October 31 2026:
Training Visa – 30 Oct 2026
Effective 12 November 2026, significant changes will take effect for the Subclass 407 Training visa. Under the new rules, applicants must be outside Australia both at the time of visa application and at the time of visa grant. Applications lodged while the applicant is in Australia from 12 November 2026 will be invalid, even if the ImmiAccount system accepts the lodgement.
For many applicants currently in Australia, the Subclass 407 visa will no longer be available as an onshore pathway.
Individuals intending to pursue a 407 visa will need to depart Australia before lodging their application and remain offshore until a decision is made. Applicants lodging offshore will not receive a Bridging Visa associated with the application.
Practical implications mean that Applicants and Employer Sponsors should plan carefully before travel, including:
Applicants and sponsors should plan carefully before travel, including:
Ensuring the applicant departs Australia before their current visa expires.
Confirming sponsorship and nomination approvals are in place before visa lodgement.
Gathering supporting documentation and completing health examinations where possible before departure.
Factoring in processing times, as applicants must remain offshore until the visa is granted.
The new rules do not affect valid Subclass 407 visa applications lodged before 12 November 2026.
Applications lodged prior to 12 November will continue to be assessed under the previous requirements.
HR Attention Required
The change removes what has historically been an important onshore training visa option for many applicants and employers. Sponsors considering the Subclass 407 program should review workforce and training plans immediately to ensure prospective trainees can meet the new offshore application requirements.
1. Audit Your Timeline: Sponsorship and nomination approvals can take several months. If the trainee’s current visa expires soon, you must start the process immediately.
2. Check internal approvals: Ensure budgets and sign-offs are in place.
3. Check Sponsor Status: Ensure your employer is a Temporary Activities Sponsor. Standard Business Sponsorships (used for 482/ 494 visas) are not valid for the 407 visa.
4. Professional Review: Given the risk of becoming unlawful, we strongly recommend having your occupational training plan and nomination audited before submission to ensure a “Decision-Ready” status.
5. Genuine Training Position: Ensure you are offering a genuine occupational training position. A training visa is not a work visa.
6. Conduct VEVO checks: to see when their current visa expires to avoid your trainee becoming unlawful while waiting for the TAS Sponsorship or Nomination to be approved
7. Carefully assess training positions: ensure positions are suitable for a trainee. A comprehensive and genuine training plan, tailored specifically to the trainee’s role and development needs, should be prepared.
8. Seek professional guidance: Where the Department is showing decreasing tolerance toward this visa category, it is advisable to seek professional guidance.
If you need assistance or have any questions about these changes, contact us today for expert support.
30 Oct 2026
