The Australian Government has introduced changes to the Training (subclass 407) visa application process to ensure the program continues to support genuine skills development through structured workplace training.
From 11 March 2026, new procedural requirements apply to applicants and sponsors.
What Has Changed?
Under the updated requirements, a Training (subclass 407) visa application can only be validly lodged once certain approvals are already in place.
Before an applicant can lodge a valid visa application:
- The sponsoring organisation must be approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor, and
- The Training nomination for the applicant must be approved.
An exception applies where the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth government agency, which does not require a nomination.
Previous Process
Previously, applicants could lodge their Training visa application at the same time as the sponsorship and nomination applications. Approval of the sponsorship and nomination was only required before the visa could be granted, not before the application was lodged.
This is no longer the case.
What This Means for Sponsors
Sponsors should ensure that they lodge and obtain approval of both the sponsorship and the nomination well before the intended training commencement date. Failing to do so may delay the visa application process for the trainee.
Considerations for Applicants in Australia
Applicants who are already in Australia should be mindful that:
- They must hold a valid visa while waiting for sponsorship and nomination approvals.
- A Bridging visa will only be granted once a valid Training visa application has been lodged.
If sponsorship and nomination approvals are still pending, applicants may need to maintain another visa status or consider alternative visa options during the waiting period.
Invalid Applications After 11 March 2026
Training visa applications submitted after 11 March 2026 will be invalid if the sponsorship and nomination have not yet been approved.
If an invalid application is lodged:
- The Department of Home Affairs will notify the applicant that the application is not valid, and
- The visa application charge will be refunded.
In some circumstances, applicants may need to leave Australia or apply for a different visa while awaiting sponsorship or nomination approval.
Commonwealth Agency Sponsors
Separate arrangements apply to Australian Commonwealth government agencies. These sponsors must still obtain approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor before a visa application is lodged, however they are not required to submit a nomination.
Why These Changes Are Being Introduced
The Training visa is intended for individuals who wish to improve their skills through structured, workplace-based training in Australia.
The Government has stated that this change is to address “permanent temporariness”, where individuals remain in Australia through multiple temporary visa applications without progressing to permanent residence.
How Nevett Ford Lawyers Can Assist
These changes introduce an additional procedural step that sponsors and applicants must carefully manage to avoid delays or invalid applications.
If you are planning to sponsor a trainee or apply for a Training (subclass 407) visa, the immigration team at Nevett Ford Lawyers can assist with:
- Temporary Activities Sponsor applications
- Training visa nominations
- Training (subclass 407) visa applications
- Advice on maintaining lawful visa status while awaiting approvals
Contact Us
Contact Nevett Ford Lawyers today for assistance with your application for review.
Telephone: +61 3 9614 7111
Email: melbourne@nevettford.com.au
Visit our website: www.nevettford.com.au
