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Subclass 400 Short Stay Specialist Visa Australia 2026: Highly Specialised Work Guide
The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) is designed for short-term, highly specialised work in Australia where the skills, knowledge or experience are not generally available in the Australian labour market.
Highly specialised and non-ongoing work
The work must be highly specialised and short term. Home Affairs describes the visa as unsuitable for ongoing employment. The applicant must demonstrate the specialised skills, knowledge or experience required for the activity.
Official visa page: Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa 400.
How long can a subclass 400 visa be granted for?
The visa can be granted for up to six months. Where a stay of more than three months is requested, Home Affairs generally expects a strong business case explaining why the longer period is necessary.
You cannot apply in Australia
Subclass 400 is an offshore application. Home Affairs states that you cannot apply for this visa in Australia and cannot simply extend it from within Australia as an extension of the same visa.
Family members
Eligible family members may accompany the primary visa holder, but the accompanying family members do not automatically receive work rights and generally cannot undertake study other than limited language training under the relevant visa settings.
Subclass 400 versus Business Visitor and subclass 408
A business visitor who is only attending meetings, negotiations or an unpaid conference may require a Visitor visa instead. A person participating in entertainment, sport, research or another temporary activity may instead fall within subclass 408. The actual activity performed in Australia is critical to choosing the correct visa.
Compare with Visitor Visa 600 Business Visitor Stream.
For government charges, see Australian Visa Fees 2026–27.
