Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400)

Sunday 5 November 2023

Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) Visa (Subclass 400)

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) is a temporary visa that allows individuals to engage in short-term, highly specialized work in Australia. This visa is suitable for individuals who possess specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in Australia.

Process

In order to be eligible for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, applicants must:

Have highly specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that can contribute to Australian businesses and cannot be easily found within the Australian labor market.
Only engage in the work or activities for which their visa was granted.

With this visa, you can

With the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, individuals can:

Work in a highly specialized job.
Engage in non-ongoing work or activities.

Visa Stay

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa can be granted for a period of up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances. For stays longer than 3 months, a strong business case must be provided with the application. It is important to note that this visa cannot be applied for within Australia, and it cannot be extended to stay longer.

Visa Cost

The cost of the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa varies depending on individual circumstances. It is advisable to use the Visa Pricing Estimator to calculate the specific cost of the visa. Additional costs may also be incurred for health checks, police certificates, and biometrics.

Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa varies depending on various factors. It is recommended to use the visa processing time guide tool for an indication of processing times for recently decided applications. However, please note that the processing time is not specific to individual applications.

Conditions

With the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, individuals can:

Work in a highly specialized job.
Bring family members to Australia, but they are not allowed to work or study, except for language training programs.

Employers must provide a contract or letter of offer, and individuals should familiarize themselves with the process of employing migrants in Australia.

How Long You Can Stay

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa is a temporary visa that allows individuals to stay in Australia for up to 6 months, depending on the circumstances. It is important to note that the stay period starts on the first date of arrival in Australia and does not reset with subsequent arrivals.

Stay Longer

Individuals cannot extend their stay in Australia by extending the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa. If individuals wish to stay longer, they must explore other visa options available to them.

Include Family

Family members can be included in the visa application, including partners and dependent children. However, it is important to note that family members included in the application are not permitted to work or study in Australia. Sufficient means of support must be demonstrated for all family members included in the application.

Cost

The cost of the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa varies depending on individual circumstances. The main applicant is required to pay the application charge, and additional charges apply for each family member included in the application.

Apply From

Applicants must be outside of Australia when applying for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa. The application will be processed while the applicant is outside of Australia.

Processing Times

Your Obligations

Once granted the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, individuals and their family members must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws.

Adequate Health Insurance

It is highly recommended that individuals take out health insurance to cover any unforeseen medical treatment that may be required while in Australia. It is important to note that individuals are personally liable for all healthcare costs incurred while in Australia.

Travel

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa can be granted with either single entry or multiple entries. With a single entry visa, individuals can only enter Australia once and will need to apply for a new visa if they wish to return. With a multiple entry visa, individuals can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as they want while the visa is valid. It is important to note that re-entering Australia on a multiple entry visa does not extend the period of stay granted.

Visa Label

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa will be digitally linked to the individual's passport. There will be no physical label placed in the passport.

Have Highly Specialised Skills, Knowledge or Experience

Applicants for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa must possess highly specialized skills, knowledge, or experience that can assist Australian businesses and cannot be easily found within the Australian labor market. Non-ongoing work refers to work that is likely to be completed within 6 months or less, and the applicant does not expect or arrange to stay in Australia after this time for any reason related to that work. To demonstrate eligibility, applicants can provide a copy of their resume, licenses or qualifications, and a letter from their overseas employer explaining their current position and duties. The Australian business or overseas employer may also need to show that they have tried to find Australian workers before considering this visa.

Have Work, Not in the Australian Entertainment Industry

Applicants for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa must provide proof of work. This visa does not allow individuals to perform as entertainers or support entertainers or groups of entertainers performing in Australia. If individuals wish to engage in entertainment-related activities, they should consider applying for the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408) – Entertainment.

Be Able to Support Yourself and Any Dependants

While in Australia, individuals and their family members must have adequate means to support themselves. This includes providing evidence of financial support, such as employment contracts, bank statements, or letters from financial institutions.

Meet Our Health Requirement

Applicants and their family members must meet the health requirement set by the Australian government.

Meet Our Character Requirement

Applicants and family members aged 16 years and over must meet the character requirement set by the Australian government.

Be a Genuine Visitor

Applicants must have a genuine intention to stay temporarily in Australia and only engage in activities allowed by their visa.

Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement

The genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement ensures that individuals use temporary visas correctly and do not attempt to maintain ongoing residency in Australia. The Department of Home Affairs considers various factors, including the applicant's situation, immigration history, compliance with visa conditions, and any other relevant matters when assessing the GTE requirement.

Have Paid Back Your Debt to the Australian Government

If individuals owe money to the Australian Government, they must have paid it back or have a formal arrangement to repay the debt.

Not Had a Visa Cancelled or an Application Refused

Applicants' immigration history will be considered when making a decision on their visa application. Having a visa cancelled or an application refused may impact eligibility for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa. However, there may be circumstances where individuals can still apply for a permanent visa even if they have had a visa cancelled or an application refused. It is advisable to seek immigration assistance if needed.

Before You Apply

Before applying for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, applicants should consider the following:

Seeking assistance with the application or organizing health exams, if necessary.
Checking travel documents to ensure they are valid.

Organize Health Exams

Applicants may need to undergo health examinations as part of the visa application process. These exams can be completed before applying or after being instructed by the Department of Home Affairs.

Get Help with Your Application

Applicants can seek assistance with their visa application from registered migration agents, legal practitioners, or exempt persons. It is important to appoint someone who is authorized to provide immigration assistance.

Gather Your Documents

Applicants must gather the necessary documents to prove their identity, employer's support, financial support, and health insurance. These documents should be prepared for online submission.

Provide Accurate Information

It is essential to provide accurate information throughout the visa application process. Failing to prove identity or provide true information may result in delays or refusal of the visa application.

Identity Documents

Applicants must provide the necessary identity documents, including their passport and national identity card if applicable. Proof of change of name should also be provided if applicable.

Work Documents

Applicants should provide a letter of invitation, job offer, employment contract, or other documents from an Australian organization confirming their employment details, position, duties, duration, and the reason for requiring their work in Australia. It is important to familiarize oneself with the employment conditions and workplace standards that apply to the specific position.

Financial Documents

Applicants should provide evidence of funds or a letter from their bank or financial institution stating their financial position. Additional support from employers, such as allowances or accommodation, may also be considered.

Character Documents

Applicants may be required to provide police certificates as part of the character requirement. It is important to follow the instructions provided by the Department of Home Affairs.

Partner Documents

Applicants including their partners in the visa application must provide the necessary identity and character documents. Additionally, documents about other relationships should be provided if applicable.

Dependants Under 18 Documents

For dependants under 18 years old included in the application, applicants must provide their identity documents, proof of relationship, and character documents if applicable. Parental responsibility documents, such as consent forms or statutory declarations, may also be required.

Tell Us You Are Getting Help

If someone is assisting with the visa application, it is important to inform the Department of Home Affairs by completing the appropriate forms. These forms should be uploaded to ImmiAccount.

Prepare Your Documents

All non-English documents should be translated into English by accredited translators. The scans or photographs of the documents should be clear, and multi-page documents should be saved as one file.

Apply for the Visa

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa application can be submitted online through ImmiAccount. All applicants must be outside of Australia when applying and when the visa application is decided.

After You Apply

After applying for the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, applicants can track and manage their application through ImmiAccount. Updates on the application status can be viewed in ImmiAccount.

What Will Happen After You Apply

The Department of Home Affairs will notify applicants when their application and documents have been received. Updates on the application status can be viewed in ImmiAccount.

Travel After You Apply

Applicants should not make travel arrangements to Australia until they receive written confirmation of the visa grant from the Department of Home Affairs.

Health Exams

If health examinations were not completed before applying, the Department of Home Affairs will inform applicants if they need to undergo health exams.

Biometrics

Applicants may be required to provide biometrics, including fingerprints and a photo. The Department of Home Affairs will inform applicants if biometrics are required.

Attach More Information

If all documents were not attached during the initial application, applicants should attach them as soon as possible through ImmiAccount. The Department of Home Affairs may also request additional information.

Stay Lawful

It is important to stay lawful while waiting for the visa application to be processed. Individuals should not arrange to travel to Australia on a different visa, as this may impact the processing of the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa application.

Add Family

Family members can be added to the visa application at any time before a decision is made. However, it is important to ensure that all family members meet the health and character requirements and have sufficient means of support.

Newborn Children

If a child is born after the visa application is submitted, applicants should follow the appropriate procedures to include the child in the application.

Mistakes on Your Application

If any mistakes are discovered on the application, it is important to inform the Department of Home Affairs as soon as possible by completing Form 1023. This form should be uploaded to ImmiAccount.

Help with Your Application

If assistance is no longer required or if there are changes in the authorized recipient of correspondence or immigration advice, the Department of Home Affairs should be notified by completing the appropriate forms. These forms should be uploaded to ImmiAccount.

Tell Us If Things Change

Applicants should inform the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their phone number, address, passport, marital or de facto status, or the birth of a child. The appropriate procedures should be followed to notify the department of these changes.

Visa Outcome

The Department of Home Affairs will notify applicants of the visa decision by email. If the visa is granted, the email will contain important information such as the visa grant number, start date, and conditions. It is advisable to keep a copy of the email while in Australia. If the visa is refused, the reasons for refusal will be provided. The application charge will not be refunded in case of refusal.

Coming to Australia

Before You Leave

Prior to leaving for Australia, individuals should ensure they have a valid visa and a valid passport or other travel document.

Check Your Travel Documents

It is important to check that you have a valid visa and a valid passport or other travel document before leaving for Australia.

At the Border

Upon arrival in Australia, individuals must complete an Incoming Passenger Card. It is also possible to use the automated process with facial recognition technology and an ePassport to expedite the immigration process.

In Australia

What You Can Do When You Have This Visa

With the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, individuals can work in a temporary, short-term, highly specialized job. Family members who were granted a visa can also accompany the visa holder to Australia.

What You Must Do on This Visa (Your Obligations)

While on the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa, individuals and their family members must comply with all visa conditions and Australian laws. It is important to familiarize oneself with the specific conditions and work entitlements using VEVO.

Tell Us If Things Change

Individuals should inform the Department of Home Affairs of any changes to their phone number, address, passport, or the birth of a child while on the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa.

See How Long You Can Stay

Individuals can use VEVO to determine the length of stay permitted on the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa.

Staying Longer

The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa cannot be extended to stay longer in Australia. If individuals wish to stay longer, they must explore alternative visa options.

Travelling on Your Visa

With a single entry visa, individuals can only enter Australia once. If they wish to return to Australia after leaving, a new visa must be applied for. With a multiple entry visa, individuals can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as they want while the visa is valid. It is important to note that the time spent outside Australia does not extend the visa.

Proving You Have a Visa

Individuals can use VEVO to prove they have a valid visa and to show their visa conditions to relevant parties.

Working

VEVO can be used to view the specific conditions for work on the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa. It is important to be aware of workplace rights and entitlements in Australia. Family members accompanying the visa holder are not allowed to work.

Leaving Australia

Before You Leave

Prior to leaving Australia, individuals should ensure they have a valid passport or other travel document.

Check Your Travel Documents

Before leaving Australia, individuals must ensure they have a valid passport or other travel document.

Ensure Your Visa Is Still Valid

It is important to check the validity of the Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa before leaving Australia. If the visa has expired or is about to expire, appropriate action should be taken.

At the Border

Upon departure from Australia, individuals can expedite the process by using the automated system with facial recognition technology and an ePassport.

After You Leave

Get Your Superannuation

If individuals have worked in Australia and meet certain criteria, they may be entitled to receive superannuation. It is important to understand the process of accessing superannuation funds.