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Subclass 400 Visa
Temporary Work

(Short Stay Specialist) visa

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We are delighted to welcome you to Stepping Stones Career Solutions, your trusted partner for immigration assistance in Melbourne. If you’re a professional seeking to engage in short-term specialized work in Australia, the Subclass 400 Visa is the ideal option to make your stay smooth. Whether you’re coming for a specific project, event, or work assignment requiring specialized skills, we are here to guide you through every step of the application process.

Here is a complete guide to the Visa Subclass 400 and how our team can assist you in obtaining this visa for your temporary work in Australia.

Overview of Subclass 4oo Visa

The Subclass 400 visa, also known as the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, allows individuals to come to Australia for a short period to undertake highly specialized work. It is typically for those who need to work in Australia for a specific event, project, or for a short-term work assignment.

Subclass 189 Stream

  • The Subclass 400 visa has different streams based on the type of work or project you will be involved in. Here are the subclass 400 visa details​ for different streams:

1. Short Stay Specialist Stream

  • This stream is for individuals who need to come to Australia for highly specialized work or to participate in a specific event or project.

Eligibility Criteria:

Subclass 400 requirements for this stream are as follows:

  • The work must require specialized skills or knowledge.
  • The applicant must have the relevant qualifications, experience, and skills to perform the work.
  • You can stay for a short period (up to 3 months, with potential extensions).

2. Superyacht Crew Stream

  • This stream is for individuals coming to Australia to work on a superyacht.

Eligibility Criteria:

Subclass 400 visa conditions for this stream are as follows:

  • The applicant must have a job on a superyacht that is registered in Australia or another country.
  • The applicant must be able to prove the specialized nature of their role.

3. Highly Specialized Work Stream

  • This stream is for individuals coming to Australia for work that is exceptionally specialized and cannot be performed by Australian workers.

Eligibility Criteria:

Subclass 400 visa rules in Australia for this stream are as follows:

  • The applicant must show that the work is highly specialized and not widely available in the local workforce.
  • The applicant must have the skills and experience necessary for the role.

General Eligibility Criteria for Subclass 400

Here are the general requirements for a Subclass 400 visa:
  • Specialized Work: You must be coming to Australia to perform work that requires specialized skills or knowledge that is not available in the Australian workforce.
  • Relevant Qualifications and Experience: You must have the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience to undertake the specialized work.
  • Temporary Work: The work must be temporary and not intended to be permanent. The visa is typically granted for up to 3 months, with extensions possible.
  • Sponsorship: You must have a sponsor (an Australian employer or organization) who invites you to work for them on a specified project or event.
  • Genuine Temporary Entrant: You must intend to stay in Australia temporarily and leave once the work or project is complete.
  • Health Requirements: You must meet the required health standards, which may involve a health examination.
  • Character Requirements: You must meet character requirements, which may involve a police clearance.
  • No Permanent Residency: This visa does not lead to permanent residency. You must apply for another visa if you wish to stay longer or for permanent residence.
  • English Proficiency: While not always mandatory, you may need to demonstrate English language proficiency depending on the job.

Benefits Subclass 400 Visa

Here are the key benefits of the Subclass 400 Visa:
  • Short-Term Employment: Allows you to work in Australia for specialized roles for a temporary period (up to 3 months, with possible extensions).
  • Work in Highly Specialized Fields: Enables you to work in fields where there is a shortage of skilled Australian workers.
  • Sponsorship-Based: If you have an Australian employer or organization sponsoring you, it simplifies the application process.
  • Multiple Streams: Offers flexibility through different streams (Short Stay Specialist, Superyacht Crew, and Highly Specialized Work), catering to various types of specialized work.
  • No Requirement for Permanent Residency: This visa does not require an intention to stay permanently, which is perfect for short-term work without long-term obligations.
  • Legal Stay and Work: Provides legal permission to stay and work in Australia for the duration of your employment or project.
  • Possible Visa Extensions: In some cases, a subclass 400 visa Australia extension​ can be made for a total of up to 6 months if your project/work requires it.

Subclass 400 Visa Restrictions

  • Here are the subclass 400 visa restrictions Australia:​

Work Limitations:

  • You can only work for the specific employer or organization listed in your visa application.

  • You cannot work for any other employer or in any other role that wasn’t approved in your visa application.

Temporary Stay:

  • The visa is for temporary work only, typically up to 3 months. If your work or project requires more time, you may need to apply for an extension or a new visa.

No Pathway to Permanent Residency:

  • This visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency. If you wish to stay permanently, you will need to apply for a different visa.

Limited Duration:

  • The visa duration is usually short-term (up to 3 months), and any extensions are subject to approval. There is a limit on the total stay of 6 months for most cases.

No Engagement in Other Work:

  • You cannot engage in any other form of employment outside the role specified in your visa.

Sponsor Restrictions:

  • You can only work for the employer or sponsor who supports your visa application. If you want to change employers or roles, you must apply for a new visa.

Limited to Short-Term Work:

  • The visa is for highly specialized, short-term projects or assignments. Long-term employment opportunities are not permitted.

No Study:

  • You are generally not allowed to enroll in formal studies while on a Subclass 400 visa unless you meet specific conditions or apply for a different visa for study.
 

Compliance with Visa Conditions:

  • You must comply with all visa conditions. Violating these conditions (e.g., working beyond the approved role or overstaying) can lead to visa cancellation or deportation.

Subclass 400 Taxation Rules

  • If you're working in Australia on a Subclass 400 Visa (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)), you will be subject to Subclass 400 visa Australia tax​ during your stay. Here are some key points about tax obligations for Subclass 400 visa holders:

Tax Residency:

  • You may be considered an Australian tax resident if you are in Australia for more than 6 months, depending on your situation.

  • If you stay for less than 6 months, you will typically be considered a non-resident for tax purposes.

Tax Rate:

  • If you are a tax resident, your income will be taxed according to Australian tax rates, which range from 0% to 45% based on your income level.

  • If you are a non-resident, your income will be taxed at a flat rate of 32.5% for most income up to AUD 120,000.

Tax File Number (TFN):

  • You will need a Tax File Number (TFN) to work legally and be taxed in Australia. You can apply for a TFN with the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Employer’s Role:

  • Your employer will usually withhold tax from your wages through the Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding system.

Superannuation:

  • As a worker, you may be entitled to superannuation (retirement savings), and your employer may be required to contribute a percentage of your earnings to your super fund.

Tax Returns:

  • At the end of the financial year (June 30), you may need to lodge a tax return with the ATO to report your earnings and pay any additional taxes owed or claim a refund if too much tax was withheld.
Make sure to keep track of your income and consult the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or a tax professional to ensure you meet your tax obligations while working on a Subclass 400 visa.

Subclass 400 Processing Time

The subclass 400 processing time​ can vary depending on several factors, such as the complexity of your application, the volume of applications at the time, and whether you’ve provided all the required documentation.

Generally, the processing times are:

  • Most applications: Typically processed within 2 to 4 weeks from the date of submission.

  • In some cases: Processing could take longer if additional information is required or if there are complications with your application.
 

Application Process for Subclass 400 Visa

The process of subclass 400 visa application form​ is as follows:

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before starting your application, ensure you meet all the eligibility requirements for the Subclass 400 visa, including having a sponsor, proving your work is highly specialized, and meeting health and character criteria.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Collect all the necessary documents for your application.

Step 3: Create an ImmiAccount
 Create an ImmiAccount through the Department of Home Affairs website. Complete your application form for the Subclass 400 visa and upload the required documents.

Step 4: Pay Application Fees
Pay the application fee online through your ImmiAccount. The fee generally covers the visa application but may vary depending on your situation (e.g., number of dependents). In general, the base fee of subclass 400 visa Australia cost is AUD 325.​ 

Step 5: Submit Your Application
 Once you have completed the form and uploaded all necessary documents, submit your application online through your ImmiAccount.

Step 6: Wait for Processing
 The processing time is generally 2-4 weeks, though it can vary depending on the complexity of your application. Ensure your application is complete to avoid delays.

Step 7: Receive Visa Outcome
 Once your visa is processed, you will receive the outcome of your application. If approved, you will be granted a temporary work visa for up to 3 months (with possible extensions based on your project or work).

Subclass 400 Visa Document Checklist

To apply for the Subclass 400 Visa (Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)), you’ll need to provide a range of supporting documents. 

  1. Identity Documents:

     

    • Valid passport
    • Passport-size photographs (if needed)

       

  2. Proof of Specialized Work:

     

    • Job offer or invitation letter from an Australian employer/sponsor
    • Proof of qualifications and work experience (degrees, certificates, work letters)

       

  3. Sponsorship Documents:

     

    • Sponsorship confirmation from your Australian sponsor
    • Sponsor’s business registration (if applicable)

       

  4. Health and Character Documents:

     

    • Health checks (if required)
    • Police clearance certificates (if required)

       

  5. Proof of Financial Capacity:

     

    • Bank statements showing sufficient funds
    • Travel insurance (if required)

       

  6. Additional Documents (if applicable):

     

    • Marriage or family relationship documents (for dependents)
    • English proficiency evidence (if applicable)

       

  7. Application Forms:

     

    • Completed visa application form via ImmiAccount
 

Transition of Subclass 400 Visa to Subclass 482 Visa

While on your Subclass 400 Visa, if you are offered a full-time, skilled position with an employer who is willing to sponsor you, you can change from subclass 400 to 482​ visa.

If you are approved for the Subclass 482 visa, you will be allowed to work full-time for the sponsor and stay for up to 4 years, depending on the visa stream (short-term or medium-term).

One can transition from subclass 400 to a PR (Permanent Residency) Visa by transitioning first to subclass 482. After working for a few years, you may be eligible for permanent residency through:

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) (Subclass 186) – A permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (Subclass 187) – For skilled workers nominated by an employer in regional Australia.

Ways in Which Stepping Stones Career Solution Can Help

Here’s how Stepping Stones Career Solutions can help with the Subclass 400 Visa application:

  1. Eligibility Check: Assessing your eligibility for the visa.

  2. Document Guidance: Helping you gather and organize required documents.

  3. Application Assistance: Fill out and submit your application correctly.

  4. Sponsorship Support: Connecting you with suitable Australian sponsors (if needed).

  5. Visa Conditions Advice: Explaining the visa conditions and restrictions.

  6. Timeline and Fee Guidance: Providing information on processing times and visa fees.

  7. Health and Character Requirements: Advising on health and police clearance requirements.

  8. Extension Support: Assisting with visa extension applications if necessary.
FAQs on Subclass 400 Visa:
The Subclass 400 visa allows temporary entry for short-term skilled work or to participate in non-ongoing activities in Australia.
The Subclass 400 is for short-term work (up to 3 months), while the Subclass 482 is for longer-term skilled employment (up to 4 years).
The salary for a Subclass 400 visa depends on the type of work but must meet the market salary rate for the role in Australia.
A Subclass 400 visa cannot be extended; you need to apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer.
Yes, a Subclass 400 visa can be converted to a Subclass 482 visa, but you must meet the requirements for the 482 visa.
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We are your trusted partner in migration and visa consultation. With years of experience, we guide overseas students and professionals through course selection, applications, and visa processes, ensuring expert support every step of the way.

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