The Australian Government has introduced new regulatory changes affecting the Training (subclass 407) visa through the Migration Amendment (Training Visas – Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026.
The amendments take effect from 11 March 2026 and apply to all Subclass 407 visa applications lodged on or after that date.
Under the revised framework, a visa application can only be submitted after both the employer’s Temporary Activities Sponsorship and the relevant Training Nomination have been approved. This represents a significant change to the application process.
Previously, employers and applicants were able to lodge the sponsorship application, nomination, and visa application concurrently. This is no longer permitted. Applications submitted before the commencement date will continue to be assessed under the previous rules.
New Legislative Requirements
The amendments update the visa application requirements set out in Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations 1994.
Under the revised provisions, a valid Subclass 407 visa application must satisfy the following conditions:
- The applicant must be linked to an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor
- The sponsor must have nominated a structured occupational training program for the applicant
- The nomination must be approved under subsection 140GB(2) of the Migration Act 1958
- The nomination approval must remain valid at the time the visa application is lodged
- The visa application must identify the approved nomination
These changes make nomination approval a mandatory prerequisite before a Subclass 407 visa application can be lodged.
It is also important to note that if a valid visa application cannot be lodged, a Bridging visa cannot be granted.
Impact on Processing Timeframes
Current Department of Home Affairs processing data indicates that approval timeframes for Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Training Nominations can range from approximately three months to up to eleven months in some cases.
Because visa applications cannot be submitted until these approvals are finalised, businesses may experience longer lead times when planning to bring trainees to Australia.
This change is particularly relevant for organisations that use the Subclass 407 visa for:
- Professional development and workplace training programs
- Graduate training or internship placements
- Skills transfer and industry training initiatives
- Structured occupational development programs
The Importance of Early Planning
The reforms change the sequence in which subclass 407 visa applications must be prepared and lodged. As a result, both employers and trainees should allow additional time for the sponsorship and nomination stages.
Key planning considerations may include:
- Commencing sponsorship and nomination applications earlier
- Managing potential visa expiry risks for trainees already in Australia
- Aligning training program start dates with expected government processing times
- Preparing training plans and supporting documentation well in advance
These factors may influence both training program timelines and international recruitment planning.
How Hartman Immigration Can Assist
The revised Subclass 407 visa requirements introduce additional compliance and planning considerations for employers operating training programs in Australia.
Hartman Immigration advises businesses and organisations on all aspects of the Subclass 407 process, including:
- Assessing eligibility and strategic visa planning
- Preparing Temporary Activities Sponsorship applications
- Managing Training Nomination submissions
- Advising on processing timelines and visa sequencing
- Supporting compliant and well-structured occupational training programs
For guidance on the Subclass 407 Training visa or employer training arrangements, contact Hartman Immigration to discuss your organisation’s requirements.