Australia offers targeted temporary visa options for businesses that need urgent specialist expertise and for individuals seeking structured workplace-based training. The Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa (subclass 400) and the Temporary Activity (Training) visa (subclass 407) are designed for different purposes, but both provide practical, time-limited solutions without the complexity of long-term sponsorship.
At Mark Sekerin Migration, we assist businesses and individuals to identify the correct pathway, structure applications lawfully, and avoid common risks that lead to refusal or delay.
Subclass 400 – Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist)
The subclass 400 visa is designed for urgent, highly specialised, short-term work where the required skills, knowledge, or experience are not readily available in Australia.
Typical use cases include:
• installation, commissioning, or troubleshooting of specialised equipment
• technical audits or inspections
• specialist consulting or advisory work
• delivery of advanced, non-routine training
• project-based work with a clearly defined end point
This visa is well suited to engineers, technicians, consultants, and specialists entering Australia for a specific task or project.
Key features
• Stay period: usually up to 3 months (up to 6 months where a strong business case exists)
• Offshore visa – the applicant must be outside Australia at lodgement and decision
• Fast processing, often within weeks
Core requirements
• The work must be genuinely highly specialised and time-limited
• The role must not displace Australian workers
• Terms and conditions must reflect Australian labour standards
• Remuneration may be paid by the Australian business or the overseas employer
This visa can allow further onshore applications for long-term employer sponsored visas 482 or186 where a strong business case exists.
Subclass 407 – Temporary Activity (Training)
The subclass 407 Training visa allows individuals to undertake structured workplace-based training in Australia to improve skills, gain practical experience, or meet professional registration or licensing requirements.
This visa is commonly used where training – rather than productive employment – is the primary purpose of the stay.
What the visa allows
• Participation in an approved workplace-based training program
• Skill development in an occupation on the Skilled Occupation List
• Stay in Australia for up to 2 years (depending on the training program)
Main training streams
• Occupational training to improve skills in an eligible occupation (most common)
• Occupational training required for registration or licensing (in Australia or overseas)
• Occupational training for overseas capacity building
The first stream can be used as a stepping stone toward employer sponsorship, including future pathways under the 482 or 186 visas, where appropriate.
Eligibility snapshot
• At least 12 months of relevant study or work experience in the last two years
• Functional English (IELTS 4.5 overall or equivalent)
For sponsoring businesses
• Must provide a genuine, structured training program
• Training plans must include objectives, duration, and measurable outcomes
• The business must have appropriate facilities and qualified staff to deliver training
Choosing the Right Visa
While both visas are temporary, their purposes are distinct:
• Subclass 400 is for short-term delivery of expertise to Australia
• Subclass 407 is for skill development and training of the visa holder
Choosing the wrong visa or blurring the purpose of the stay can lead to refusal. Careful planning is essential, particularly where future sponsorship or repeat travel is anticipated.
How We Help
• Assess whether the proposed activity fits the 400 or 407 framework
• Identify risks around genuineness, skills level, or training vs work
• Draft invitation letters, training plans, and assist with preparation of supporting evidence
• Manage the visa application process end-to-end
• Advise on longer-term strategies, including transition to employer-sponsored visas
Why Choose Mark Sekerin Migration
• Clear, practical advice tailored to real business needs
• Experience across engineering, manufacturing, aquaculture, technology, and professional services
• Direct involvement by a senior registered migration agent
• Focus on compliance, speed, and risk management
Request a Consultation
Speak directly with Mark Sekerin, Registered Migration Agent, to discuss your short-term specialist or training requirements and confirm the most suitable visa strategy.