400 Visas for Ship Crews, Media, Sport, Models and Influencers

The Department’s instructions for the 400 visa include guidance for a range of industries. Some of these cases fit the 400 well, while others belong on a visitor visa or the 408 Temporary Activity visa.

Ships, offshore oil and gas

• inspections, surveys and dry dock refits of vessels are typical 400 work, and crew staying on board during a short refit are covered;
• superyacht crew generally use the 408, while fit-out workers on a moored superyacht use a 400 or 482;
• short-term offshore oil and gas work, such as pipe laying or decommissioning, can use a 400, with longer projects moving to a 482.

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Stand-by specialists

This is where the 400 shines. Technicians on call for breakdowns, such as on an oil rig, and medevac crews can be granted a multiple entry 400 with a 6 month stay. The Department notes a 482 is generally not an option for stand-by workers.

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Media and sport

• journalists for international news organisations covering events in Australia can use a 400, with up to 6 months for long events;
• national level sportspeople and support staff at major events can use a 400, often for more than 3 months;
• for shorter events or lower levels of competition, the 408 or a visitor visa may be more suitable.

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Influencers and models

• journalists and social media influencers with a Tourism Australia support letter, usually for 6 weeks or less, for overseas audiences;
• models only if they are high profile with an international reputation, supported by reputable agencies.

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Who usually needs another visa

Situation	Usual visa
Performing as an entertainer, or a production shown in Australia	408 Entertainment
Tour guides	Not a 400, except in rare expert cases
Tour leaders and chaperones doing admin tasks	400 may be appropriate, although a visitor visa is sometimes preferred
Nannies or domestic staff travelling with their employer	Visitor visa or a 408 stream
Speakers whose main aim is sharing information	400 can be suitable

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What you should do now

• Check the activity: make sure the work fits the 400 and not the 408 or a visitor visa.
• Gather industry evidence: include support letters from event organisers, agencies or Tourism Australia.
• Plan the stay: ask for the length of stay and number of entries the work really needs.
• Avoid performing: do not perform as an entertainer on a 400, as that can breach your visa.