Major shakeup for the Subclass 400 Visa series

From 19 November 2016, the following visas would be closed to new applications:

  • Subclass 401 Temporary Work (Long Stay Activity) visa
  • Subclass 402 Training and Research visa
  • Subclass 416 Special Program visa
  • Subclass 420 Temporary Work (Entertainment) visa
  • Subclass 488 Superyacht Crew visa.

Applications lodged before 19 November 2016 would be processed under pre-19 November 2016 legislation.

There would be four new visa subclasses introduced from 19 November 2016:

  • Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa
  • Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa
  • Subclass 407 Training visa
  • Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa.

The new framework is designed to make applying for a temporary visa easier. It would reduce red tape for business, industry and individuals by removing sponsorship and nomination requirements for specific short stay activities.

Temporary activity visa framework changes
Temporary activity visa framework changes

Read more here: https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Work/temporary-activity-visa-changes