The Department of Home Affairs has recently announced changes to the Training visa (Subclass 407) application process, which came into effect on 11 March 2026. The update reinforces the intended purpose of the visa as a pathway for structured workplace training, rather than ongoing employment.

What is the Training Visa (Subclass 407)?
It allows individuals to travel to Australia to participate in structured workplace-based training programs.
These programs are typically designed to help participants:

• Improve their skills in their current occupation;
• Gain training required for professional registration or licensing;
• Enhance skills in a specific field of expertise.

Unlike skilled work visas, the primary purpose of the Subclass 407 visa is training rather than employment.

Key changes
Applicants can now only lodge a Subclass 407 visa application after the following approvals are in place:

• The organisation must be approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor (TAS);
• The sponsor must have an approved Training visa nomination for the applicant.

Previously, sponsorship, nomination and the visa application could be lodged at the same time, provided the approvals were in place before the visa was granted.

Training visa applications submitted through the Department’s systems after 11 March 2026 will not be considered valid if the sponsorship and Training visa nomination have not yet been approved. In these circumstances, the Department will notify the applicant that the application is not valid and refund the visa application charge.

What this means for applicants and sponsors
For applicants, it may be important to consider timing and visa status, particularly for those applying while already in Australia. Applicants must generally hold a valid visa while waiting for the Department to process the sponsorship and Training visa nomination.

A Bridging visa will only become available once a valid Training visa application has been lodged. Depending on individual circumstances, applicants may need to leave Australia or apply for another visa while waiting for sponsorship and nomination approvals.

For sponsors, this change means that sponsorship and nomination applications should be prepared and submitted well in advance of the intended training start date to allow sufficient time for processing.

Seeking guidance

The Training visa (Subclass 407) remains a pathway for individuals seeking professional development through workplace training in Australia. However, the updated process highlights the importance of careful planning before lodging an application.

If you are considering a Training visa (Subclass 407) or would like guidance on whether it may be suitable for your circumstances, please contact us.

For enquiries, please contact [email protected].’