Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)

Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) is the flexible short-term work visa. Key advantages:
  • No employer sponsorship required
  • No LMT required
  • Faster processing (1-4 weeks typical)
  • Up to 6 months for non-ongoing specialist work
  • Indian applicants common: tech consultants, engineering experts, training delivery, machinery installation

Three streams:
  (1) Highly Specialised Work — non-ongoing, requires highly specialised skills not readily available in Australia
  (2) Specified Work — specified by Minister (rare, mostly defence/government)
  (3) Australia's Interest — work in Australia's interest beyond normal commercial considerations

Most common Indian applicant: Highly Specialised Work stream.

Draft a 500-600 word Subclass 400 strategy for [CLIENT_NAME].

§1 — STREAM SELECTION — HIGHLY SPECIALISED WORK (130-160 words)

Reg 400.211 + 400.221:

Requirements:
  (a) Non-ongoing work (project-specific, time-bounded engagement)
  (b) Highly specialised skills not readily available in Australia
  (c) Work cannot be easily performed by Australian workers
  (d) Limited duration appropriate (≤6 months typical)

For [CLIENT_NAME] proposing [WORK_DURATION_DAYS] days of work:
  • If ≤90 days: Subclass 400 fits (no need for 482 sponsorship)
  • If >90 days to ≤180 days: still Subclass 400 (max 6 months)
  • If >180 days: 400 not viable; consider 482

[WORK_PURPOSE] expanded:
  • Specific project / engagement
  • Specific deliverables
  • Why a short visit, not ongoing
  • Why Australian workers can't perform this

§2 — SPECIALIST SKILLS JUSTIFICATION (180-220 words)

The "highly specialised" criterion is the load-bearing test. DHA needs to be satisfied that:

[SPECIALIST_SKILLS]:
  • Specific technical expertise unique to [CLIENT_NAME]'s background
  • OR specific product knowledge tied to overseas equipment / software
  • OR specific methodology not available in Australian workforce

Examples of "highly specialised work":
  • Foreign equipment installation by manufacturer's certified technician (e.g. Hitachi crane assembly, Siemens turbine installation)
  • Specialised software customisation by original developer
  • Niche scientific research collaboration
  • International technology transfer training
  • Specific intellectual property knowledge

NOT typically "highly specialised" (would require 482):
  • General software development
  • Standard business consulting
  • Ongoing service delivery
  • Recurring engagements at same client

For [CLIENT_NAME]:
  • Detail the specific technical / IP / methodology element
  • Why [CLIENT_NAME]'s background uniquely qualifies (years of specific experience, certifications, relationship to overseas employer/manufacturer)
  • Why an Australian alternative isn't feasible (typically: ongoing relationship with overseas employer that an Australian recruit couldn't replicate)

§3 — AUSTRALIAN CLIENT / ENGAGEMENT (130-160 words)

[AUSTRALIAN_CLIENT]:
  • Australian business engaging [CLIENT_NAME] (or [CLIENT_NAME]'s overseas employer)
  • Project scope + timeline
  • Specific deliverables
  • Compensation (if applicable — for technicians often paid by overseas employer; for consultants by Australian client)
  • Letter of invitation / contract documenting the engagement

Documentation:
  • Letter from [AUSTRALIAN_CLIENT] on letterhead confirming:
    - Engagement purpose
    - Specific work
    - Duration
    - That work cannot be performed by Australian workers
    - Coordination with overseas employer (if applicable)
  • Project scope document
  • Existing contract between [AUSTRALIAN_CLIENT] and overseas employer (if applicable)

§4 — APPLICATION (130-160 words)

Online via ImmiAccount:
  □ Form 1400 — Subclass 400 application
  □ Application fee: AUD 405 (revised; verify)
  □ Supporting documents:
    □ Passport
    □ Photos
    □ Letter of invitation from Australian engagement
    □ CV / resume highlighting specialist skills
    □ Qualifications + certifications relevant to the specialist work
    □ Evidence of work for overseas employer
    □ Travel itinerary
    □ Financial capacity (sponsor / overseas employer cover costs)
  □ No health check unless from designated country with extended stay
  □ Character clearance: AFP police check + police clearances from countries lived in 12+ months in last 10 years

§5 — VISA CONDITIONS (60-80 words)

Subclass 400 visa conditions:
  • Work only for the engagement described
  • Stay only up to authorised period
  • No bringing dependents on this visa (separate Subclass 600 for family if accompanying)
  • Cannot study in Australia
  • Cannot access Medicare

§6 — REFUSAL RISKS (40-60 words)

Common refusal grounds:
  • "Not highly specialised" — work is routine consulting / standard business
  • Ongoing engagement pattern (rejected for repeat-use of 400 for what should be 482)
  • Insufficient specialist credentials
  • Indication of intent to extend / convert to other visa

End with: "DRAFT SUBCLASS 400 STRATEGY — for MARN-registered agent review. Subclass 400 is single-use; pattern of repeat applications for same client typically triggers refusal. If ongoing engagement expected, recommend Subclass 482 instead. Verify visa fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — adjusts annually."