Australia has always been a top destination for skilled workers from India. Every year, thousands of Indians travel to Australia for short-term projects, specialized tasks, and urgent assignments. The Subclass 400 visa was introduced for such tasks. It allows skilled individuals to stay in Australia for a short period to complete a specific non-ongoing task.
However, the government introduced new rules for the Subclass 400 work visa in August 2024. If you are planning to apply for this visa, you should understand these changes.
Australian Subclass 400 Work Visa
It is a part of the Australia Skilled Immigration program. You need it for short-term and specialized work in Australia. It is not applicable for permanent stay and ongoing employment in the country.
The standard stay duration on a Subclass 400 Work Visa is 3 months. In special cases, it can be extended up to 6 months. You can get this visa only when the job you are supposed to do is technical, urgent, and very specific to your skills.
Changes in Subclass 400 Work Visa Rules
The Australian government has made some major changes to Subclass 400 visa rules to stop people from misusing it for permanent or ongoing work. Here are some major updates you should know about before applying.
Standard Stay is 3 Months
Before introducing new rules, most of the workers used to get a visa for 6 months. However, the default stay period is now 3 months. You can only stay longer by showing a valid reason why the job cannot be completed within 3 months.
Note: A longer stay is not guaranteed. You will only be allowed to stay in after showing all documents and giving a valid explanation for more time.
No Multiple Applications Within 12 Months
If you have already obtained an Australian Subclass 400 work visa, you cannot reapply for the next 12 months. Before this change, some workers used to reapply immediately after returning. Now, this short-term visa is issued only once every 12 months.
Stricter Checks
Immigration officers and other authorities are now checking applications more carefully, especially if the applicant is from a low-wage country or the job looks ongoing. They adopt strict checking policies when applicants fail to explain why a local worker cannot handle the specific job. It means Indian professionals have to show complete and clear documentation. Otherwise, the application will be rejected.
Work Must be Temporary
The Subclass 400 work visa is for a short-term job only. You can get one by showing clear proof that the job is temporary and non-ongoing. You also have to show that the specific job doesn’t require extension or frequent visits in the future. If a role is long-term, you will not be entertained. In such a case, you should apply for a Subclass 482 visa.
Why These Changes Were Made
The government hasn’t randomly announced these changes. They were planned carefully to ensure that the skilled immigration program works fairly for everyone. These changes were introduced to:
Protect Australian Workers
Just like any other country, the Australian government also wants to ensure that local workers are preferred for any job. When a local can handle the job, there’s no need to hire a foreigner for it. New rules ensure that international workers are called for highly technical roles only.
Prevent Misuse of the Visa
Previously, some workers were using a Subclass 400 work visa for permanent roles to skip the requirements of other suitable visas, especially Subclass 482. These changes have clarified the difference between these two visa types and controlled misuse.
Control the Stay Period
Some workers used to stay in Australia for 6 months without any solid reason. Similarly, some left and reapplied for a new visa within a few months. It was enabling them to stay longer than they should. These new rules have limited the default stay to 3 months and allowed only one visa per year to control the time international workers spend in Australia.
Improve the Review Process
A stricter application checking process has improved the review process. Immigration officers are now focusing on genuine and strong cases only. It is not only speeding up the visa process but also leading to better opportunities for both international and local workers.
Who Should Apply for This Visa?
Not everyone is an ideal candidate for the Subclass 400 Work Visa. You can apply for it only when you are a highly skilled worker and the job cannot be handled by anyone else who has already been in Australia. Moreover, the job should be a short, one-time task that doesn’t require extended stays or frequent visits in the future.
The prime examples of who should apply for this visa are:
- Skillful technicians are needed to maintain or repair imported machinery
- Software experts who can install a custom solution for a specific Australian firm or client
- Experienced trainers conducting short-term courses
- Engineers who can inspect and repair complex technical systems
Common Challenges for Indian Applicants
Indian applicants are facing difficulty in obtaining Subclass 400 Work Visas, especially after these new rules. The common challenges they face are:
- Weak invitation letters or no employer support
- Not understanding the visa’s purpose and applying for it for long-term roles
- Proving the job is non-ongoing and will not require an extension
- Getting specific documents from the employer
- Lack of awareness about new visa rules
- Limited access to reliable guidance
These challenges often lead to incomplete applications, which are ultimately rejected. You can deal with this challenge with the assistance of reliable guides, such as DM Consultants. It’s a trusted company with skilled immigration experts to help you at every step of the application process.
Application Process
If you are planning to apply for an Australian Subclass 400 Work Visa, you need to follow a stepwise process.
Step 1: Check Eligibility Criteria: First of all, you should check if you are eligible for the visa according to the new rules.
Step 2: Gather Documents: If you are eligible, the next step is to gather all required documents, including an invitation letter from the employer.
Step 3: Application Submission: Once you have all the documents, you can submit an online application. Make sure you pay attention to every detail when filling out the form.
Step 4: Wait for Processing: Visa processing can take a few weeks or even months. You may also have to submit additional documents to prove your qualification for the specific role.
If approved, you will receive your visa with a clear explanation of the work type and how long your stay will be. If the application is rejected, you have to wait for 12 months to reapply. You can contact DM Consultants to assist you throughout the process. It will not only make the process hassle-free but also reduce the risks of rejection.
Takeaway
Australia is still welcoming skilled workers across the globe to handle technical and complex tasks. However, new rules have made it difficult to obtain a Subclass 400 Work Visa. If you are an Indian professional planning to work in Australia by getting a Subclass 400 visa, take your time to understand the new rules, application process, and requirements.
