How New Subclass 400 Visa Rules Could Impact Your Australia Work Plans

The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa is designed for highly skilled professionals undertaking short-term, non-ongoing work in Australia. Traditionally, it has been a pathway for foreign specialists to contribute expertise unavailable locally. However, recent changes have tightened eligibility, making it harder to obtain.

Australia’s Latest Changes 2025: What’s New in the Subclass 400 Visa?

The Australian government has introduced stricter regulations to prioritise local workers. Key changes include:

• Increased scrutiny: Applicants must prove their skills are highly specialised and unavailable in Australia.
• Non-ongoing work requirement: The visa remains strictly for short-term work, with employers required to conduct labour market testing.
• Shorter stay periods: Generally limited to three months, with extensions up to six months granted only in exceptional cases.
• Restricted reapplications: Multiple applications within 12 months are no longer permitted, preventing continuous stays.

Who Will Be Most Affected by the New Rules?

These changes will primarily impact:

• Skilled foreign workers looking for short-term contracts.
• Employers who previously relied on this visa to fill temporary skill gaps.
• Industries are dependent on international expertise, such as IT, engineering, and construction.

Stricter Eligibility Criteria: Will You Still Qualify?

To qualify under the revised rules, applicants must:

• Possess highly specialised skills not available locally.
• Prove that the work is non-ongoing and will not displace Australian workers.
• Have an employer who has conducted labour market testing before seeking overseas talent.
• Provide extensive documentation, including qualifications and professional endorsements.

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Processing Time & Approval Rates: Expect Delays?

With increased scrutiny, processing times may be longer than before. Employers must ensure all required documentation is submitted correctly to avoid delays. Approval rates may also drop as applications face more stringent assessments.

Impact on Short-Term Workers & Skilled Professionals

For short-term workers and skilled professionals, this visa is now less flexible. Reapplications within a 12-month period are no longer allowed, meaning professionals seeking multiple short-term roles in Australia will need alternative visa options.

What Employers Need to Know About the Changes

Employers must:

• Prove they have actively tried to recruit locally.
• Demonstrate the necessity of hiring a foreign worker through labour market testing.
• Ensure that the role is genuinely short-term and non-ongoing.
• Be prepared for stricter documentation requirements and potential delays.

Are There Any Alternative Visa Options?

If the Subclass 400 visa no longer fits your needs, consider these alternatives:

• Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa: For longer-term skilled work.
• Subclass 407 Training visa: For workplace-based occupational training.
• Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa: For specific events and projects.

How to Improve Your Chances of Approval

To boost your chances of securing a Subclass 400 visa:

• Ensure your skillset is highly specialised and not available in Australia.
• Work with an employer who is well-versed in labour market testing.
• Submit comprehensive documentation, including endorsements and proof of expertise.
• If eligible for other visa types, consider alternative pathways.

Final Thoughts: Is It Still Worth Applying for a Subclass 400 Visa?

While the Subclass 400 visa remains an option for certain professionals, its stricter conditions make it harder to obtain. Employers and applicants should carefully assess whether this visa is the right fit or explore alternative routes to work in Australia. With tougher regulations in place, planning and ensuring compliance is more important than ever.