Subclass 407 Visa Changes (March 2026) – New Application Rules
Published on March 13, 2026 7:51 pm
The Australian Government has announced changes to the Training (Subclass 407) visa application process, which will affect how and when applicants can lodge their visa applications. These changes aim to ensure the visa program continues to support genuine skills development through structured workplace training.
The new requirements came into effect on 11 March 2026.
What Has Changed
From 11 March 2026, applicants can only lodge a valid Subclass 407 visa application after two key approvals are already in place:
The sponsor must be approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor, and
The sponsor must have an approved Training visa nomination for the applicant.
Previously, applicants were allowed to lodge the visa application at the same time as the sponsorship and nomination applications, provided these were approved before the visa decision was made. The new rule removes this option.
If these approvals are not in place when the visa application is submitted, the Department of Home Affairs will consider the application invalid and refund the visa application charge.
Practical Impact on Applicants
These changes mean that training visa applications will likely require more planning. Sponsors should ensure that:
Sponsorship approval is obtained first
The nomination application is approved
Only then should the visa application be lodged.
Applicants who are already in Australia must ensure they hold a valid visa while waiting for sponsorship and nomination approvals. A Bridging visa will only be available after a valid 407 visa application is lodged.
Special Rules for Commonwealth Agency Sponsors
Where the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth Government agency, different arrangements apply. Commonwealth agencies must still obtain Temporary Activities Sponsor approval, but they do not need to lodge a nomination for the applicant before the visa application is made.
Summary
The key takeaway is that Subclass 407 visa applicants can no longer lodge their visa application before sponsorship and nomination approvals are granted.
Both sponsors and applicants should ensure that all preliminary approvals are secured before lodging the visa application, otherwise the application will be considered invalid.
