Major Changes to Training visa (subclass 407)

The Australian Government has introduced new application requirements for the Training visa (subclass 407). The changes took effect on 11 March 2026 and affect how and when applicants can lodge their visa application.

Under the new process, a Training visa application can only be lodged after two approvals are in place. The sponsoring organisation must first be approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor, and the Training visa nomination for the applicant must also be approved. Only after both approvals are granted can the visa application be submitted.

Previously, applicants could lodge the visa application at the same time as the sponsor submitted the sponsorship and nomination applications. Approval was still required before the visa could be granted, but the applications could be processed at the same time. This option has now been removed.

Any Training visa application submitted after 11 March 2026 without an approved sponsor and nomination will be considered invalid. The Department of Home Affairs will notify the applicant and refund the visa application charge.

Sponsors are encouraged to lodge sponsorship and nomination applications well before the planned training start date. This allows time for approval before the visa application is submitted.

Applicants who are already in Australia must ensure they continue to hold a valid visa while waiting for sponsorship and nomination approval. A bridging visa will only be issued once a valid Training visa application has been lodged. If approvals are delayed, applicants may need to apply for another visa or leave Australia until they can submit a valid application.

Different arrangements apply when the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth agency. Commonwealth agencies must still be approved as Temporary Activities Sponsors, but they are not required to lodge a nomination for the applicant.

The Government states that the change is designed to keep the Training visa focused on genuine workplace training and to reduce the use of repeated temporary visa applications by people who may not qualify for permanent residence.