Subclass 400 is intended for short-term, highly specialised work that is not generally available in Australia. It is not designed for ongoing employment and, in the highly specialised work stream, applications are made outside Australia.
Who this pathway is generally for
- You have specialised skills, knowledge or experience relevant to a short-term assignment.
- The proposed work is genuinely short term and highly specialised.
- The application is made in the correct location and is supported by the Australian business or organisation involved.
How the process usually works
- Define the assignment, role and expected duration precisely.
- Prepare evidence of specialist skills and the Australian business need.
- Explain why the requested stay period is appropriate.
- Ensure proposed activities remain within the scope of the visa after grant.
Issues that commonly need closer analysis
- using subclass 400 for ongoing workforce needs
- requests for stays longer than three months
- insufficient evidence that skills are specialised
- confusing business visitor activity with work
Why the details matter
Visa criteria often operate together with application-validity rules, location requirements, previous immigration history and evidence requirements. Two people applying for the same subclass can therefore face very different legal and evidentiary issues.
Last reviewed: 6 October 2026. Migration law and policy can change. This page provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.