Australia Tightens Rules for Temporary Work Visa: Key Changes to Subclass 400
Australia has introduced stricter regulations for its Subclass 400 Short Stay Specialist Visa, reducing the maximum allowed stay to three months within a 12-month period.
Australia has introduced stricter regulations for its Subclass 400 Short Stay Specialist Visa, reducing the maximum allowed stay to three months within a 12-month period. The visa, designed for short-term, highly specialised work, now faces increased scrutiny to prevent misuse and ensure that local workers are not disadvantaged.
Key Changes to the Subclass 400 Visa
The Australian government has implemented new limitations to the Subclass 400 visa, reducing the duration of stays and tightening eligibility. Under the revised policy, visa holders are now restricted to a maximum stay of three months within any 12-month period. If a visa holder leaves Australia before completing the full three months, they will not be allowed to return during the same year. Additionally, the option to submit multiple visa applications over the course of a year has been removed.These changes aim to prevent the misuse of the Subclass 400 visa as an alternative to the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa, which is intended for longer-term work. The Department of Home Affairs will closely scrutinise applications to ensure compliance with the new rules. Only a limited number of applicants will qualify for the Subclass 400 visa under these stricter conditions.
Impact on Applicants
The revised regulations also come with a processing fee starting at AU$415 (approximately ₹23,869). While the Subclass 400 visa can still be granted for up to six months under certain circumstances, the majority of applicants will now be limited to three-month stays, significantly reducing their time in Australia.These new measures aim to safeguard local employment opportunities and uphold the integrity of Australia's visa system, ensuring that the Subclass 400 visa is used for its intended purpose of short-term specialised work.
