Temporay Work Visa Subclass 400 (Temporary)

Overview

  • Temporary Work visa (Subclass 400) lets you do short-term, highly specialised work in Australia. It is suitable if you have specialised skills, knowledge or experience not generally available in Australia.

  • You may include your family in your visa application.

Eligibility

Your proposed work is not in the entertainment industry unless the production will not be shown or broadcast in Australia

Have highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience that:

  • can assist Australian business
  • can’t reasonably be found in the Australian labour market

Be able to support yourself and any dependants while in Australia

Meet health and character requirements

Convincingly demonstrate you are a genuine temporary entrant (GTE) that will only stay temporarily in Australia and leave upon the completion of the work

Location

Applicants may be in or outside Australia at the time of application and visa grant.

Duration of Stay

This visa is usually granted for 3 months but can be granted for 6 months in limited cases.

Tricks and Common Reasons for Refusal

1 – Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE)

The trickiest criterion of Subclass 400 visa is applicant must be a genuine temporary entrant (GTE). This, unfortunately, has been the primary reason for the refusal of a Subclass 400 visa application. Obviously, the term ‘GTE’ implies the Immigration wants the applicant to leave Australia before the visa expires rather than seek to extend their stay. But the question here is: how does the Immigration decide who is a GTE? The factors considered by the Immigration include but are not limited to:

  • The applicant’s immigration history

  • The applicant’s overall circumstances

  • The circumstances in the applicant’s home country

At the end of the day, however, it all comes down to a judgement call made solely by the Immigration based on the supporting documentation and information available. The high discretionary and subjective nature can indeed be quite disturbing as it keeps the entire application up in the air.

Consequently, part of our process for assisting you with Subclass 400 visa is help you prepare a vitally important, formal, exclusive and comprehensive legal submission by drawing on our nearly 20 years’ industry experience, convincingly addressing and arguing every single factor to your advantage because we are fully aware of what factors the Immigration is looking at exactly and the rationale and mentality behind every one of them. We are positive this will significantly increase your chances of a visa grant, just as it has for our previous clients.

2 – ”Irrelevant” Work Experience

One of the most unfortunate yet common scenarios is the applicant’s work experience is deemed irrelevant to their chosen occupation by skills assessing authority. This is typically because the authorities decided the applicant was not actually performing the job duties they claimed and that even the applicant had chosen a wrong occupation to start with. When this happens, things go straight to square one, which is certainly frustrating. We have had numerous clients that went through exactly this before turning to us for professional assistance.

We hence noticed it is not they didn’t do those jobs, but they simply failed to present their day-to-day professional activities in the submitted paperwork in a proper and acceptable manner to the assessing body. In view of this, we have made it part of our routine to thoroughly check through and revise every client’s work references, résumé and other employment-related paperwork where possible to ensure they are in line with what the authorities expect from your occupation so that you end up with a big smile.

3 – Unfamiliarity with How the Australian Immigration Works and Its Mentality

In many cases, applicants prepare and submit their supporting documentation in a disorderly way, giving the Immigration a hard time digging through tons of paperwork to get things in the right order when picking up a new visa application. This will potentially lead to endless back-and-forth clarification and explanation, wasting both sides lots of time and can even result in a refusal of Subclass 400 visa.

This is common since applying for a visa, especially a permanent one, is the very first time to most applicants. For this reason, our team have developed our own system for labelling, coding, structuring and, where necessary, cross-referencing documentation so your application can be submitted in the most presentable and logical manner. Making your application stand out among all competitors has been our goal from day one.

4 – Careless Yet Costly Mistakes

Applying for migration is seen as a delicate work of art due to the staggering amount of attention, paperwork, and details involved. A seemingly minor/harmless error such as a typo in your résumé, a date entered wrong, or a tick in the wrong box in the lengthy visa application form can prove costly as the Immigration processes all visa applications strictly in accordance with migration law, in particular Migration Act 1958 and Migration Regulations 1994. Even a small error can be regarded as failing to satisfy a visa requirement and therefore lead to a visa refusal. To minimise such incidents, our team pay extra attention while editing and drafting every client’s paperwork and always proofread and also conduct a final review of documentation before submission.

5 – Applications Not Being Decision-ready

Another common reason for refusal, even instant refusal, for Subclass 400 visa is submitting an application without all the required documentation. This happens when the application was prepared carelessly, or when the applicant was trying to rush an application for whatever reason (e.g. meeting a cut-off date of a major migration policy change which happens almost each and every year and often catches people off guard).

Even with 43 years of team experience, we handle each application cautiously and meticulously like our first to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. Should a sudden change of policy hit and impact you, we are more than capable of advising you how to salvage your application in terms of what documents are mandatory at the time of submission and what can wait so you are never in danger of a straight-up visa refusal upon submission.

Benefits

With this visa, you may:

  • stay in Australia with your family for 3 to 6 months

  • travel overseas and back to Australia for any purposes (e.g. overseas holiday, visiting family and/or attending family matters in home country)

  • access your superannuation after you have departed Australia (if paid $450 or more before tax in a month)

Application Fees​

  • Main applicant: $315

  • Each secondary applicant aged 18 or over: $315

  • Each secondary applicant under 18: $80

Please note: you may incur third-party charges, for example, for translation, police certificate and health exam.

Processing Time​

Kindly note the processing time constantly varies. Please contact us for update.

  • 75% of applications: 31 days

  • 90% of applications: 45 days

Unbeatable 5-step Services at Microscopic Level - How Exactly We Make It Hassle-free

consulting

Step 1: Initial Consultation

During our initial consultation, we thoroughly advise you on:

  • your visa options and related matters

  • your detailed application process

  • potential challenges and solutions based upon your circumstances

  • business sponsorship obligations for you as well as your employer

  • your work rights during different stages of the application process

  • estimate timeframe for preparing your application and its processing time

  • compliances issues, including but not limited to how you ought to comply with your visa conditions

  • potential breaches of business sponsorship obligations, and consequential sanctions and penalties

  • fees involved in each stage (e.g. skills assessment, state/territory nomination, visa application, health examination, police certificate)

It goes without saying the first and foremost thing in a visa application is get a clear picture of what visas you are indeed eligible for, and equally importantly, which one of them suits you the most. We’ve seen too many clients who, for some reason, rushed an application and halfway through realised they were not actually on the right path due to ineligibility issues before approaching us, for example, because:

  • their self-claimed work experience was not or only partially accepted by the Immigration, which was unfortunately common

  • the length of their work experience or residence in Australia (as required by some visas) was not recognised by the Immigration

  • they settled on an unsuitable occupation at the beginning of a work/employment visa application just because the occupation was migration-eligible whereas their daily duties failed to be in line with the prescribed job tasks of the selected occupation

  • they simply took into consideration the visa requirements by the Immigration without even considering the criteria of skills assessment by the skills assessing body as well as those of the government for state/territory nomination which vary from time to time even without prior notice

  • they applied for the partner visa they were not actually eligible for as they failed to meet the cohabitation requirement from the Immigration’s perspective

  • the turnover and/or assets they relied on for business visa application was not recognised by the Immigration due to various reasons

Step 2 – Letter of Advice

Following the consultation, we will email you a letter of advice containing what we discussed during the initial consultation in case you miss out on anything. This gives you peace of mind as it outlines everything there is to know about your visa application.

Step 3 – Gathering Supporting Documents

During this stage, we will:

  • send you a one-in-all, comprehensive and exclusive checklist for all the supporting documents you will need to provide and the checklist:

    • outlines the detailed requirements (e.g. format, word limit, size limit, points of emphasis and information to be included and excluded) for each and every document you will need to provide

    • contains critically useful templates not available anywhere else that are highly relevant to your visa application, for example, for work reference, employment contract and relationship statement depending on the type of visa you apply for

  • working closely with you throughout to ensure supporting documentation is collected and done just right

  • compile and filter your documents, retaining only the relevant ones and leave out those not to-the-point. Remember: it’s not ‘the more, the better’ when it comes to a visa application. Rather, being selective about what to submit and how to present it is actually more important

  • clearly label and cross-reference your documents to ensure they are in the most organised and presentable manner in the eyes of the Immigration

  • stay in touch with you by phone and email and you are also more than welcome to visit our office to chat to us in person

  • clarify any doubts or questions you may have regarding your application so you can stay on top of things

  • when ready, draft and submit EOI, skills assessment application, state/territory nomination application and visa application for you

  • drafting certain legal documents for you where appropriate to make things easier for you

  • keep you in the loop of any migration law update that may affect you, especially your visa eligibility

  • thoroughly review all supporting documents you sent through to us

  • correct errors in documents we received where appropriate or let you know exactly where and how you need to rectify an issue 

  • remind you of outstanding supporting documents via phone or email so that you are fully aware of where we are on your application anytime

  • liaise with your partner (for partner visa application) or employer (for employer-sponsored visas) for missing information or clarification where necessary 

  • liaise with other third parties involved, including but not limited to skills assessing authorities, state/territory governments and the Immigration on your behalf to seek clarification on key information

  • conduct a final review of your supporting documentation before the final submission

visa granted stamp

Step 4 - Submitting Your Visa Application

Upon the completion of the final review of, we will:

  • attach all supporting documentation to your application

  • submit your visa application to the Immigration

  • email through the receipts for visa application fees for your record

  • advise you of the most updated visa processing time so you know what to expect

  • email you the bridging visa grant letter if applicable so you can breathe a sigh a relief and remain in Australia without having to leave while your application is being processed by the Immigration

Step 5 – After the Submission Until a Decision Is Made by the Immigration

Following the submission, we will:

  • constantly keep an eye on your lodged application 

  • liaise with the Immigration in a timely manner, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks where the Immigration requires additional supporting documents and/or information, which is fairly common because it is a judgement call by the Immigration officer at the end of the day despite the seemingly straightforward visa criteria

  • decide on the best approach to addressing the Immigration’s query by drawing on our nearly 20 years of expertise 

  • keep you updated should there be any notifications from the Immigration

  • assist you in preparing the requested documents and/or information and submit them on your behalf

  • chase up your application with the Immigration, especially when it has gone beyond the expected timeframe

  • instruct you on when and how to book health examination and obtain police clearance

  • notify you of the application outcome

  • if application is successful - send you the visa grant letter and explain to you your employment and residence rights and the range of benefits you are entitled to

  • if application is unsuccessful - properly advise you on your options moving forward to eventually obtain the visa you are after

100% Money Back Guarantee

Teng Bonnie
3 days ago
Danny and the team are very helpful! Would recommend to anyone who is looking into applying visa.
Daniel Payne
3 days ago
Great experience.
Jahangir Alam
3 days ago
Niruta Shrestha
1 week ago
Danny was very helpful
Wind
1 month ago
Great service. My subclass 820 just granted yesterday thanks to Harmandeep and the team.
danmiller20
1 month ago
10/10 with dealing with Danny and harmandeep, harmandeep was so helpful and went out of her way to help with any problems that occurred during my application. Would definitely recommend
roydon douyere
1 month ago
Thanks to team Danny for his outstanding work in getting our Prospective Marriage visa subclass 300 a job well done. A special big thank you to Harmandeep Kaur who was professional , very polite and knowledgeable throughout the whole process.Will definately recommend anyone
Sana Khan
2 months ago
I had a truly eye-opening and insightful session with Gold Medal. Danny provided a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the visa application process, explaining each step with clarity and professionalism. His in-depth knowledge and ability to break down complex requirements made the entire process much easier to understand.
The information he shared was extremely valuable and has given me the confidence to move forward with my visa application.
I genuinely appreciate the guidance and support provided, and I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking clear, reliable, and professional assistance with the visa process.
Geeta Magar
2 months ago
Emigrate Lawyers has the best legal team and the best legal services. They value the clients.
Sergio A Diaz
2 months ago
Gold medal visas were very helpful in explaining the visa process thoroughly and laying out a path to a successful visa grant. Would highly recommend.
Carmela Mccormick
2 months ago
Highly professional and reliable service. They successfully helped me secure another citizenship for my children with clear communication and excellent support throughout the process. We truly appreciate their dedication and would confidently recommend them to others.
Sbukhari
2 months ago
Very nice experience easy going staff
Rain Neufeld
2 months ago
had our first consultation with danny last week. customer service is phenomenal and our consultation was very informative.
Zane Whiting
2 months ago
Made an appointment with Danny for my partners visa application (820). Initial phone call and in person consult was incredibly informative, Danny seems to really know his stuff and went into details I wouldn’t have even thought of if we had tried to start the application ourselves. We left feeling quite confident for the outcome of the application.
Lucho Rivero
3 months ago
Really professional, they don't just tell what you want to hear, they offer real paths to get your visa and they get it done!
They always keep in contact with you and answer any question.
Thanks to Danny for getting my visa!! I would recommend to anyone
Arif Ahsan
3 months ago
I had a very positive experience with the Gold Medal Visa Immigration Consultancy. From the first consultation, I met Danny who was very professional, knowledgeable, and patient in answering all my questions. He explained the visa process clearly and kept me informed at every stage.

My documents were checked thoroughly, and I was guided on what was needed to avoid delays or mistakes. Communication was prompt, and I always felt confident that my application was being handled with care. Danny is very knowledgeable about any kinds of visa situation.

Thanks to his support, my visa application was successful. I highly recommend the Gold Medal Visa Immigration consultancy to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy immigration assistance.
Andrea Rivera
4 months ago
Easy and smooth way to get your visa done
Michael Opare
4 months ago
Great service, very friendly and very helpful!
Yash
4 months ago
T Hall
5 months ago
I had an amazing experience with Danny today. Thank you so much for your patience and answering my questions regarding my Mum's visa. Greatly appreciated.
Wow.. outstanding service. Highly recommended 👌
Danny was incredibly helpful. I came in with only a vague idea of how the immigration process worked, but he took the time to break down each step clearly and explain what everything meant. It really helped me understand the process better and gave me the confidence to make an informed decision.
Veronica Montes
5 months ago
They really help me with my visa papers, always in touch giving me the best options. totally recomended
jimmy phung
6 months ago
Thank you to Harmandeep and the team at Gold Medal Visa for their professionalism and clear explanations throughout the process. Our Visa granted on 06/10/25. highly recommend using Gold Medal Visa for your visa application, their expertise makes the process easy and smooth! Thank you.
Sean Woo
7 months ago
Thank you to Danny and the team at Gold Medal Visa for their professionalism and clear explanations throughout the process. Everything was handled smoothly and with great care. Highly recommend their services
Melissa Tsui
7 months ago
Anica B
7 months ago
Highly recommend, really happy with the service we received. Helped us step by step and was very responsive and knowledgeable
Josip Meštrović
8 months ago
Very professional, knowlegable when it comes to the migration law. Just made sure to get all the documentation that Danny said we would need, and got the partner visa in a record time. Truly remarkable! I highly recommend using Gold Medal Visa for your visa application, their expertise makes the process easy and smooth!
Julio Caceres
9 months ago
Thanks to Danny, he helped me and my sponsor company to do our process visa application 482. I'm extremely happy with the results.
nayareth salama
9 months ago
Thank you so much Gold Medal Visa, I’m very happy with the service and the results of my visa 482. They help us with everything, easy and smooth process. I highly recommend them.
Clara Hernández
9 months ago
A very professional agency. They are very direct, honest, and transparent.
Aly Danilo
9 months ago
A professional and helpful agency, strongly recommended for visa enquiries.
Rico Acio
9 months ago
Exceptional service without costing as much compared to other agencies. Highly recommend Danny and Gold Medal Visa’s services.
MHAle7212
9 months ago
Thanks for the hard work and professionalism, our partner visa got approved a lot sooner than expected.