Subclass 400 Visa Australia: New Process, Costs & Time 2025

It is essential to know the Australia 400 visa processing time- what happens when you urgently require a work visa that is short term? Your answer could be the subclass 400 visa. This is a temporary visa that suits professionals who have highly specialized skills that are not in Australia. As of 2025, with the changed rules and regulations, higher fees, and fewer extensions, you must understand precisely what you are getting into.

Latest Facts & News (2025): Stay Ahead on Australia 400 Visa Processing Time

• Stricter Scrutiny: As of late 2024, the Australian government has tightened rules for the subclass 400 visa, limiting most stays to three months within a 12-month period, with six-month stays only in exceptional cases.

• No Multiple Applications: Multiple applications within a year are no longer allowed, and the flexibility for repeat entries has been removed.

• Higher Fees: The processing fee for the subclass 400 visa now starts from AUD 415 for the main applicant, with additional charges for family members.

• Australia 400 Visa Processing Time Faster: Decision-ready applications are processed in as little as 4–21 days, but the average is 2–4 weeks.

• Extension Limitations: The subclass 400 visa generally cannot be extended beyond six months, and extensions are only granted in rare, compelling circumstances.

• Family Inclusion: Immediate family members can be included in the application but cannot work or study in Australia.

• Business Case Required: A strong business case is essential for stays longer than three months, detailing why local Australian talent cannot fill the role.

• Health Insurance: Applicants must show evidence of adequate health insurance for their stay.

• Temporary Solution: This visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or ongoing employment.

• Increased Demand: The subclass 400 visa remains popular for sectors needing rapid access to overseas talent, especially for infrastructure, IT, and engineering projects.

Are you a specialist or business seeking rapid entry to Australia for a short-term project? Discover how the latest changes to the subclass 400 visa could impact your plans—and how to navigate the new rules for a successful application.

What is the Subclass 400 Visa Australia?

 Australia 400 visa processing time is a temporary work visa introduced by the Australian government to highly skilled professionals whose services are not easily accessible in the local Australian workforce. It best suits the needs of people going to Australia to perform specific short-term and non-ongoing tasks.

• Most firms that apply for this visa are found in information technology, infrastructure development, engineering projects, defence-related contracts, and scientific research. These functions usually include training, administering installations, overseeing technical teams, or advising on time-based problems.

• The Australia 400 visa processing time is usually issued within 3 months. However, under exceptional circumstances, where the applicant can strongly reveal the necessity and the reason, a stay of up to 6 months can be given. However, the project cannot be ongoing, and the applicant should demonstrate that they firmly intend to return home once the assignment is over.

• Due to its rapid processing and specific application, the Subclass 400 visa is commonly used by multinational corporations, governments, and specialist firms that require their workers to get fast-tracked work access to Australia but are not interested in long-term obligations. 

Who is Eligible for the Temporary Work Visa Australia Subclass 400 in 2025?

 To be granted an Australia 400 visa, applicants must satisfy several eligibility requirements to demonstrate that the visa will be utilised as intended (that is, short-term, specialised work in Australia). You need a formal invitation or sponsorship from an Australian business or organisation. This will demonstrate that your work is required at the local level and is encouraged by a well-established body in Australia.

• You must have highly specialised skills or expertise, which are not easily attained or found in the Australian labour market. This will ensure that only the people who add exceptional value and cannot be substituted readily by local talent are given the visa.

• The applicants should show that they sincerely desire to temporarily remain in Australia only to carry out the given work or project. The visa does not intend to offer continuous or permanent employment.

• To promote the safety and well-being of the Australian community, you have to satisfy the health and character requirements declared by the Australian government, which might include medical checks and police clearances.

• Although family members may be incorporated in the application, they cannot work or study in the country upon immigration under this visa. Such a limitation emphasises that the visa only aims at temporary, specialised work. 

Professionals with specialised skills that are not easily transferable to other candidates in certain areas are ideal candidates for the temporary work visa Australia subclass 400.

• Infrastructure or specialised project engineers

• IT professionals are required to fill short-term and highly tactical technology positions.

• Research or technical duties-oriented scientists

• Expert advisory consultants on particular business requirements.

• Technical experts who have specialised skills in specialised fields

The Australia 400 visa processing time is also tailored to promote non-ongoing projects of up to six months that cannot be fulfilled by local skills and, therefore, is an irreplaceable facility for businesses needing quick solutions to immediate or time-limited engagements in Australia that demand global talent.

 Also Read: Freshers' Job in Australia for Indians: A Comprehensive Guide 

Latest Subclass 400 Visa Australia Documents Required in 2025

Before applying for the Australia 400 visa processing time, gathering and preparing all the required documents is essential to make the process smooth and fast-tracked. Any documentation that is not complete or not written may be delayed or even rejected.  

The following are the most important documents that you will need to prepare for Australia 400 visa processing time:

• Passport: Should be valid at least 6 months after you plan to stay.

• Evidence of Specialised Skills: Append your CV/ resume, education qualification, professional qualifications, and work experience to show your specialised skills.

• Letter of Invitation or Support: This is a formal letter that you should get from the Australian employer or organisation explaining why your skills are required and the kind of work that you will do.

• Detailed Work Statement/Business Case: This is an elaborate description of the work/project, your involvement, the time frame, and why there is no local talent to occupy it.

• Health Insurance Proof: Demonstrate that you possess acceptable health insurance to cover your Australian stay.

• Character Documents: This is usually a police clearance certificate for any country where you have stayed for at least 12 months within the past 10 years.

• Family Documentation (where relevant): If you include a spouse and/or children, you will need marriage certificates, birth certificates, or other documents proving the relationship. 

Tip: Post sharp scans of all the documents. A certified translation should be submitted with the original if any document is not written in English. When well-formatted, it decreases time wastage and helps in faster decision-making.

Current Subclass 400 Visa Australia Cost: Fees and Additional Charges in 2025

Here is a breakdown of the subclass 400 visa Australia cost: 

 Note:

• Government officials may be eligible for a fee waiver

• Subclass 400 visa Australia cost is non-refundable

• Check the official fee list regularly

Also Read: Best City In Australia For Jobs, Students & Visitors

Australia Visa Subclass 400 Processing Time: What to Expect in 2025

The Australia 400 visa processing time may be above average as it has long-term character and more rigid verification. Conversely, the Australia visa subclass 400 processing time is much quicker for short-term, specialist occupations. 

Australia Visa Subclass 400 Processing Time Normal (2025):

• Decision-ready applications: 4-21 days

• Mean duration: 2-4 weeks 

MPUs: Things that May Slow It Down:

• Poorly applied or not applied at all

• Lack of supporting documents or their ambiguity

• Peak periods of application, meaning despite having only one peak period, the volume of applications during this peak period can be extremely high. 

Australia 400 Visa Processing Time Tips:

• Post all documents in clear, high-quality copies

• Attach a good business case explaining why it is urgent and why there is no local talent.

• Before you submit your application form, ensure you check it twice.

• The Australia 400 visa processing time is intended to be used in case of urgent needs, to be comprehensive to utilise its fast turnaround to the fullest. 

Also Read: Flying Schools in Australia: A Comprehensive Guide 

Latest Subclass 400 Visa Australia Extension: Can You Stay Longer?

 Subclass 400 visa Australia extension is very restricted and awarded exceptionally with a strong justification.

This is what you should know about stay limits and Subclass 400 visa Australia extension rules:

• Maximum Permitted Standard Stay: 3 months per visa grant.

• Maximum Stay Limit: In exceptional and justified cases, however, six months.

• No Multiple Applications: You cannot make another application for a subclass 400 visa within 12 months.

• Onshore Extensions: Not usually allowed. You must depart Australia and make another suitable visa application if necessary. 

Your sponsoring employer shall provide substantial business justifications to extend your stay, which may include:

• You are in short supply of skilled professionals in Australia

• The criticality or the time sensitivity of the project

• A task which is time-sensitive and cannot be rescheduled or reallocated 

Hint: If you think you will require more time, it is worthwhile to check whether a different visa (such as the subclass 482) would be more appropriate, depending on the project duration and the requirements. 

Latest Current Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Subclass 400 Visa Australia 2025

 Subclass 400 Visa application? To make the process easy, follow this step-by-step procedure:

You must satisfy all the eligibility requirements and prepare your documents before starting.

1. Apply for an Invitation Letter

Obtain a letter of support or invitation from a registered Australian organisation.

2. Prepare Necessary Documentation

Gather all the required documents such as a passport, CV, qualifications, business case, health insurance, etc.

3. Register an ImmiAccount

Create an account on the official ImmiAccount portal to begin your application.

4. Fill Out the Online Form

Complete the subclass 400 visa form in all sections carefully and truthfully.

5. Post Supporting Documents

Load intelligible scans of your records. Please make sure they are translated if they are not in English.

6. Submit Visa Fee

Pay (AUD 415+) using a valid credit or debit card.

7. Apply Now

Go through all the requirements before applying online.

8. Application Tracking

Monitor your ImmiAccount dashboard to see whether you have received any messages or document requests. 

Tip: Keep and record all communication (emails, receipts, letters) concerning your application in case of a reapplication in the future. 

Temporary Work Visa Australia Subclass 400: Key Features and Restrictions in 2025 

The main characteristics and limitations of the Australia 400 visa processing time in 2025 are the following:

• Short-term non-ongoing specialised work - Suitable when specialised labour is needed on a time-bound project that is not ongoing.

• No channel to PR – This is not a channel to PR or long-term settlement.

• Inapplicable to continuing employment- The occupation should be non-continuous and not in the place of local employees.

• Family members are not allowed to work or study – Dependents are permitted to accompany you, but cannot work or pursue formal education.

• Health insurance is compulsory - You must demonstrate that you have proper health insurance covering your whole period in Australia.

• No more than one subclass 400 visa per 12 months – Making multiple applications is no longer possible.

Ensure that your project meets the requirements of the Temporary Work Visa Australia 400 visa processing time to prevent rejection of the applications.

Latest Alternatives to the Subclass 400 Visa Australia

If Australia 400 visa processing time doesn’t fit, consider these options: 

 Note: The Australia 482 visa processing time can take several months.

Also Read: Navigating PR Courses In Australia For International Students

Latest Policy Changes and Trends for Subclass 400 Visa Australia in 2025

 An extended version of the recent changes and Trends of policy in the Australia 400 visa processing time in 2025:

1. Rise in Demand

The number of applications, especially in technology, infrastructure, engineering, and scientific research, has risen drastically. Such sectors frequently need to mobilise specific skills within very short timescales to satisfy pressing project deadlines or to fill temporary gaps in demanding situations.

2. Increased Detection

As of late 2024, the Australian government has been putting applicants of the subclass 400 visa under greater scrutiny. This is particularly so in cases of more extended stays or repeated applications, where greater weight is given to the satisfaction of the authenticity of the business case and the requirement for overseas expertise.

3. Fee Increase

In 2025, there is a rise in the visa application fees. The minimum application cost currently is AUD 415 per applicant due to the shifting administration costs and improvements in visa processing.

4. Lesser Flexibility 

No longer can applicants make several applications within 12 months, and extensions of up to six months' stay are given in most exceptional cases only. This minimises the options of continuous or repetitive short-term engagements.

5. Trend in Use 

An increasing number of employers are strategically utilising the subclass 400 visa to fill fast vacancies that are high-impact and need special overseas skills that cannot be found in Australia. This Trend underlines the role of the visa in facilitating essential projects in which time and expertise are of the essence. 

Tip: When lodging, make sure that your documentation and application depict the project's urgency, the specialised skills needed, and why those skills are unavailable in Australia. Detailed business cases and good evidence will also enhance success in this challenging assessment environment. 

Conclusion 

Are you seeking to enter Australia quickly for a specialised short-term position? Then, the Australia 400 visa processing time could be what you need, particularly compared to the longer processing times of the Australia 482 visas. This guide will help you comprehend whether you are eligible, gather the correct documents, and make a successful application. It is always better to consult a migration expert to prevent rejection. Contact TerraTern for more information on subclass 400 visa Australia.