Temporary Work Visas Subclass 400, 403 & 408 – Your Pathway to International Experience
What are the Australia Temporary Work Visa?
The temporary work visa in Australia allows foreign nationals to enter and work in Australia for short periods under specific programs, events, or circumstances. These visas are perfect for:
- Those with specialised skills are needed in the short term.
- Those involved in international agreements or programs.
- Those who want to join in cultural, social, or research activities.
We’ll look at three main subclasses below: 400, 403, and 408. Each has a specific purpose, eligibility requirements, and benefits.
Common Requirements Across All Three Visas
The general requirements for subclass 400, 403, and 408 visa are:
- You must meet the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirements.
- You must meet the health and character requirements.
- You must provide proof of purpose-related activities or work.
- You must provide evidence of sponsorship or support from an eligible institution.
- You must have financial capability and sufficient health insurance.
Why Apply for a Temporary Work Visa?
The temporary work visa subclasses 400, 408 and 403 allow legal access to Australia’s workforce and cultural activities without requiring a long-term commitment. So, these visas are perfect for:
- Developing international experience.
- Fulfilling international responsibilities and contracts.
- Exploring long-term opportunities with exposure.
- Contributing to Australia’s arts, scientific, business, and diplomatic sectors.
Temporary Work Visa Comparison: Which One Is Right for You?
| Visa Type | Purpose | Validity | Best Suited For |
| Subclass 400 | Specialist short-term work | Up to 3–6 months | Experts or consultants in urgent or highly-skilled roles |
| Subclass 403 | Work under international agreements | Varies (6 months to 4 years) | Diplomats, PALM workers, foreign officials |
| Subclass 408 | Cultural, sports, religious or government-supported activities | Up to 2 years | Artists, athletes, researchers, volunteers |
A short-term visa for people with highly specialists skills, expertise, or experience that are difficult to find in Australia.
- Proof of specialised job or skills.
- No ongoing employment in Australia.
- Strong justification that the role cannot be filled locally.
- Usually valid for up to 3 months, or 6 months in limited cases.
- Apply from outside Australia.
- Engineers, IT specialists, and consultants
- Technicians for short-term infrastructure or business projects
- Specialists for urgent or time-limited jobs.
A visa for those working under international agreements or for diplomatic purposes.
- Supported by a government or international organisation.
- Must fall under an eligible agreement or stream.
- Duration varies based on the stream and program.
- Must meet GTE (Genuine Temporary Entrant) requirements.
- Foreign ambassadors and their domestic staff.
- Participants in the Labour Mobility Program.
- Employees from foreign organisations with official functions in Australia.
It’s a flexible visa that allows people to engage in approved activities including research, entertainment, sports, religion, culture, and events supported by the Australian Government.
- Must be invited or sponsored by a recognised Australian organisation
- Must demonstrate participation in a specific, short-term event or activity.
- Proof that activity benefits the Australian community or sector
- Validity: up to 2 years, depending on stream
- Artists, actors, and film crews in entertainmen
- Athletes and coaches for competitions
- Academic researchers or visiting scholars
- Religious workers and volunteers
- Applicants in government-approved programs
Obtain Australia Temporary Work Visa Hassle-Free in Three Steps
Plan Your Resident Return Visa Application
Schedule an appointment with our Registered Migration Agent to discuss your opportunity to get a Temporary Work Visa for Australia and plan the step-by-step strategy.
Get Your Plan Going
Together, we will make your travel dream a reality by crafting a decision-ready Temporary Work Visa application for you, which will increase your chances of being granted the visa.
Live Your Dreams
The Visa is now in your hands. You can enter Australia and perform your specialised duties with no hassle.
Ready to start your Australia Temporary Work Visa application?
At ONEderland Consulting, we guide candidates through the complex requirements of short-term work visas, ensuring a strong application from the beginning.
Here’s what we offer:
- Personalised visa eligibility check.
- Assistance in choosing the best visa subclass for you.
- Complete application preparation and submission.
- Assist with sponsorship and invitation assessment.
- Compliance tips for employers and organisations.
Many applications are refused due to missing documents, an unclear purpose, or poor ties. Let ONEderland Consulting help you avoid costly mistakes.
“At St Louis Nursing Home in South Australia, we engaged with ONEderland for assistance in becoming an approved sponsor and nominating our employees for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Visa. Throughout the multiple applications, our case coordinator, Alvita Chatarine, maintained consistent communication, provided valuable knowledge and guidance, and drafted all the required application documents for our approval. We are fortunate that both of our applications were successful, and we received the Visa grant. We greatly appreciate their hard work and dedication — it has been a pleasure working with the team at ONEderland.”
Bronte Edgecombe
Sponsored Work Visa
Indah Melindasari, B.Com
Lead Migration Agent – MARN 0961 448
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