1. What is a Temporary Work Specialist Visa (Subclass 400)?

The Temporary Work Specialist Visa (Subclass 400) is a temporary visa designed for individuals who wish to enter Australia for a short-term work assignment or specific task. This visa allows the holder to stay in Australia for up to three months and is suitable for those who do not have an employer sponsor or are not eligible for other types of work visas. It is commonly used by individuals such as highly skilled professionals, specialists, and technicians who are needed to contribute their expertise in areas where local workers are not available.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a Temporary Work Specialist Visa?

To be eligible for a Temporary Work Specialist Visa, an individual must meet the following criteria:

– They must have a genuine offer of employment from an Australian employer in a skilled or specialized occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list.
– They must have the required skills and qualifications for the nominated occupation.
– They must meet any relevant skills assessment requirements set by the assessing authority for their occupation.
– They must have at least two years of relevant work experience in their nominated occupation, unless exempted.
– They meet English language proficiency requirements, either by holding a passport from certain English-speaking countries or by achieving the required score in an approved English language test.
– The nomination of their position by their employer has been approved by an Australian nominating body (if applicable).
– They meet health and character requirements.

Note: Additional eligibility criteria may apply depending on specific circumstances. It is recommended to consult with a migration agent or refer to the Department of Home Affairs website for more detailed information.

3. How long can I stay in Australia on a Temporary Work Specialist Visa?

The duration of stay on a Temporary Work Specialist Visa will depend on the type of work and the length of your employment contract. Generally, the visa can be valid for up to 4 years. However, it can vary depending on individual circumstances and the length of the work contract.

4. Can I bring my family members with me on a Temporary Work Specialist Visa?

Yes, you can include your family members in your visa application as dependents if they meet the eligibility requirements.

5. Can I study in Australia while on a Temporary Work Specialist Visa?

Yes, you are allowed to study in Australia for up to three months while holding a Temporary Work Specialist Visa. If you wish to study for longer than three months, you will need to apply for a separate student visa.

4. Is there a limit on the number of times I can apply for this visa?

There is no limit on the number of times you can apply for this visa. However, it is important to note that each application will be evaluated on its own merits and repeated applications without significant changes or new information may not be successful. It is recommended to carefully consider the reasons for applying and ensure that all necessary documents and requirements are met before submitting a new application.

5. Do I need to have a job offer before applying for the visa?

It depends on the specific visa you are applying for. Some visas, such as work visas, require a job offer before they can be granted. However, other visas, such as tourist or student visas, do not require a job offer. Be sure to research the requirements of the specific visa you are interested in before applying.

6. What documents do I need to provide with my visa application?

The specific documents required for a visa application vary depending on the country you are applying to and the type of visa you are seeking. However, some common documents that may be needed include:
1. A valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the country
2. Formulario de solicitud de visa completado
3. Passport-sized photos
4. Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements or sponsorship letters)
5. Travel itinerary or proof of accommodation arrangements
6. Return flight ticket
7. Proof of strong ties to your home country (such as employment or property ownership)
8. Travel insurance
9. Visa application fee payment receipt
It is important to carefully review the visa requirements for your specific destination and gather all necessary documents before submitting your application.

7. How much does the visa application cost?

The cost of a visa application can vary depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying from. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date fees. Some countries may also charge additional fees for biometric data collection or express processing options.

8. Can I bring my family with me on this visa?

It depends on the specific requirements and qualifications for the visa you are applying for. Some visas allow for family members to accompany the applicant, while others may not. It is important to carefully review the eligibility criteria and application process for your specific visa to determine if family members can be included.

9. Is it possible to extend my stay on a Temporary Work Specialist Visa?

Yes, it is possible to extend your stay on a Temporary Work Specialist Visa. You will need to submit an application for an extension before your current visa expires. The extension application will be evaluated based on the same criteria as your initial visa application, including the relevant skill shortage list and employer sponsorship requirements. If approved, you will be allowed to continue working in New Zealand for a longer period of time. It is important to note that you must still meet all the conditions of your initial visa during the extension period, such as maintaining employment with your sponsoring employer and meeting any work or residency requirements.

10. Can I study while on this visa?

Yes, you can study while on this visa. However, if you are planning to enroll in a full-time course of study (18 hours or more per week), you will need to obtain a Student Visa. You can find more information about studying in Australia on the Department of Home Affairs website.

11. Do I need health insurance for this visa?

It is advisable to have health insurance when applying for a visa to New Zealand. Having health insurance can help cover the cost of any medical treatment or emergency situations that may arise during your stay in New Zealand. It also gives you and the visa officer reassurance that you are financially covered in case of any unexpected events. While it is not mandatory, having health insurance can greatly improve your chances of being granted a visa.

12. Do I have to undergo any medical examinations for this visa?

It depends on your individual circumstances and the requirements of the country you are applying for a visa to. Some countries may require medical examinations for certain types of visas, while others may not. It is best to check the specific requirements for your visa application.

13. Can I work for multiple employers on this visa?

Yes, you can work for multiple employers on an H-1B visa. However, each employer must file a separate H-1B petition and approval is subject to the same restrictions and quota limitations as any other H-1B visa. Additionally, you are only allowed to work in the specific specialty occupation for which your H-1B was approved.

14. Can I change my employer once I am in Australia on this visa?

As a visa holder of the Subclass 457 Temporary Work (Skilled) visa, you are only authorized to work for the employer who sponsored you. If you wish to change employers, your new employer must also be an approved sponsor and they must lodge a new nomination for you. You can apply for a new visa using Form 1409 – Nomination To Change Conditions of Skilled Workers Visa – this form is available from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

Once your new employer’s nomination is approved, you will need to apply for a new subclass 457 visa using Form 1066: Nomination To Change Conditions of Skilled Workers Visa – Part B from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection website.

It is important to ensure that all necessary forms are submitted and approved before changing employers. Working for an employer who has not nominated or sponsored you on your subclass 457 visa is considered a breach of your visa conditions and may result in cancellation of your visa.

Additionally, if your employment ceases with your sponsor while you are in Australia on a subclass 457 visa, you have 60 days from the date your employment ended to find another sponsoring employer before your visa is cancelled.

If you need further guidance about changing employers on a subclass 457 visa, it is recommended that you seek advice from a registered migration agent or contact the Department of Immigration and Border Protection directly.

15. Is there an age limit for this visa category?

Yes, the E-2 visa category does not have an official age limit. However, applicants must be of legal age to enter into a contract and conduct business in the United States. Additionally, older applicants may be subject to additional scrutiny to ensure they are able to meet the physical and financial demands of running a business in the US.

16. Is there a minimum income requirement for this visa?

Yes, there is a minimum income requirement for this visa. The specific amount varies depending on factors such as your country of origin and the number of family members you are bringing with you. Generally, you must be able to prove that you have enough financial resources to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in the country. It is important to check the specific requirements for the country you are planning to visit before applying for the visa.

17. Will having a criminal record affect my eligibility for this visa?

Yes, having a criminal record may affect your eligibility for a visa. Depending on the severity of the crime and how recent it was, it could result in your visa being denied or delayed. Immigration officials will review your criminal record as part of their assessment of whether you pose a security risk to the country.
It’s essential to be honest about any past convictions on your visa application and provide all relevant documents and explanations. Failure to disclose a criminal record can result in serious consequences, including permanent disqualification from entering the country.
If you have a criminal record, it’s best to seek advice from an immigration lawyer before applying for a visa. They can help determine if you are eligible and advise on how best to present your case to immigration officials.

18. Can I travel outside of Australia while on this visa?

Unfortunately, no. The subclass 771 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa is specifically for individuals who are working in or visiting Australia as part of a government-to-government agreement. This means that you are required to remain in Australia for the duration of your visa and not travel outside of the country. If you need to leave Australia for any reason, you will need to obtain a new visa before re-entering the country.

19. What happens if my employer terminates my employment while on this visa?

If your employer terminates your employment while on this visa, you are expected to inform the immigration authorities and depart the country within a specified time frame. You may also have to find an alternative job or apply for a different visa if you intend to stay in the country. It is important to consult with an immigration lawyer for specific details about your situation.

20.Can I apply for permanent residency through the Temporary Work Specialist Visa?

No, the Temporary Work Specialist Visa is not a pathway to permanent residency. If you want to apply for permanent residency, you will need to meet the eligibility criteria for other visas, such as the Skilled Independent Visa or the Employer Nomination Scheme. It is important to note that holding a Temporary Work Specialist Visa does not guarantee that you will be granted permanent residency in the future.