Temporary Work (Subclass 400) Visa Australia – A Complete Guide by Melbourne Migration Services

At Melbourne Migration Services, a Melbourne-based migration agency, we assist individuals and businesses in navigating the Subclass 400 visa with precision, compliance, and strategic planning.

What Is the Subclass 400 Temporary Work Visa?

The Subclass 400 visa allows overseas professionals to undertake temporary, non-ongoing work in Australia where their skills are highly specialised and not readily available in the local labour market.

This visa is commonly used for:

• Short-term technical or specialist assignments

• Urgent project-based work

• High-level consultancy or advisory roles

• Installation, inspection, or troubleshooting of specialised systems

The key principle behind this visa is temporary need. It is not intended for ongoing employment or long-term workforce planning.

Duration of Stay and Visa Conditions

Most Subclass 400 visas are granted for up to three months within a twelve-month period. In limited and well-documented cases, a stay of up to six months may be considered.

Recent policy directions place strong emphasis on:

• Genuine short-term purpose

• Clear start and end dates

• Evidence that the work cannot be deferred or performed offshore

Repeated or back-to-back applications are closely scrutinised and may be refused if they indicate an intention to remain in Australia longer than permitted.

Who Can Apply for a Subclass 400 Visa?

To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate that:

✔ The work is highly specialised
✔ The activity is short-term and non-ongoing
✔ The role cannot reasonably be filled by an Australian worker
✔ The applicant has the necessary skills, experience, or qualifications
✔ The stay in Australia is temporary and well-defined

Supporting documents typically include contracts, letters of support, detailed role descriptions, and evidence of expertise.

Important Limitations of the Subclass 400 Visa

While useful, this visa has strict boundaries:

• It does not lead to permanent residency

• Extensions are uncommon and often require a new application

• Changing employers or roles is generally not permitted

• Family members may accompany the visa holder, but work rights are limited

• It cannot be used as a substitute for long-term sponsored visas

Choosing the wrong visa pathway can result in refusal, delays, or compliance issues.

Why Professional Migration Advice Matters

Recent policy changes mean decision-makers assess Subclass 400 applications more rigorously than in the past. Applications lacking clarity, strong justification, or proper documentation are at higher risk of refusal.

At Melbourne Migration Services, we:

• Assess whether Subclass 400 is the correct visa for your situation

• Prepare structured, decision-ready submissions

• Ensure compliance with current migration law and policy

• Advise on alternative visa pathways when appropriate

Our approach is practical, strategic, and tailored to each client.

Why Choose Melbourne Migration Services?

Melbourne Migration Services is a trusted migration agency based in Melbourne, providing personalised immigration solutions to individuals, professionals, and businesses.

We specialise in:

• Temporary and permanent work visas

• Employer-sponsored visas

• Visitor, student, and family visas

• Visa refusals, cancellations, and appeals

Our focus is not just visa approval, but long-term compliance and success.

Need Advice on the Subclass 400 Visa?

If you are considering short-term work in Australia or engaging an overseas specialist, professional guidance can make the difference between approval and refusal.

Contact Melbourne Migration Services today to receive clear, compliant, and expert advice tailored to your migration goals.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Australian migration law is complex and subject to change. Professional advice should be obtained for your specific circumstances.