Subclass 407 Training Visa Amendments: New Requirements for Sponsors and Trainees

Subclass 407 Training Visa Amendments: New Requirements for Sponsors and Trainees

A Summary of Key Amendments and Their Implications

On 5 March 2026, the Governor-General made the Migration Amendment (TrainingVisas-Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026. These regulations, registered on 10 March 2026, introduce a critical shift in how Subclass 407 (Training) visa applications must be lodged.

The amendments commence on 11 March 2026 and apply to all visa applications made on or after that date.

‍
The Purpose of the Reforms: Protecting Program Integrity

The Department of Home Affairs has observed a significant surge in onshore Subclass 407 applications since mid-2024.This increase has not only stretched processing resources but also raised concerns regarding "visa hopping."

The government’s primary objective with these amendments is to ensure the Subclass 407 visa remains a dedicated pathway for genuine occupational training rather than a "placeholder" for individuals looking to extend their stay in Australia or bypass more rigorous skilled migration requirements. By tightening validity criteria, the Department aims to streamline the queue for legitimate trainees and employers.

‍

Mandatory "Approval-First" Sequence

The most significant change is the removal of the ability to lodge sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications concurrently. Under the new regulation of the Migration Regulations 1994, a visa application is only valid if:

1. Approved Sponsor: The applicant identifies a person who is an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor at the time of the visa lodgement.

2. Approved Nomination: Unless the sponsor is a Commonwealth agency, the applicant must have a current, approved nomination for a program of occupational training.

3. Identified Nomination: The visa application must explicitly identify that approved nomination.

Important Note: Itis no longer sufficient for a nomination to be "pending" or "lodged" at the time of the visa application. If the nomination has not been formally approved by the Department, the visa application will be deemed invalid.

‍

Implications for Applicants and Practitioners

For international students or temporary workers transitionary to a Training visa, this change requires more advanced planning. Because the nomination must be approved before the visa can be lodged, applicants can no longer rely on a last-minute "placeholder" lodgement to secure a Bridging Visa while their employer’s paperwork is processed.

What this means for you:

• For Employers: You must ensure your sponsorship and the specific training nomination are approved well in advance of the applicant's current visa expiry.

• For Applicants: You must verify that your sponsor has the formal approval letter for the nomination before you hit "submit" on your visa application.


Updated: 11 March 2026‍