Australian 400 Visa: How To Apply, Eligibility & Fees Guide

Immigration is rarely simple. Securing a Subclass 400 visa for short-term, highly specialised work in Australia presents its own set of challenges: preparing the right paperwork, meeting strict health and character standards, and understanding current fee structures. This guide lays out each requirement and action point clearly, so skilled professionals and their sponsors know exactly what to do.

Inside, you’ll find detailed explanations of eligibility—proof of specialised skills, the Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement, health checks—and step-by-step advice on gathering documents, estimating costs and keeping up with recent policy updates. Whether you’re an engineer contracted for a critical assignment or a consultant with expertise in high demand, these insights will support you from the initial application through to your first day in Australia.

Simon Mander Consulting P/L brings more than 22 years of migration law experience and a proven track record in handling complex cases. For personalised assistance and additional resources, visit https://simonmander.com.

First, let’s review the purpose and scope of the Subclass 400 visa.

Step 1: Understand the Subclass 400 Visa overview

The Subclass 400 visa is designed for short-term, highly specialised assignments where Australian businesses need expertise that isn’t readily available locally. Before you dive into paperwork or fee calculations, it helps to know exactly what this visa covers—and just as importantly, what it doesn’t. Think of it as a quick-turn permit for a specific project rather than a pathway to long-term employment.

What is the Subclass 400 Visa?

At its core, the Subclass 400 visa is a temporary work permit for specialists brought in to complete non-ongoing tasks. You can stay for up to three months by default, with the possibility of an extension to six months if you present a compelling business case. Whether you’re troubleshooting a technical issue, delivering expert training or advising on a complex project, this visa lets you enter Australia solely for the approved work. For a comprehensive definition, see this detailed overview.

Who can apply and what activities are allowed?

You’re eligible to apply if your skills, knowledge or experience:

Fill a genuine Australian business need
Can’t reasonably be sourced in the local labour market
Apply to tasks that will end within your granted stay

Permitted activities include specialised technical work, expert advisory roles, short-term research projects and promotional visits. This visa does not cover ongoing employment, formal training programs or entertainment work meant for broadcast or public performance—those require a different visa subclass.

Key features and entitlements

Under standard settings, a Subclass 400 visa entitles you to:

A stay of up to 3 months (extendable to 6 months in exceptional cases)
Bring eligible family members (they may not work or study)
Single-entry or multiple-entry, as specified in your grant

Your visa grant letter will tell you whether you have single or multiple entries. Keep in mind that your authorised period begins on your first entry and continues uninterrupted; leaving Australia doesn’t reset the clock.

Step 2: Verify your eligibility criteria

Before you dive into gathering documents and calculating fees, take a moment to confirm you meet every requirement for the Subclass 400 visa. Overlooking even a single criterion can lead to processing delays or outright refusal. Use this checklist to make sure you qualify before moving on to the next steps.

Demonstrate highly specialised skills

One of the core eligibility tests is showing that your expertise is both exceptional and urgently needed in Australia. You should prepare:

A letter of invitation or job offer from your Australian sponsor
A signed employment contract detailing your position, duties, duration, salary and workplace standards
Your CV, professional licences, qualifications or registrations
Evidence that your sponsor tried to recruit locally (for example, job ads or recruitment agency records)

This documentation proves you possess the skills not readily available in the local labour market. For more on acceptable evidence, check these eligibility details.

Genuine Temporary Entrant requirement

The Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) criterion exists to confirm you intend a short, specialist visit—not a back door into permanent residency. When you draft your GTE statement, address:

Your personal and financial ties in your home country
Any past Australian visa applications or compliance issues
The temporary nature and value of your work in Australia
Other factors influencing your intention to return home after the assignment

A clear, honest GTE statement makes it easier for decision-makers to see your genuine purpose.

Health and character requirements

Australia’s health and character standards apply to all Subclass 400 applicants. Typically you’ll need to:

Undergo medical exams by Department-approved panel physicians
Provide police certificates from any country where you’ve lived 12 months or more in the past ten years

These checks often follow your initial application. Book appointments and request certificates as soon as you’re asked to avoid delays in your visa decision.

No outstanding debts or adverse immigration history

Before lodging your application, make sure you have repaid— or arranged to repay—any debts to the Australian Government, such as outstanding visa fees or student loans. You must also reveal any previous visa cancellations or refusals. Honest disclosure and supporting documents (or legal advice if necessary) will help prevent refusal on character or compliance grounds.

With all these boxes ticked, you can move on confidently to stay current on policy changes and duration limits in Step 3.

Step 3: Stay informed on policy updates and duration limits

Immigration rules evolve quickly, and the Subclass 400 visa is no exception. Keeping abreast of recent policy shifts will help you frame your application correctly—especially when it comes to how long you can stay in Australia. Below are the headline updates you need to know.

Standard stay period and exceptional extensions

As per the latest guidance, three months is now the default maximum stay on a Subclass 400 visa. If your project genuinely demands longer, you must lodge a compelling business case to request up to six months. That case should:

Demonstrate why the work can’t be finished within 90 days
Outline clear deliverables and milestones
Explain the strategic or commercial imperative for an extended stay

Extensions are granted only in “limited or exceptional circumstances,” so specificity and evidence are crucial.

Impact of KPMG policy update

KPMG’s Flash Alert 2024-208 flags a tougher stance by the Department of Home Affairs on duration requests. Their summary points out:

A narrower interpretation of “non-ongoing” work, insisting tasks be discrete and time-bound
Heightened standards for what qualifies as a strong business case, with quantifiable outcomes
A requirement to prove Australian labour market testing before extensions are considered

In short, you’ll need a tightly scoped timeline and rock-solid evidence that extra time is indispensable.

Fragomen’s scrutiny on applications by origin and duration

Fragomen’s analysis notes a shift toward risk-based processing:

Applicants from certain regions or sectors may face closer examination, especially for longer stays
Any mismatch between your project timeline and requested visa term can trigger refusal
A history of visa non-compliance or cancellations reduces your chances of securing an extension

Align your application’s duration strictly with the scope of work you’ve documented to minimise red flags.

Staying on top of these policy updates will ensure your Subclass 400 application remains robust and resistant to last-minute setbacks.

Step 4: Budget for visa fees and financial obligations

Before you hit “submit,” make sure you’ve factored in all costs associated with a Subclass 400 application and can demonstrate your ability to support yourself (and any dependants) during your stay in Australia. Underestimating expenses or failing to show sufficient funds often leads to delays or refusals.

Base application charge and payment methods

The standard application charge for a Subclass 400 visa is AUD 315 for the main applicant. You can pay this fee online when lodging your application via ImmiAccount. Accepted payment methods include:

Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express)
BPAY (for Australian bank accounts)
International money transfer or telegraphic transfer (if paying from an overseas account)

Keep in mind that exchange rates and bank fees may apply if you’re transferring funds from a non-Australian account. Plan ahead and confirm the final AUD amount with your bank or payment provider before you lodge.

Fees for accompanying family members and exemptions

If you include family members in your application, each dependent incurs a separate application charge:

Partner: AUD 315
Dependent child: AUD 315

There are, however, circumstances where the fee is waived:

You’re coming as an official representative of a foreign government
You are named in a legislative instrument that exempts you from the charge (your inviting organisation will advise you)

Always check your fee notice in ImmiAccount. The system won’t process your application until you’ve paid the correct charge for every person included.

Demonstrating financial capacity

Australia’s Department of Home Affairs needs reassurance that you—and any family members travelling with you—can support yourselves without relying on public funds. Acceptable evidence of financial capacity includes:

Recent bank statements showing available balances
A letter from your bank or financial institution confirming your financial position
Your signed employment contract, detailing salary, allowances, accommodation or per-diem arrangements
Written confirmation of employer-provided support (for example, relocation allowances or living stipends)

Aim to show uninterrupted access to enough funds for living expenses, travel and any unforeseen costs. If your dependants are coming with you, include proof of adequate funds for each person.

By budgeting accurately and gathering clear financial documents, you’ll reduce the risk of processing delays and demonstrate to decision-makers that you’re fully equipped to manage your stay in Australia.

Step 5: Assemble all required documents

A well-organised application hinges on providing every required document—and in the correct format—right from the start. Missing or unclear paperwork can trigger processing delays or even a refusal. Use this checklist to assemble and prepare your files before you log in to ImmiAccount.

Identity and passport documents

Start by proving who you are with certified copies of your primary identity documents. At a minimum, include:

The biographic page of your current passport (photo, personal details, issue and expiry dates)
Any national identity cards or government-issued IDs
Official change-of-name certificates (for example, marriage certificates or a legal change-of-name document)

Scan or photograph each document in colour, ensuring all text and images are sharp. If a document spans multiple pages, save it as a single file.

Work and invitation evidence

You must demonstrate the Aussie business need for your specialised skills. Provide:

A letter of invitation or job offer from your Australian sponsor, on company letterhead
A signed employment contract detailing your role, duties, start and end dates, wage, and the applicable industry award or workplace standard
Any correspondence that shows why Australian workers couldn’t fill the position (for example, recruitment ads or agency search reports)

This package of documents tells the Department exactly what you’ll do and for how long.

Financial support documentation

Show that you can cover living costs—and any dependants’ expenses—without accessing public funds. Acceptable evidence includes:

Recent bank statements or a letter from your financial institution confirming your available balance
Your signed employment contract or employer letter outlining salary, allowances (accommodation, per-diem) and any relocation support
Proof of other assets or funds (investment statements, property ownership) that demonstrate financial resilience

If you’re including family members, calculate living expenses for each person and include documentation to match.

Health and character certificates

Australia requires both health and character clearances. The timing and process usually work like this:

Apply for your Subclass 400 visa.
The Department tells you which health examinations to complete (by approved panel physicians) and when to upload the results.
Once requested, obtain police certificates from every country where you’ve lived for 12 months or more in the past ten years.

Keep these certificates ready so you can submit them immediately when prompted in ImmiAccount.

Translation and certification requirements

All non-English documents must be translated into English. Make sure each translation:

Is done by a NAATI-accredited translator if in Australia
Includes the translator’s full name, contact details, qualifications and signature
Provides a clear statement that it is an accurate translation of the original document

Attach both the original language document and its translation in your application. For further details on translation standards, see Hannantew’s guidelines on the Subclass 400 visa.

Step 6: Plan for tax and superannuation compliance

If you’re working in Australia—even for a short stint under the Subclass 400 visa—you’ll fall under local tax and super rules. Getting these obligations right will save you headaches (and potential penalties) down the line. Below is a quick roadmap for what you need to know.

PAYG withholding obligations for foreign residents

Most employers in Australia withhold tax from your pay under the “Pay As You Go” (PAYG) system. As a foreign resident, you could face a higher withholding rate if you don’t meet certain requirements or if you work in specified industries (entertainment, sports, construction and more).

• Your employer must withhold tax from each pay run and remit it to the ATO.
• If you’re paid for entertainment or performance work, a flat 47% withholding rate can apply unless you obtain a variation.
• To understand exactly how much will be withheld, check the ATO guidance on foreign resident withholding.

Register for an ABN and obtain a TFN

If your assignment involves freelancing, contracting or consulting, you may need an Australian Business Number (ABN). Holding an ABN can prevent your payers from withholding tax at the highest rate.

Apply for an ABN at the Australian Business Register: https://abr.gov.au/
Meanwhile, everyone—employee or contractor—needs a Tax File Number (TFN) to lodge a return and access any tax offsets. You can apply for a TFN online via the ATO: https://www.ato.gov.au/Individuals/Tax-file-number/.

Keep your TFN safe. Your employer or payer will ask for it to ensure the correct withholding rate applies.

Superannuation Guarantee for temporary workers

Under Australia’s Super Guarantee system, most employers must contribute at least 11% (current rate) of your ordinary earnings into a complying super fund. Even on a short-term visa:

• Your sponsor or employer arranges the payments each quarter.
• You can choose your own fund, or the employer will pay into their default fund.
• You won’t be able to access these contributions until you meet a condition of release (usually retirement).

For full details on how to set up and receive these payments, see the ATO’s Super Guarantee guide.

Preparing and lodging an Australian tax return

Australia’s financial year runs from 1 July to 30 June. When you earn income here—even briefly—you’ll likely need to lodge a tax return by 31 October following the end of that financial year:

• Your employer provides a payment summary (or you access income records in MyGov).
• You declare all assessable income, claim any allowable deductions (travel costs, work-related expenses, etc.) and note withholding amounts.
• If you’ve overpaid tax during the year, you’ll receive a refund; underpaid, you’ll have a small tax bill.

You can lodge your return online through the ATO’s portal or engage a tax agent. If you meet income thresholds or have withholding reported, lodging is mandatory. For step-by-step help, visit Lodging your tax return.

Getting your tax and super sorted won’t just keep you lawful; it also ensures you reclaim every dollar you’re entitled to when the dust settles on your Subclass 400 assignment.

Step 7: Understand workplace health and safety obligations

Working in Australia isn’t just about the right visa and the right paperwork—it’s also about staying safe on the job. Australia’s Work Health and Safety (WHS) framework sets clear rules to minimise risks for everyone on site. No matter how short your assignment, you’ll share responsibility with your employer for keeping the workplace hazard-free and responding appropriately if something goes wrong.

Employer WHS responsibilities

Employers in Australia must take a proactive approach to health and safety. This means:

Identifying and assessing hazards before work starts—everything from trip-and-fall risks to complex machinery must be checked.
Providing proper training and supervision so you know exactly how to do your job safely.
Supplying personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, gloves or eye protection, and making sure it’s well maintained.
Keeping clear, up-to-date records of any incidents or near misses, and reviewing these regularly to improve safety procedures.

In essence, your sponsor or host organisation has a legal duty to “eliminate or minimise” risks as far as reasonably practicable. They should share safety policies with you and make themselves available to answer any WHS questions.

Worker WHS duties and reporting

As a visa holder and worker, you have your own set of obligations under Australian law:

Always follow your employer’s safety instructions and any onsite procedures—for example, lock-out/tag-out practices or chemical handling guidelines.
Use the PPE provided, and never bypass safety devices or guards on equipment.
Report any hazards, near misses or incidents to your supervisor straight away. Early reporting helps prevent bigger accidents.
Cooperate with any investigations or safety audits, and attend toolbox talks or refresher sessions as required.

By staying alert and speaking up when something feels unsafe, you’re not only protecting yourself—you’re helping to keep the entire workplace secure.

Workers’ compensation insurance

Australian employers are required to hold workers’ compensation insurance. This cover steps in if you’re injured or become ill because of your work, helping with:

Medical expenses and rehabilitation costs
A portion of your lost earnings while you recover
Lump-sum payments for permanent impairment, if applicable

If you do have an accident on the job, let your supervisor know immediately and follow their instructions for lodging a claim. For more on how WHS works in Australia, see the Safe Work Australia guide on Working Safely in Australia.

Understanding these WHS obligations means you can focus on your specialist assignment with confidence—knowing that both you and your host are committed to a safe, healthy work environment.

Step 8: Submit your application online through ImmiAccount

Once you’ve prepared every document and double-checked your details, the next step is to lodge your Subclass 400 visa application through ImmiAccount. This portal is your one-stop hub: you’ll upload files, pay fees, track progress and respond to any departmental requests. A smooth ImmiAccount submission sets the tone for timely processing.

Creating and accessing your ImmiAccount

If you haven’t already, go to the Department of Home Affairs website and sign up for an ImmiAccount. Use a valid email address and choose a strong password—this will safeguard all your sensitive information. After you verify your email, you’ll see your dashboard, where you can start a new application, view existing ones or manage authorised recipients. Bookmark the login page so you can return quickly whenever you need updates.

Attaching documents and paying the visa charge

In your application workflow, ImmiAccount guides you step by step. When prompted, upload each file in an approved format (PDF, JPEG or PNG), ensuring scans are in colour and legible. Group multi-page documents as single files to avoid confusion. Once everything’s attached, the system calculates your visa charge. Pay the AUD 315 (plus any family member fees) by credit or debit card, BPAY (for Australian accounts) or international transfer. Don’t hit “Submit” until you see the payment confirmation—ImmiAccount won’t process an application with an outstanding balance.

Including family members and noting the TRN

If you’re travelling with a partner or dependants, add them under “Family” in your main application before payment. Each person pays the same base fee, and you’ll need to attach identity, relationship and health documents for every family member. After payment, ImmiAccount issues a Transaction Reference Number (TRN). Save this TRN somewhere safe— you’ll use it whenever you log in to check your application status or send messages to the Department.

Receiving acknowledgment and processing time benchmarks

Soon after submission, ImmiAccount will email you an acknowledgment. This confirms that your application and payment have landed safely in the system. From here, you can track progress online and see if the Department needs more information (for instance, health exam results or biometrics). While actual wait times vary, service standards indicate roughly 50 percent of Subclass 400 applications are finalised within 11 days, and 90 percent within 28 days. Keep an eye on your ImmiAccount dashboard for any “To Do” items—responding promptly keeps your application on track.

Step 9: Monitor progress and respond to departmental requests

After lodgement, your application enters the Department’s queue—but your job isn’t over. Staying on top of updates and promptly addressing any requests keeps your Subclass 400 visa on track. A few minutes each day to check your ImmiAccount pays off in avoiding unnecessary delays.

Understanding processing time benchmarks

Processing times can fluctuate based on application volume, complexity and your country of origin. For a real-time picture, use the Department’s Global Visa Processing Times tool. It shows median and percentile figures for recently finalised Subclass 400 applications. If you see a spike in average days, plan your project timeline accordingly—but don’t panic if yours eclipses the median by a few days.

Checking status and required additional information

Log into ImmiAccount regularly to spot any “To Do” flags—these might ask for health exam results, biometrics or identity verification. When the Department requests extra documentation, you usually have a fixed window (often 28 days) to upload files. Missing that deadline can lead to refusal, so aim to respond within a day or two. If you’re ever unsure what’s outstanding, click into the “Messages” section of your application for a clear breakdown.

Updating details and change-in-circumstances

Things can change after you apply: a new passport, a different phone number, a change in marital status or even the arrival of a baby. It’s your responsibility to let the Department know as soon as possible. Go to the Change in Situation page for guidance, then update your ImmiAccount contact details or submit a formal notification. Keeping your record current ensures you don’t miss critical correspondence, like a visa grant notice or further document requests.

Adding or removing family members before decision

You can include dependants—partners or children—up until the moment a decision is made. In ImmiAccount, select your main application, choose “Add family,” and upload the required identity, relationship and health documents for each person. If someone withdraws or circumstances change, simply remove them from the application in the same section. Remember to pay any additional application charges for new family members and keep an eye on their individual “To Do” lists too.

Step 10: Prepare for your arrival in Australia

Your visa approval is fantastic news, but there’s still a bit to do before you touch down. This step ensures you hit the ground running—and avoid any hiccups at the border. From understanding your entry window to packing the right documents, here’s everything you need to tick off before boarding that flight.

Visa grant notification and entry window

Once your Subclass 400 visa is approved, you’ll receive an official grant notification via email or in your ImmiAccount. Read this document carefully: it outlines the exact date your visa becomes active, as well as any deadline by which you must arrive in Australia. Generally, you have six months from the grant date to enter—though sometimes a shorter window applies. Arriving after your entry period expires means the visa will lapse, so book your travel and plan to land well within those dates.

Single-entry vs multiple-entry considerations

Your visa grant letter will also specify whether your permit is single-entry or multiple-entry. A single-entry visa lets you enter Australia once; once you leave, you cannot return under that visa, even if it’s still valid. A multiple-entry visa gives you more flexibility to leave and re-enter during your stay, but remember: the stay period itself doesn’t reset each time you return. If you need to leave and re-enter, check your entry type first—otherwise you might end up outside Australia without a valid visa.

Pre-departure checklist

Before you jet off, assemble a pre-departure kit to streamline your arrival:

A valid passport, with at least three months’ validity beyond your intended departure date
A printed copy of your visa grant letter or digital access via ImmiAccount
Evidence of health insurance or reciprocal healthcare arrangements
Proof of sufficient funds (bank statements or employer support letters)
Any documents related to your assignment, such as employment contracts or project briefs
Contact details for your sponsor and Simon Mander Consulting P/L, in case you need last-minute advice

Stash these items in your carry-on so they’re ready for inspection at the airport.

Border clearance and SmartGate

When you arrive, you’ll complete an Incoming Passenger Card, declaring items like food, currency and any goods subject to duty or quarantine. Be honest and thorough—it speeds up processing and avoids fines. If you hold an ePassport, you may be eligible to use SmartGate, Australia’s automated border-control system. Simply scan your passport and face at the kiosk, then follow the on-screen prompts. Even if you use SmartGate, carry your visa grant letter handy, as officials may ask to see it. A smooth exit from the airport means less stress and more time to focus on your specialist work ahead.

Step 11: Maintain compliance with visa conditions in Australia

Even after your Subclass 400 visa is granted and you’ve settled into your assignment, it’s vital to stay on side with all visa conditions. Falling foul of the rules can lead to visa cancellation or more serious consequences, so take a proactive approach to maintaining your lawful status and focus on delivering your specialist work without hiccups.

Work entitlements and restrictions

Your 400 visa lets you work only in the role and activities specified in your application. That means:

You cannot switch to a different job, take on extra duties or extend your stay by simply continuing to work.
You may not enrol in formal training or study (unless incidental language training is expressly permitted).
Your family members—if included— are not authorised to undertake paid work or full-time study under this visa.

To check your exact work permissions and any condition codes attached to your grant, use the Department’s Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) system. Always keep a copy of your visa grant notice handy, in case your employer or a regulator requests proof of your entitlement.

Reporting changes while in Australia

The Department of Home Affairs expects you to keep your personal details up to date. If anything changes after you arrive, log in to ImmiAccount or use the Change in Situation page to notify the Department within 28 days. Key changes include:

New passport details or a passport renewal
A change of residential address, phone number or email
Marital status updates or the birth of a child
Any withdrawal of support from your sponsor or changes in your project scope

Timely updates ensure you don’t miss important notifications—like additional document requests or changes to your entry window—and demonstrate your ongoing commitment to compliance.

Planning for a different visa if you wish to stay

A Subclass 400 visa is strictly temporary. If your assignment unexpectedly runs longer than six months, or if you decide you’d like to explore other opportunities in Australia, you cannot simply apply for another 400 visa from within the country. Instead, you’ll need to identify and apply for a suitable alternative, such as:

A work visa under an employer-sponsored stream (Subclass 482 visa), if your sponsor is willing to nominate you permanently
A training or research visa (Subclass 407), where structured programs are involved
A partner or family visa, if you meet the relevant eligibility criteria

Because Australian immigration law is complex and options vary based on individual circumstances, consider reaching out to Simon Mander Consulting P/L for tailored advice. Our experienced migration agents can help map out a clear pathway for staying on—or transitioning to permanent residency—without risking non-compliance.

Next Steps and Additional Resources

You’ve covered the essentials of applying for a Subclass 400 visa, from eligibility to arrival. To tie everything together and handle any lingering questions, lean on the following authoritative sources and expert advice. They’ll help you stay current on policy shifts, refine your application and tackle complex scenarios with confidence.

Australian Government resources

Visa Finder – Explore all visa subclasses and confirm you’re on the right path
ImmiAccount Help – Step-by-step guidance on lodging and managing your application
Safe Work Australia – Comprehensive information on workplace health and safety obligations
Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – Advice on PAYG withholding, TFN/ABN registration and lodging your Australian tax return

Community and professional advice

When your circumstances are complex—think overlapping visa conditions, appeals after refusal or projects that span multiple years—partnering with a registered migration agent or legal practitioner can be invaluable. An expert can:

Decode subtle policy updates and Departmental case notes
Review your GTE statement, business case and supporting evidence
Communicate directly with the Department of Home Affairs on procedural questions

Simon Mander Consulting P/L holds MARA registration and over 22 years of migration law experience. For tailored guidance, visit https://simonmander.com and discover how personalised support can streamline your application.

Ready to make your application?

You’ve walked through every step—from confirming your specialised skills and GTE statement to budgeting fees, preparing documents and understanding workplace rules. All that’s left is to hit “submit” on your ImmiAccount and take the first step toward your short-term specialist assignment in Australia.

If you’d rather have an experienced migration agent review your paperwork, fine-tune your GTE statement or guide you through any tricky policy changes, Simon Mander Consulting P/L is here to help. With over 22 years in migration law, our team can streamline your Subclass 400 application, liaise with the Department on your behalf and give you the confidence to move forward.

Ready to get started? Head over to Simon Mander Consulting P/L now to explore personalised support, download checklists and book a consultation. Let’s make sure your Australian 400 visa application is as smooth and successful as possible.

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