Important Update Subclass 407 Training Visa Changes Effective 11 March 2026

The Department of Home Affairs has announced significant updates to the Training visa (subclass 407) application process. These 407 subclass visa changes aim to strengthen the integrity of the program and ensure it supports genuine workplace-based occupational training in Australia.

This article explains the key Training visa changes and what they mean for international students and professionals planning to undertake structured training in Australia.

What Are the Main 407 Subclass Visa Changes?

From 11 March 2026, applicants for the subclass 407 Training visa can no longer lodge their visa application concurrently with the sponsor’s Temporary Activities Sponsor approval and Training visa nomination.

To make a valid application, the following must already be in place:

• The sponsor must be approved as a temporary activities sponsor.
• Unless the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth government agency, an approved Training visa nomination must also be in place.

If these requirements are not met, the visa application will be invalid. The Department will refund the application fee, but no Bridging visa will be granted, which could affect your lawful status in Australia.

Why Have These Training Visa Changes Been Introduced?

The Australian Government introduced these 407 subclass visa changes to reduce "permanent temporariness" — situations where individuals remain on temporary visas for extended periods, sometimes facing vulnerability or exploitation.

The subclass 407 program is designed for structured, workplace-based training to improve skills for employment, tertiary study, expertise, or professional development. These updates help ensure the visa is used for its intended purpose of genuine skills development.

How Do the Subclass 407 Changes Affect Applicants?

Sponsors must now complete their sponsorship approval and nomination well in advance of your proposed training start date. This means more planning is required.

Applicants in Australia should maintain a valid visa while waiting for approvals. Only a valid subclass 407 application eligible for a Bridging visa.

If you lodge too early, the application may be deemed invalid, requiring you to leave Australia, apply for another visa, or wait outside the country.

Are There Any Exceptions to the New Rules?

Yes — separate arrangements apply if the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth government agency. In these cases, the agency only needs approval as a temporary activities sponsor; no nomination is required.

What Steps Should You Take Now?

To prepare for these Training visa changes:

1. Contact your sponsor immediately to confirm they have (or will obtain) Temporary Activities Sponsor approval and an approved nomination before you apply.
2. Ensure your current visa remains valid during the waiting period.
3. Refer to the official Department of Home Affairs website for the latest forms, requirements, and processing information.

These 407 subclass visa changes apply to all new applications lodged on or after 11 March 2026. Applications lodged before this date follow the previous rules.

For the most accurate and up-to-date details, visit the Department of Home Affairs page on Changes to Training visa (subclass 407) application requirements.