Overview of the Training Visa
The Training Visa (Subclass 407) is a temporary visa designed to allow individuals to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia. This visa is geared towards enhancing skills in your current occupation, area of tertiary study, or field of expertise. It is typically granted for a period of up to 2 years.
New 2026 Validity Requirements
As of 11 March 2026, the Department of Home Affairs has implemented a critical change to the application sequence. Applicants can no longer lodge a visa application simultaneously with their sponsorship and nomination.
- Mandatory Pre-approval: You must have an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and an approved Nomination before you can validly lodge your Subclass 407 visa application.
- Exceptions: This requirement does not apply if your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency.
- Onshore Applicants: If you are applying within Australia, you must ensure you hold a valid substantive visa while waiting for the sponsorship and nomination approvals, as a Bridging Visa will only be issued once the final visa application is successfully lodged.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Subclass 407 visa in 2026, you must:
- Be Sponsored: Be sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
- Be Nominated: Have an approved nomination for a training program (unless sponsored by a Commonwealth agency).
- Functional English: Demonstrate a "Functional" level of English (e.g., an IELTS average band score of at least 4.5).
- Age Requirement: Usually be at least 18 years of age.
- Genuine Temporary Entrant: Genuinely intend to stay in Australia temporarily for training purposes.
- Health and Character: Meet the standard health and character requirements, including having adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay.
2026 Costs and Processing Times
The following rates and benchmarks are current as of April 2026.
Base Application Charges:
- Primary Applicant: AUD 430
- Additional Applicant (18 and over): AUD 430
- Additional Applicant (Under 18): AUD 110
Global Processing Times:
- 50% of applications: 6 Months
- 90% of applications: 13 Months
Application Process
- Sponsorship: Your employer or training organization applies to be a Temporary Activities Sponsor.
- Nomination: The sponsor lodges a nomination for you, identifying one of three occupational training streams:
- Occupational training required for registration.
- Occupational training to improve skills in an eligible occupation.
- Occupational training for capacity building overseas.
- Visa Lodgement: Once the sponsorship and nomination are approved, you lodge your Subclass 407 visa application via ImmiAccount.
- Visa Outcome: The Department of Home Affairs notifies you of the decision. If approved, you will receive your visa grant notice and can commence your training in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I include my family members on this visa? Yes, you can include "member of the family unit" (partners and dependent children) in your application. They must also meet health and character requirements.
Can I work on a Subclass 407 visa? This visa is for training, not general employment. You must only engage in the training activities specified in your approved nomination. However, you are permitted to work for your sponsor in the nominated position to complete the training program.
What happens if my visa is nearing expiry while I wait for nomination approval? Because of the 2026 rule changes, you cannot lodge the visa to get a Bridging Visa until the nomination is approved. If your current visa is expiring, you may need to apply for a different substantive visa (such as a Visitor visa) or depart Australia to wait for the approval offshore.
Do I need a mobile phone or local contact number for the application? Yes, you should provide an Australian mobile number and current address in your application to ensure the Department can contact you regarding your status.
