Training Visa Subclass 407 Changes March 2026 – New Sponsorship Rules Explained

Last Updated: 11 March 2026

The Australian Government changed how you apply for a Training Visa (Subclass 407) from 11 March 2026. If you or your sponsor plan to lodge a 407 visa application, you need to understand these changes before you submit anything.

If you or your sponsor plan to lodge a 407 visa application, you need to understand these changes before you submit anything. For a full overview of how the Training Visa works, see our Training Visa Subclass 407 guide.

Not sure if this affects you? Book a consultation with our registered migration agents.

What Changed for Training Visa Subclass 407 in March 2026?

Before 11 March 2026, sponsors could lodge the sponsorship application, nomination application, and visa application at the same time. The applicant just needed all approvals to come through before the Department granted the visa.

That option no longer exists.

From 11 March 2026, you must wait for two things before you lodge a valid Training visa application:

• Your sponsor must hold approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor, and

• Your sponsor must hold an approved Training visa nomination for you

The Department introduced these changes under the Migration Amendment (Training Visas — Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026, registered on 10 March 2026 and effective the following day.

Why Did the Government Make This Change?

The Training Visa targets people who want to develop genuine skills through structured, workplace-based training in Australia.

The Government identified a pattern where some applicants used the 407 visa and other temporary visas to extend their stay in Australia repeatedly, even when they did not meet the criteria for permanent residence.

The Government calls this "permanent temporariness." This situation makes visa holders vulnerable to exploitation. By tightening the application sequencing, the Government aims to ensure the 407 visa serves its original purpose: genuine skills development.

What Happens If You Lodge Too Early?

If you submit a Training visa application after 11 March 2026 without both approvals already in place, the Department will not accept your application as valid.

The Department will notify you that your application is invalid and refund your visa application charge.

This means you do not get a Bridging visa. Without a valid visa application on foot, you cannot get a Bridging visa A to stay in Australia lawfully while you wait.

You may need to either leave Australia or apply for a different visa while your sponsor finalises the sponsorship and nomination approvals.

What Must Sponsors Do Now?

Sponsors carry the biggest responsibility under this change.

You must complete two separate approval stages before your applicant lodges anything:

Stage 1 — Become an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor

If your organisation does not already hold approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor, you must apply for this first.

The Department assesses your financial status, registration, and your capacity to meet sponsorship obligations. Once approved, your sponsorship stays valid for up to five years.

Stage 2 — Get your Training visa nomination approved

After you receive sponsorship approval, you nominate the applicant for a specific structured occupational training program. The nomination must cover the training program structure, objectives, the position description, and the applicant's qualifications and experience.

Only after the Department approves the nomination can your applicant lodge a valid Training visa application.

Key action: Lodge your sponsorship and nomination applications well before the proposed training start date. Processing times vary, so build in plenty of lead time.

What About Commonwealth Agency Sponsors?

Separate rules apply to Australian Commonwealth agency sponsors.

Commonwealth agencies must still get approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor before the applicant lodges a Training visa application. However, Commonwealth agencies do not need a nomination.

What If You Are Currently in Australia?

If you plan to apply for a 407 visa and you are onshore, you must hold a valid substantive visa while you wait for your sponsor to get both approvals.

Do not let your current visa expire while you wait. The Department will only issue you a Bridging visa once you lodge a valid Training visa application and you can only lodge once both approvals are in place.

If your current visa expires before your sponsor receives approval, you may need to leave Australia or apply for a different visa to maintain your lawful status.

Summary the New Sequence for 407 Visa Applications

Follow this order every time:

1. Sponsor applies for and receives Temporary Activities Sponsor approval

2. Sponsor applies for and receives Training visa nomination approval

3. Applicant lodges the Training visa application

Skipping or combining steps 1 and 2 will result in an invalid application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wait for sponsorship approval before I lodge a 407 visa application?

Yes. From 11 March 2026, your sponsor must hold approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor and hold an approved Training visa nomination before you lodge your Training visa application.

You cannot lodge at the same time as the sponsorship and nomination anymore.

What happens if I lodge my 407 visa application before the nomination gets approved?

The Department will reject your application as invalid and refund your visa application charge.

You will not receive a Bridging visa, which means you must hold a valid substantive visa or leave Australia while you wait.

How long does it take to get sponsorship and nomination approval?

Processing times vary. Check the Department's current visa processing times and build in plenty of lead time before your proposed training start date.

Does my sponsor need to be a Temporary Activities Sponsor specifically?

Yes. From 11 March 2026, only an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor can sponsor a Training visa applicant. Standard Business Sponsors cannot sponsor 407 visa applicants.

Do Commonwealth agency sponsors need a nomination?

No. Commonwealth agencies must still get approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor first, but they do not need to lodge a nomination.

Can I get a Bridging visa while I wait for my sponsor's approvals?

No. The Department only issues a Bridging visa once you lodge a valid Training visa application. You can only lodge a valid application after both the sponsorship and nomination approvals are in place.

What should I do if my current visa expires while I wait for approvals?

Talk to a registered migration agent immediately. You may need to apply for a different visa or leave Australia to avoid unlawful status.

Need Help With a Training Visa 407 Application?

RACC Australia's registered migration agents specialise in Training Visa 407 applications. We manage the full three-stage process sponsorship, nomination, and visa application and make sure everything is in order before you lodge.

book a consultation.