New Restrictions on Subclass 400 Visa
Previously, the subclass 400 visa allowed for stays of up to six months, depending on individual circumstances. However, under the new rules, visa holders can now stay for a maximum of three months within a 12-month period. This change is intended to prevent the visa from being used as an alternative to the more long-term subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Australia’s Department of Home Affairs will carefully scrutinise applications to ensure compliance.
A statement from Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL), a global immigration law firm, highlighted that only a small proportion of applicants will now be eligible for this visa under the tightened rules.
Limited Stay Periods and New Return Policies
Another major change to the subclass 400 visa is the restriction on returning to Australia within the same 12-month period after leaving, even if the visa holder has not completed the full three-month stay. Additionally, the option to submit multiple visa applications over the course of a year has been eliminated. Visa holders must now stay for the duration of the visa initially granted without the ability to extend or reapply within the same year.
Increased Processing Fee
The visa’s processing fee starts from AU$415 (approximately ₹23,869). With these new changes, the government aims to balance the inflow of skilled foreign workers while ensuring local employees are not sidelined.
This new policy is part of Australia’s broader effort to safeguard local employment opportunities while continuing to attract highly specialised professionals for short-term roles.