The government has tightened its policies in relation to the approval of Subclass 400 visas for highly specialised, short term work assignments. The Department’s current guideline is that 400 visas should in most cases not be approved for more than a 3 month stay. Applicants reapplying for a further 3-month Subclass 400 visa within a 12-month period will be subject to close scrutiny. A 6-month visa is reserved for exceptional cases only.
The government’s policy aim is to ensure that employers do not use the Subclass 400 visa to circumvent the more rigorous process of a Subclass 482 visa to fast-track long term assignees coming onshore, or impact on employment opportunities for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
What does this mean ? Employers wishing to send skilled workers to Australia for projects of more than 3 months, or multiple short stay assignments, should seek immigration advice as to whether a long stay Subclass 482 TSS visa may be more suitable.
Delays in visa processing.
September 5, 2024
Visa processing times are getting longer. There are several reasons for this, such as the changing priorities of the government but the most well-known one
