Temporary Work (Short Stay) Visa – Subclass 400
Ideal for: Employers requiring skilled foreign workers for short-term roles, specialized projects, or to address urgent skills shortages that cannot be met by local talent.
Stream Overview
- Visa Duration: Typically granted for up to 3 months, with some exceptions permitting stays up to 6 months
- Eligibility: Applicants must demonstrate the need for their skills in Australia for a short period; the visa is typically for roles that require high-level expertise or specialization
- Employer Requirements: Employers must demonstrate a genuine need for the overseas worker and provide details of the specific tasks and project duration
👉 View more on eligibility
Processing Times
- Standard timeframe: Typically 5–20 business days, depending on the complexity of the application and required documentation
- Priority processing: Available for urgent or critical roles, although conditions and costs may vary
English Language Criteria
English proficiency requirements for the Temporary Work (Short Stay) Visa – Subclass 400 are generally not stringent, but the applicant should be able to communicate effectively in the workplace:
- IELTS: No formal requirement for this visa type, but sufficient English skills are expected for the role
- Alternative tests may be considered, or exemption applies for passport holders from eligible English-speaking countries
Employer Costs Overview (AUD)
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Nomination Fee | AU$330 |
| Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy | Varies based on business turnover: |
| – Employers with turnover < AU$10 million | AU$1,200 per year |
| – Employers with turnover ≥ AU$10 million | AU$1,800 per year |
| Labour Market Testing (LMT) | Costs depend on advertisement methods used and platforms chosen. Employers are required to demonstrate genuine need through appropriate advertising |
| Visa Application Fee | N/A (This fee is covered by the applicant, not the employer) |
🔗 Learn more about SAF Levy
How Maison Migration Services Can Assist
We provide comprehensive support to help employers meet the requirements of the Subclass 400 visa:
- Labour Market Testing (LMT): Assisting with the preparation and submission of job advertisements to ensure compliance with LMT requirements
- SAF Levy Calculation: Determining the applicable SAF Levy based on your business’s turnover and visa duration
- Visa Strategy & Application: Guiding you through the nomination process and ensuring that all documentation is accurate and compliant
- Pathway Consulting: Advising on potential options for extending the worker’s stay or transitioning to permanent residency
Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa – Subclass 400
Ideal for: Employers seeking to hire individuals with highly specialized skills for short-term, non-ongoing projects or business requirements. This visa is specifically for expert roles not easily filled by local workers.
Stream Overview
- Visa Duration: Usually up to 3 months, with the potential for an extension if the project or assignment requires more time
- Eligibility: The worker must demonstrate exceptional skills or experience in a niche field that is critical to the business or industry
- Employer Requirements: Employers must justify the need for a foreign specialist and provide a detailed business case showing why local workers cannot fulfill the role
- Specialization Focus: This visa is tailored for high-level professionals in fields such as technology, research, medicine, or engineering, among others
👉 Explore more on the Subclass 400
Processing Times
- Standard processing: Typically 5–15 business days, depending on the documentation provided
- Urgent processing: Available in exceptional circumstances where critical skills are needed immediately
- Note: The timeframe can vary depending on the individual case, so always check with the latest processing updates
English Language Criteria
While the requirement may vary, high-level professionals are expected to have functional English proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall score of 5.0 with no band less than 4.5
- PTE Academic: Overall score of 36
- TOEFL iBT: Total score of 35
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: Overall score of 154
- OET: Grade B in each component
- Exemption: Available for workers from English-speaking countries or with a recognized high-level education
Cost Breakdown for Applicants (AUD)
| Fee Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | AU$415 |
| Additional Applicant (≥18) | AU$415 per applicant |
| Additional Applicant (<18) | AU$105 per applicant |
| Subsequent Temporary Application Charge | AU$700 (if applicable) |
| Visa Application Fee (Per Person) | AU$415 |
Note: The costs mentioned above are for applicants, and employers may need to assist with other aspects, such as providing evidence of the specialized need for the employee’s skillset.
🔗 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa details
How Maison Migration Services Can Assist
We help employers bring in top-tier talent with highly specialized skills for short-term projects:
- Specialist Role Mapping: Assisting in creating a strong business case for the need of the specialist’s unique skills
- Visa & Nomination Strategy: Navigating the application process for both employers and employees, ensuring compliance with Home Affairs criteria
- Documentation & Compliance: From the preparation of evidence for short-term assignments to ensuring that all employer obligations are met
- Post-Arrival Support: Advising on worker rights, workplace compliance, and any visa extensions or future sponsorship options