The Australian Government has introduced a legislative change affecting the Training visa (subclass 407) application process. From 11 March 2026, applicants can only lodge a subclass 407 visa application after the employer’s Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Training Nomination have been approved.
Previously, sponsors and applicants could submit the sponsorship application, nomination, and visa application at the same time. Under the new regulation, this simultaneous submission is no longer permitted.
Learn more about this legislation change and how it impacts subclass 407 visa applicants.
What the New Legislation Requires
The change was implemented through the Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026, which amends the Migration Regulations 1994.
These amendments apply to subclass 407 visa applications lodged on or after 11 March 2026, while applications submitted before that date will continue to be processed under the previous requirements. The amendment modifies the visa application requirements under Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations 1994.
Under the updated rules, a subclass 407 visa application must meet the following conditions:
1. Approved Temporary Activities Sponsor
The applicant must be linked to an employer that is an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
2. Training Nomination Submitted by the Sponsor
The sponsor must nominate a program of occupational training for the applicant.
3. Nomination Must Be Approved
The training nomination must be approved under subsection 140GB(2) of the Migration Act 1958.
4. Nomination Must Be Valid
The approval must still be valid at the time the visa application is lodged.
5. Visa Application Must Identify the Nomination
The visa application must clearly reference the approved nomination.
These conditions make the approval of the training nomination a mandatory step before lodging the visa application.
How the Application Process Has Changed
The legislative amendment effectively changes the order of applications.
Previous Process
Sponsors and applicants could submit:
- Sponsorship application
- Training nomination
- Visa application
All at the same time.
New Process (from 11 March 2026)
The process must now follow this order:
- Temporary Activities Sponsorship approved
- Training Nomination approved
- Subclass 407 visa application lodged
Without the approved nomination, a visa application cannot be validly lodged.
New Processing Timeframes
One important implication of the new rule is longer preparation timelines. Current government processing estimates indicate that approvals for:
- Temporary Activities Sponsorship
- Training Nomination
may take around 88 days to up to 11 months in some cases. Because the visa application can only be lodged after these approvals, the total timeline for bringing trainees to Australia may increase.
Who Will Be Affected by This Change
This update is particularly relevant for organisations that rely on the subclass 407 visa to support training programs. Examples include:
- Professional development programs
- Graduate and internship placements
- Workplace training initiatives
- Industry skills development programs
Employers and trainees involved in these programs will now need to adjust planning timelines accordingly.
Important Planning Considerations for Employers and Trainees
Because the application order has changed, early preparation will be critical. Employers and applicants should consider the following:
Start Sponsorship Applications Early
Temporary Activities Sponsorship should be initiated well before the intended training start date.
Prepare Training Documentation in Advance
Training plans and supporting evidence should be ready to support nomination approval.
Plan Around Processing Times
Training program schedules may need to be aligned with expected government processing times.
Manage Visa Expiry Risks
Applicants already in Australia must carefully manage visa expiry dates since bridging visas cannot be granted unless a valid visa application is lodged.
Disclaimer: All information is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice. It is important to note that immigration policies and operational practices are subject to sudden and unexpected changes.