Temporary Work Visa Australia: New Rules, Costs & More 2025

Since Australia keeps developing its immigration practices, professionals who want to work internationally in the short term should remain informed about the updates in the regulations. The Temporary Work Visa Australia (subclass 400) is especially designed for selected Skilled people, and they must carry out a personalised undertaking as they cannot easily be found in the local work pool. Weighting more on compliance checks, the fee is also dropping with the new briefing by 2025; it is crucial to understand all the aspects of this visa, including its eligibility and documents. The guide gives you a detailed breakdown, you need to ensure the application is done well, and you do not end up in a sorry state as you seek to work temporarily in Australia with a Temporary Work Visa Australia 400.

Latest Facts & News (2025): Stay Ahead on Australia’s Temporary Work Visa

In 2025, Australia made several amendments to the temporary visa system in force to control and streamline it:

• Tougher Stay Periods: Governments have now imposed more stringent restrictions on stay periods. The majority of the applicants can no longer enjoy the maximum stay of more than three months in a 12-month timeline unless they can prove solid business reasons. Next, only in extreme and reasonable business necessities are extended stays of up to six months permissible.

• Updated Visa Charges: The existing cost charged on an application for a temporary work visa 400 Australia is at least 415 AUD, equivalent to about 23,869 Indian Rupees. Other expenses can be a result of biometrics, health examinations, and compulsory insurance.

• Stricter Check on Applications: The immigration authorities have started to subject the applicant to a higher degree of scrutiny with regard to the nature of the visa that the applicants seek, or the paperwork and the credentials of the employer that the applicants want to work under.

• Visa Replacements: The Skills in Demand visa replaced the Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) visa, even though the Subclass 400 is still applicable to short-term specialist jobs needing special overseas skills.

• Average of Processing Time: The average time it currently takes to process cases is 3 to 4 weeks, but can be delayed upon an apparent high volume of applications, or an imperfect application.

• Specific Eligibility: Applicants have to clearly show that they do not have the skills needed in Australia and that the work is not an ongoing one.

• Popularity with Indians: Indian professionals, especially in the IT, infrastructure and engineering, are still one of the biggest groups of applicants.

• Family Rules: The immediate family can follow a person with a principal visa, but they are not allowed to work or obtain full-time studies (however, with a few exceptions to language studies).

• No Extendable Option: The Subclass 400 can not be extended as compared to some of the other long-term visas. It has to be renewed to allow further stay after its expiration.

• Mandatory Health Insurance: To protect themselves and limit the health expenditure of the state, applicants will be required to provide documents with enough health coverage throughout the whole duration of the stay.

What is a Temporary Work Visa Australia? (Subclass 400)

The Temporary Work Visa Australia (Subclass 400) is aimed at catering to foreign nationals who intend to work in Australia on a short-term basis, usually for three months, in highly specialised positions. In this visa, there is a need to fill a gap in which there is a lack of availability or competence of local Australian expertise.

It can be evidenced to be highly utilised by multinational organisations, engineering firms, information technology consultancy firms and government partners who get subject-matter specialists/experts on short-term contracts like systems deployment solutions, engineering upgrades, company audits and training.

Such extensions are, however, uncommon, even though the visa may be extended to run up to six months, and usually require exceptional reasons. The temporary work visa 400 Australia cannot be used to continuously work, to live permanently, or as an unskilled worker.

What are the Categories of Temporary Work Visas in Australia in 2025?

Australia breaks down several Temporary Work Visa Australia sub-classes depending on the nature, duration and reasons of employment:

The temporary work visa 400 Australia remains the only active short-term work visa meant explicitly for professionals whose presence is needed immediately and temporarily.

Also Read: Temporary Skill Shortage Visa Australia (TSS)

Latest Eligibility Criteria for Temporary Work Visa Australia 400 in 2025

The qualification criteria that prospective individuals have to fulfil to obtain the Temporary Work Visa Australia 400 are numerous to prove that they are of a non-discretionary value, law-abiding, and temporarily genuine:

• Highly Specialised Skills: The primary need is the ability to possess skills that are not readily available in the Australian labour market. Such professionals can be international systems auditors, special engineers, or exceptional medical researchers.

• Evidence of Temporality: The applicants should submit the evidence of non-continuous position held; this can be provided by a project timeline, contract period, and employer statements.

• Letter of support by Australian organisation: It is vital to have an invitation or support letter from an Australian organisation, institution or government organisation to support the visa application.

• Character Requirements: Condition of a clean police clearance certificate issued in all the countries you lived in (The applicant must ensure that he/she is not a threat to the Australian society).

• Health Requirement: A general examination or health report would be required. This will ensure that the applicant will not be a spreader of diseases or require any form of public health services.

• Financial Stability: Evidence of financial autonomy- statement of account, evidence of income or sponsorship status will be produced to support the fact that the candidate will not be dependent on the Australian welfare services.

• Sincere desire to Visit Partially: The temporary work visa 400 Australia may not be applied by the applicants in order to visit the country in search of a job.

Latest Step-by-Step Application Process for Temporary Work Visa Australia 2025

Applying for a temporary work visa Australia 400 involves several stages. Here's how the process unfolds for Temporary Work Visa Australia:

Step 1: Collect Required Documents

Begin by gathering a complete set of required documents, which include:

• Valid Passport: A scanned colour copy of the photo page.

• Proof of Skills and Experience: This can be prior job letters, professional certificates, or industry licenses.

• Invitation or Support Letter: Must include the company’s ABN, nature of the work, and timeline.

• Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements, tax returns, or employer guarantees.

• Health Coverage: Insurance policy showing validity throughout your stay.

• Police Certificates: For all countries lived in for over 12 months in the past 10 years.

• Photograph: Passport-size image meeting biometric standards.

Step 2: Submit the Application Online

• Once documents are ready, create an account on the ImmiAccount portal. Carefully fill out the application form, upload all documentation, and pay the required fees.
• Make sure your supporting documents match the claims in your application, as inconsistencies can result in rejection.

Step 3: Biometrics & Health Checks

Depending on your nationality and individual profile, you might be asked to:

• Visit a designated biometrics center for fingerprinting and photos.

• Undergo a medical exam from an approved Australian panel physician.

Make these appointments quickly to prevent delays.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

Once submitted, processing typically takes 3–4 weeks. However, delays may occur if:

• Additional documents are requested.

• Background verification is required.

• Health and biometrics are incomplete.

Temporary Work Visa Australia Cost & Fees in 2025: Updated

Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with the Temporary Work Visa Australia (Subclass 400):

Note: All fees are indicative and subject to changes. Applicants must refer to the latest official updates before applying.

Australia Temporary Work Visa Processing Time

Applications regarding Temporary Work Visa Australia (Subclass 400 visas) take 3-4 weeks on average to process. But on an individual basis, they may vary on account of:

• Completeness of application.

• Background of the applicant.

• Cases of verification delays.

• Season Specifics.

Subclass 400 is rather faster in comparison to other visas like TSS or Skills in Demand visa due to its temporary character and short range.

Also Read: Post Study Work Visa Australia: New Guide for Graduates

Indian Applicants Under the Temporary Work Visa Australia 2025

Project-based Indian deployments have been one of the major factors that have resulted in an increase in the use of the Temporary Work Visa Australia (Subclass 400 visa) by Indian professionals who are in the sectors of IT, finance and engineering. The procedure is more or less the same regarding any nationality; however, the Indian applicants ought to note the following:

• Health Insurance: Before travelling, select an Australia-approved health plan.

• Financial Evidence: Present bank statements or employer letters and provide full payroll record.

• Support: Knowledge of the English language: Not a requirement, but it assists in verification.

• Education and Experience: It should be clear through documented fixation, which is certified with a notarised English translation, that will facilitate easy review.

Choosing the Right Visa Agent in India

To avoid rejection or delays, it's recommended to work with a credible visa agent. Some top-rated agencies include:

• TerraTern: Known for transparent pricing and tailored advice for Subclass 400.

• Kansas Overseas: Offers end-to-end document handling and fast-track service.

• Y-Axis: One of the largest immigration consultancies in India with a track record in Australian visas.

Make sure the agent is registered with MARA (Migration Agents Registration Authority) or consult the official government website for trusted partners.

Latest Key Changes to Temporary Work Visa Australia Rules in 2025

Here are the most impactful updates to the Temporary Work Visa Australia (Subclass 400 visa) this year:

• Stay Duration Reduced: Maximum duration has been reduced to 3 months, with 6 months only allowed for critical business needs.

• Increased Scrutiny: Applications undergo deep compliance checks.

• Fee Increase: Application charges have gone up to 415 AUD.

• No In-country Extension: Applicants must exit and reapply to extend their stay.

• Mandatory Health Insurance: Enforcement of insurance proof has been strictly applied.

Also Read: Skilled Independent Visa Australia 189: Latest Guide

Who Should Apply for the Subclass 400 Visa? Experts Guide

The Temporary Work Visa Australia Subclass 400 is specifically designed for professionals with unique skills required for short-term assignments in Australia. It is not intended for general or ongoing work. Here are the ideal applicant profiles:

1. Engineering Experts on Project-Based Work

Mechanical, civil, electrical, or mining engineers with hands-on experience in solving complex technical issues or executing specialised on-site assessments are ideal candidates. Often, Australian firms bring in such engineers to complete installations, audits, or troubleshooting tasks that demand niche international expertise not available locally.

2. IT Consultants and Cybersecurity Specialists

When Australian companies undergo systems upgrades, compliance reviews, or digital transformations, they may require global IT consultants or cybersecurity experts for a brief, high-impact engagement. Subclass 400 is well-suited for roles such as software implementation, systems diagnostics, or vulnerability testing, especially for firms dealing with tight regulatory deadlines.

3. Specialist Auditors and Financial Experts

International auditors, forensic accountants, or tax specialists who are needed to conduct specialised financial reviews or due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, or regulatory compliance fit this visa’s scope. Their expertise is often required urgently and temporarily, making this visa a practical solution.

4. Technical Trainers and Equipment Installers

Companies may need professionals to train Australian staff on newly procured foreign equipment or to complete the installation and setup. This includes specialists from manufacturing firms who understand proprietary technologies, making their skills critical yet temporary.

5. Emergency Response Technicians and Safety Inspectors

In industries like construction, oil & gas, or maritime safety, unexpected incidents or inspections may require international safety professionals with rare credentials. The Subclass 400 visa enables them to travel at short notice to provide high-value, short-duration support.

6. Creative and Media Professionals for One-Off Events

Filmmakers, artists, technical crew, or international journalists attending or covering a specific event in Australia may also be eligible under this visa. Their visit is short, project-bound, and non-ongoing in nature, fitting the criteria.

Conclusion

Temporary Work Visa Australia (Subclass 400) is an opportunity that allows skilled foreign professionals to seek a feasible way of engaging in short-term and high-value projects all over Australia. But 2025 has brought about increased compliance, reduced stay time and increased scrutiny of documents. As an Indian IT professional or an international engineering contractor, be prepared and make your application fit those new and revised types of rules and you stand a good chance of getting what you want. To have a smooth progress, it is advisable to use a registered visa consultant and make sure your papers are watertight.

Are you all set to file a Subclass 400 visa application? Begin the process of preparing your documents now and meet the world without failed visas and unjustified delays with TerraTern now.