The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) has announced significant changes to the Training (Subclass 407) visa program, taking effect from 11 March 2026.
These changes impact how and when employers and applicants can lodge a 407 visa and introduce new sequencing requirements that must be followed for an application to be valid.
What Has Changed?
From 11 March 2026, all Training (Subclass 407) visa applicants must wait for:
-
- Sponsor approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor, and
- Approval of the 407 Training Visa nomination
before lodging their visa application.
This is a major shift from previous rules, where sponsorship, nomination, and the visa could all be lodged at the same time.
Important:
Any 407 visa lodged without pre-approved sponsorship + nomination will be considered invalid and refunded, possibly leaving applicants without a lawful visa pathway.
What Employers Need to Do Now
To avoid delays, employers should act early and plan ahead:
1. Lodge Sponsorship Applications Early
Processing times vary, so starting early reduces the risk of training start dates being pushed back.
2. Submit the Training Visa Nomination as Soon as Sponsorship Is Lodged
Both steps must be approved before the visa can be lodged.
3. Review Training Plans
Ensure:
- Training is structured,
- Workplace-based, and
- Aligned to genuine skills development outcomes.
4. Avoid Onshore Visa Gaps for Candidates
If nominators delay, candidates may fall out of status, causing major issues.
What Candidates Should Do Now
1. Maintain a Valid Visa at All Times (If Onshore)
Since applicants cannot lodge until sponsorship + nomination are approved, they must remain lawful while waiting.
2. Understand Bridging Visa Implications
A Bridging Visa is only issued after a valid 407 visa application is lodged.
Invalid applications = No bridging visa.
3. Prepare Supporting Documents Early
This will allow quick lodgement once approvals are in place.
4. Plan Travel or Visa Strategy
If an applicant’s current visa is expiring before eligibility to lodge, they may need to:
- Apply for another temporary visa, or
- Depart Australia and lodge offshore.
GPS supports employers through strategic workforce planning and capability development in response to the updated Training Visa (Subclass 407) requirements.