Specialised skills, knowledge or experience can be used to quickly work in Australia
To undertake specialised short-term (non-ongoing work) in Australia, workers are able to use the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist – Subclass 400) visa.
Overview
To be eligible for a 400 visa, applicants must have specialised skills, knowledge or experience that can help an Australia business, which can’t reasonably be found within Australia. Applicants must demonstrate they are a genuine visitor, meet health requirements and character requirements and show that they are able to financially support themselves while in Australia.
Although used by foreign businesses to quickly get workers to Australia, this visa can be applied for individually and is not employer sponsored. In all cases however, the application must be submitted outside of Australia.
The processing time for this visa can range from 5 days to 45 days. All applications as assessed on an individual basis. As such, information required and supporting documents can vary depending on the circumstances of each application and the country of citizenship.
What is Highly specialised skills knowledge or experience?
The 400 visa allows applicants who hold highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that:
- Assist an Australia business When applying, individuals will need to show they have specialised skills, knowledge, or experience which are not readily available in the Australian market. These skills, knowledge or experience may extend to technicians or employees with specific knowledge of a product, international company or overseas technology. This can be shown through resumes, licenses and qualifications and a letter from their overseas employer detailing their current position and duties.
- Cannot reasonably be found in the Australian market. The Australia business may be required to demonstrated that they have tried to find Australian workers first. Entertainment industry workers are excluded from this visa and must apply through the Subclass 408 visa stream.
- Will be non-ongoing The work must be non-ongoing, meaning it is likely to be completed within 6 months or less.
The Australian business will need to provide proof that the applicant is required and has work in the country. This can be done through a letter of invitation, job offer, employment contract or any other document from the Australian organisation confirming the applicant has been employed.
How long can I stay?
The 400 visa is for temporary stays, where applicants can only undertake work or activities for which the visa was granted. Applicants can be granted the visa for up to 6 months. Generally, for periods of 3 months or longer, a strong business case must be provided. Once granted, this visa is unlikely to be extended.
Can I include my family?
Individuals can include family members when applying for a 400 visa. Both family members and applicants must meet the Department of Home Affairs’ health requirements and character requirements. Applicants must also show they have the means to financially support family members during their stay in Australia.
If granted, family members are not permitted to work or study in Australia, except to undertake a language training program.
Can I travel while in Australia?
The 400 visa can be granted with either:
- Single entry: you can only enter Australia once, if you leave the country you cannot re-enter on this visa; or
- Multiple entry: you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times are you would like, during your period of stay.
Hammond Migration has successfully assisted many clients with 400 visas and can provide advice to you or your employee regarding Australia immigration requirements and whether the 400 visa is a suitable visa for you. The above is for general information only and we suggest that you contact us before progressing any visa application.
