Specialist Work
Short-term work requiring highly specialised skills, knowledge or experience.
Employer Sponsorship & Temporary Work
Employer Sponsorship Temporary Activity Visas
Explore selected Australian temporary work and activity visa pathways for specialist workers, international relations arrangements and approved temporary activities.
Temporary Work in Australia
Short-term specialist and temporary activity pathways
Australia has several temporary visa categories for people undertaking specialist work, international-relations activities or other approved temporary activities.
The correct visa depends on factors such as the purpose of the visit, the proposed activity, the applicant's skills, the Australian organisation involved and whether sponsorship or support is required.
These visa subclasses have different streams and eligibility
requirements. Sponsorship or support requirements may vary
depending on the visa subclass, stream, duration, and the
applicant's individual circumstances.
International Relations
Temporary work connected with specific international relations arrangements.
Temporary Activities
Temporary participation in eligible Australian activities under the appropriate stream.
Current Requirements
Eligibility and sponsorship requirements should be checked against current Home Affairs information.
Main Visa Options
Temporary work and activity visas
The following are the three visa subclasses requested for this temporary activity and employer sponsorship section.
Subclass 400
Temporary Work Visa
Temporary Work Visa
(Short Stay Specialist)
A temporary visa intended for people undertaking short-term, highly specialised work in Australia.
- Intended for short-term temporary work
- Specialist skills, knowledge or experience are generally relevant
- Applicant must genuinely intend a temporary stay
- Supporting evidence from the Australian organisation may be required
- Health, character and immigration-history requirements may apply
Subclass 403
Temporary Work Visa
Temporary Work Visa
(International Relations)
A temporary visa for specific circumstances connected with Australia's international relations.
- Multiple streams with different eligibility rules
- Government Agreement arrangements may be relevant
- Foreign government and diplomatic-related activities may be covered by particular streams
- PALM and other specified arrangements may use subclass 403
- Each stream has its own supporting evidence and work requirements
Subclass 408
Temporary Activity Visa
A temporary visa for people taking part in eligible activities in Australia under an applicable Temporary Activity stream.
- Different streams cover different temporary activities
- Sponsor or supporter requirements may apply
- Applicant must meet the requirements of the relevant activity stream
- Skills, experience or other activity-specific evidence may be required
- Visa conditions and authorised activities must be followed
Common Situations
Who may need a temporary work or activity visa?
The appropriate subclass depends on the proposed Australian work or activity and the organisations involved.
01
Specialist Assignments
Overseas specialists travelling temporarily to Australia to perform highly specialised work.
02
Government Arrangements
Workers or representatives participating in eligible government or international-relations arrangements.
03
Staff Exchange
Participants undertaking an eligible reciprocal staff exchange with an Australian organisation.
04
Religious Activities
Eligible applicants undertaking qualifying religious work under the appropriate temporary activity stream.
05
Approved Activities
Individuals participating in another eligible activity covered by a subclass 408 stream.
06
Australian Organisations
Businesses and organisations seeking guidance about sponsorship, support or temporary activity requirements.
Professional Assistance
Support for organisations and applicants
For Australian organisations
We can help organisations understand the visa pathway and the sponsorship or support requirements that may apply.
- Initial visa pathway review
- Sponsorship or supporter requirement guidance
- Proposed activity review
- Supporting-document guidance
- Applicant and organisation requirement review
- Application-stage assistance
For visa applicants
We can review the proposed work or activity and explain the requirements associated with the relevant visa subclass or stream.
- Visa and stream assessment
- Skills and experience review
- Temporary-stay requirement guidance
- Supporting-document checklist
- Health and character guidance
- Visa application support
Application Journey
How the process generally works
The exact process varies according to the subclass and activity stream.
1
Assess the Activity
Identify the proposed work or activity and determine which visa subclass may be relevant.
2
Review Sponsorship
Determine whether an Australian sponsor, supporter or other supporting organisation is required.
3
Prepare Evidence
Gather applicant, organisation and activity-specific supporting evidence.
4
Visa Application
Prepare and lodge the relevant visa application with supporting documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Temporary work and activity visa questions
What is the difference between subclasses 400, 403 and 408?
Each subclass serves different purposes. Subclass 400 is generally associated with short-term specialist work, subclass 403 covers specified international-relations arrangements, and subclass 408 covers eligible temporary activities under its available streams.
Does every temporary activity visa require sponsorship?
No. Sponsorship or support requirements depend on the visa subclass, stream, proposed activity, location of application and intended duration. The applicable Home Affairs requirements should be checked before applying.
Can subclass 400 be used for ongoing employment?
Subclass 400 is a temporary short-stay visa and should not be treated as a pathway for maintaining ongoing residence or regular long-term employment in Australia.
Does subclass 403 have different streams?
Yes. Subclass 403 includes multiple streams with different purposes and eligibility requirements. The correct stream depends on the international arrangement or activity involved.
Can family members be included?
Family-member arrangements differ between subclasses and streams. Eligibility, application timing and specific visa requirements should be checked for the relevant pathway.
Can approval be guaranteed?
No. Visa decisions are made by the Australian Department of Home Affairs according to the relevant legal requirements, evidence and individual circumstances.
Important temporary visa information
Visa streams, sponsorship requirements, eligibility criteria, government charges and processing arrangements can change. This page provides general information only and does not guarantee eligibility or a visa outcome. Current Department of Home Affairs information and the applicant's individual circumstances should be reviewed before an application is made.
Need help with a temporary work or activity visa?
Arrange a consultation to discuss the proposed work or activity, sponsoring or supporting organisation and the visa pathway that may be relevant.