Master prompt
Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
Up to 6-month work visa for specialised non-ongoing work. No employer sponsorship; no LMT. Quick processing.
AustraliaSubclass 400Short StaySpecialistNo-sponsorship
Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) is the flexible short-term work visa. Key advantages:
• No employer sponsorship required
• No LMT required
• Faster processing (1-4 weeks typical)
• Up to 6 months for non-ongoing specialist work
• Indian applicants common: tech consultants, engineering experts, training delivery, machinery installation
Three streams:
(1) Highly Specialised Work — non-ongoing, requires highly specialised skills not readily available in Australia
(2) Specified Work — specified by Minister (rare, mostly defence/government)
(3) Australia's Interest — work in Australia's interest beyond normal commercial considerations
Most common Indian applicant: Highly Specialised Work stream.
Draft a 500-600 word Subclass 400 strategy for [CLIENT_NAME].
§1 — STREAM SELECTION — HIGHLY SPECIALISED WORK (130-160 words)
Reg 400.211 + 400.221:
Requirements:
(a) Non-ongoing work (project-specific, time-bounded engagement)
(b) Highly specialised skills not readily available in Australia
(c) Work cannot be easily performed by Australian workers
(d) Limited duration appropriate (≤6 months typical)
For [CLIENT_NAME] proposing [WORK_DURATION_DAYS] days of work:
• If ≤90 days: Subclass 400 fits (no need for 482 sponsorship)
• If >90 days to ≤180 days: still Subclass 400 (max 6 months)
• If >180 days: 400 not viable; consider 482
[WORK_PURPOSE] expanded:
• Specific project / engagement
• Specific deliverables
• Why a short visit, not ongoing
• Why Australian workers can't perform this
§2 — SPECIALIST SKILLS JUSTIFICATION (180-220 words)
The "highly specialised" criterion is the load-bearing test. DHA needs to be satisfied that:
[SPECIALIST_SKILLS]:
• Specific technical expertise unique to [CLIENT_NAME]'s background
• OR specific product knowledge tied to overseas equipment / software
• OR specific methodology not available in Australian workforce
Examples of "highly specialised work":
• Foreign equipment installation by manufacturer's certified technician (e.g. Hitachi crane assembly, Siemens turbine installation)
• Specialised software customisation by original developer
• Niche scientific research collaboration
• International technology transfer training
• Specific intellectual property knowledge
NOT typically "highly specialised" (would require 482):
• General software development
• Standard business consulting
• Ongoing service delivery
• Recurring engagements at same client
For [CLIENT_NAME]:
• Detail the specific technical / IP / methodology element
• Why [CLIENT_NAME]'s background uniquely qualifies (years of specific experience, certifications, relationship to overseas employer/manufacturer)
• Why an Australian alternative isn't feasible (typically: ongoing relationship with overseas employer that an Australian recruit couldn't replicate)
§3 — AUSTRALIAN CLIENT / ENGAGEMENT (130-160 words)
[AUSTRALIAN_CLIENT]:
• Australian business engaging [CLIENT_NAME] (or [CLIENT_NAME]'s overseas employer)
• Project scope + timeline
• Specific deliverables
• Compensation (if applicable — for technicians often paid by overseas employer; for consultants by Australian client)
• Letter of invitation / contract documenting the engagement
Documentation:
• Letter from [AUSTRALIAN_CLIENT] on letterhead confirming:
- Engagement purpose
- Specific work
- Duration
- That work cannot be performed by Australian workers
- Coordination with overseas employer (if applicable)
• Project scope document
• Existing contract between [AUSTRALIAN_CLIENT] and overseas employer (if applicable)
§4 — APPLICATION (130-160 words)
Online via ImmiAccount:
□ Form 1400 — Subclass 400 application
□ Application fee: AUD 405 (revised; verify)
□ Supporting documents:
□ Passport
□ Photos
□ Letter of invitation from Australian engagement
□ CV / resume highlighting specialist skills
□ Qualifications + certifications relevant to the specialist work
□ Evidence of work for overseas employer
□ Travel itinerary
□ Financial capacity (sponsor / overseas employer cover costs)
□ No health check unless from designated country with extended stay
□ Character clearance: AFP police check + police clearances from countries lived in 12+ months in last 10 years
§5 — VISA CONDITIONS (60-80 words)
Subclass 400 visa conditions:
• Work only for the engagement described
• Stay only up to authorised period
• No bringing dependents on this visa (separate Subclass 600 for family if accompanying)
• Cannot study in Australia
• Cannot access Medicare
§6 — REFUSAL RISKS (40-60 words)
Common refusal grounds:
• "Not highly specialised" — work is routine consulting / standard business
• Ongoing engagement pattern (rejected for repeat-use of 400 for what should be 482)
• Insufficient specialist credentials
• Indication of intent to extend / convert to other visa
End with: "DRAFT SUBCLASS 400 STRATEGY — for MARN-registered agent review. Subclass 400 is single-use; pattern of repeat applications for same client typically triggers refusal. If ongoing engagement expected, recommend Subclass 482 instead. Verify visa fee at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — adjusts annually."Unlock the vault to see the full prompt