Recent changes introduced by the Department of Home Affairs have significantly altered the application process for the Training visa (Subclass 407). Effective 11 March 2026, applicants can no longer lodge a valid Subclass 407 visa application until both the Temporary Activities Sponsorship (TAS) and the Subclass 407 nomination have been fully approved.
Previously, visa applicants were permitted to submit their Subclass 407 visa application while the sponsoring employer’s TAS approval or nomination application was still under assessment. This allowed applicants to secure a bridging visa and remain in Australia while waiting for processing outcomes. Under the updated rules, this pathway is no longer available.
New Subclass 407 Visa Lodgement Requirement
From 11 March 2026, the application sequence for the Training visa (Subclass 407) is now:
- Employer obtains Temporary Activities Sponsorship (TAS) approval
- Employer lodges and receives approval for the Subclass 407 nomination
- The visa applicant can then lodge the Subclass 407 visa application
A visa application lodged before sponsorship and nomination approvals are granted will not be considered valid.
Processing Time Considerations
Current processing times for Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Subclass 407 nominations are approximately 12–13 months. These extended timeframes may create challenges for applicants whose current visas are approaching expiry.
Because applicants must now wait for nomination approval before lodging their visa application, some individuals may be unable to remain in Australia while waiting. In these situations, applicants may need to depart Australia and apply for the visa from offshore once approvals are granted.
Planning for Subclass 407 Training Visas
The revised rules mean employers and visa applicants must plan much earlier when considering the Subclass 407 training pathway. Key considerations include:
- Starting Temporary Activities Sponsorship and nomination applications well in advance
- Monitoring current visa expiry dates to avoid gaps in lawful status
- Assessing alternative visa pathways where appropriate
- Ensuring training programs and supporting documentation are prepared early
Migration Strategy for Employers and Trainees
The Training visa (Subclass 407) remains an important pathway for structured workplace-based training in Australia. However, the new lodgement requirements significantly impact application timing and migration planning.
Employers and applicants should review their training visa strategy early, particularly where existing visa holders are seeking to transition to a Subclass 407 visa. Careful planning can help minimise disruption and ensure compliance with Australia’s evolving migration framework.