may be refused.