What employers need to know about Subclass 407 training visa changes effective 11 March 2026

What employers need to know about Subclass 407 training visa changes effective 11 March 2026

Effective 11 March 2026, the Australian Government introduced strict, mandatory changes to the Subclass 407 Training visa process. The main change is straightforward but important: applicants can no longer submit sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications simultaneously. Instead, the process now follows a strict sequence.  

If you’re an employer planning to bring in a trainee, or a visa applicant relying on the 407 as a pathway to stay in Australia while undertaking occupational training, these changes impact timing, bridging visa eligibility, and overall risk. Below is a practical breakdown of what has changed, why it matters, and how to plan.  

What is the Subclass 407 Training visa? 

The Subclass 407 visa supports structured occupational training, allowing eligible applicants to come to, or remain in, Australia to undertake workplace-based training or professional development to build skills in an eligible occupation, area of expertise, or field. 

The big change: no more concurrent lodgments  

From 11 March 2026, anyone applying for a Training visa will need to meet new pre-lodgment requirements  

Before lodging a valid visa application: 

• The sponsor must already be approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor (TAS), and 
• The Training visa nomination must be lodged and approved (except for Commonwealth agencies). 

This marks a major shift. Previously, employers and applicants could get the process moving quickly by lodging the three components of a 407 application (sponsorship, nomination, and visa application) concurrently. That flexibility is now being removed, and if either approval is missing, the visa application cannot be validly lodged. 

What does this mean for sponsors? 

Planning ahead becomes essential, with the government advising that sponsorship and nomination applications be submitted well before the intended training start date to avoid delays.  Sponsorship and nomination approvals must now be considered as prerequisites and not parallel steps   

This is expected to impact:  

• Workforce planning and start dates 
• Training program scheduling 
• Candidate onboarding timelines 
• Candidates’ ability to remain in Australia lawfully while waiting  

What does this mean for applicants? 

Applicants should plan for longer lead times, and those already in Australia must ensure they hold a valid visa while waiting for the sponsor’s approval processes to be finalised.  

The applicants likely to be most affected include:     

• Those with visas nearing expiry, who may need to leave Australia or apply for another visa while waiting for the sponsorship approval. 

• Those relying on a quick 407 lodgment to secure a bridging visa.  This will now only be available once a valid application is lodged, which cannot occur until sponsorship and nomination are approved. 

• Those with travel commitments or employment/training start dates are dependent on quick processing 

Are there any exceptions?    

• The new rules do not apply to applications lodged before 11 March 2026.  

• Commonwealth agency sponsors are exempt from the nomination requirement, but they must still be approved sponsors.  

Key considerations and practical planning steps 

For Employers: get sponsor-ready early and remember you can’t “start the visa” until the sponsor and nomination are approved.

Practical steps include:  

• Audit whether you already hold TAS approval and whether it is current 
• Build internal timelines assuming sequential, not concurrent, processing  
• Avoid promising start dates until approvals are confirmed  
• Communicate clearly with candidates about expected lead times  

For applicants: plan for longer lead times and bridging visa gaps and ensure your visa status is lawful.  

If your current visa is expiring soon, you should plan for the possibility that you may not be able to lodge a valid 407 application before expiry.  

Depending on your circumstances, that may mean:  

• Considering an alternative visa option  
• Departing Australia and applying offshore (if appropriate)  
• Adjusting training commencement dates  

What action do I need to take now? 

For employers take early action to secure sponsorship approval and plan nomination timing carefully 

For applicants map your current visa expiry date against the new, longer lead times and develop a backup plan if you cannot lodge a valid 407 in time. The consequences of invalid applications can be severe and bridging visa eligibility now occurs later in the process.  Consider seeking tailored advice before you commit to timelines, resign from roles or make travel plans. 

Disclaimer  

This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and policy settings can change and individual circumstances matter.  Refer to official government sources for detailed information: https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/training-407