Subclass 407 Training Visa

The Subclass 407 Training visa is a temporary Australian visa that allows overseas nationals to travel to Australia and participate in structured occupational training activities. Designed to develop and enhance professional skills, the 407 visa is not intended to fill labour shortages, supplement workforce numbers, or replace Australian workers.

How the Subclass 407 Training Visa Works

The 407 Training visa operates across three key stages: sponsorship, nomination, and the visa application. All three stages must be completed and approved by the Department of Home Affairs before the visa can be granted.

Part 1: Becoming a Temporary Activities Sponsor

To sponsor a 407 Training visa, an organisation must first apply to become an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor with the Department of Home Affairs. To qualify, the organisation must be lawfully and actively operating in Australia, compliant with Australian workplace and taxation laws, and free from any adverse information that may affect its suitability as a sponsor.

Sponsor approval is valid for up to five years and is renewable. Approved sponsors must meet ongoing compliance obligations, including ensuring the nominee participates only in the approved training activity, cooperating with departmental audits and inspections, and maintaining accurate records as required by the Department of Home Affairs.

Part 2: 407 Visa Nomination Requirements

Once sponsor approval is granted, the organisation must lodge a nomination identifying the individual and the specific training activity to be undertaken. The nomination must be approved before the associated 407 visa application can be submitted.

Approved training activities under the Subclass 407 visa:

• Occupational training required for registration — for individuals who need workplace-based training to obtain mandatory professional registration, membership, or licensing in an eligible occupation.
• Occupational training to improve skills — for nominees seeking structured training to enhance their skills in an eligible skilled occupation.
• Capacity building for overseas professionals — designed to support overseas students, professionals, or government-backed trainees in gaining practical Australian workplace experience.

407 Visa Training Plan Requirements

Every 407 visa nomination must be supported by a detailed training plan that includes the supervising trainer’s name and qualifications, a structured schedule of activities with measurable milestones and timeframes, and a clear explanation of how the training relates to the nominee’s occupation and career development.

Part 3: Subclass 407 Visa Eligibility Requirements

A 407 visa application can only be lodged once the nomination has been approved. To be eligible for the Subclass 407 Training visa, the applicant must be nominated by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor for an approved training activity, genuinely intend to participate in the nominated training while in Australia, hold the relevant skills, qualifications, and experience for the training activity, and satisfy Australian health and character requirements.

English Language Requirements

There is no mandatory English language test for the 407 Training visa. However, the applicant must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to participate meaningfully in the proposed training program.

Visa Duration

The Subclass 407 Training visa can be granted for up to two years, depending on the approved training activity. A further period may be possible subject to a new nomination and application.

Genuine Temporary Entrant Requirement

All Subclass 407 visa applicants must satisfy the genuine temporary entrant requirement, demonstrating that they intend to remain in Australia temporarily for training purposes only and will depart upon visa expiry. The Department of Home Affairs will consider the applicant’s immigration and travel history, ties to their home country including family, employment, and property, and whether the proposed training is consistent with their existing qualifications and career path.

Common Issues and Pitfalls with the 407 Training Visa

Understanding the most common reasons for 407 visa refusal can help applicants and sponsors avoid costly mistakes:

Disguised employment

Using the 407 visa as a substitute for employer-sponsored work is the most frequent cause of refusal and compliance action. Training must be genuinely developmental, and the nominee must not perform the regular duties of an employee.

Inadequate training plans

Vague or poorly structured training plans are a leading cause of nomination refusal. Plans must be specific, detailed, and demonstrate clear and measurable skills development outcomes.

Below market rate remuneration 

Where training involves productive work, paying below the market salary rate may result in nomination refusal and sponsorship compliance action.

Genuine temporary entrant concerns 

Applicants with limited home country ties, a history of visa breaches, or circumstances suggesting an intention to remain permanently in Australia face heightened scrutiny from the Department.

Who Is the Subclass 407 Training Visa Suitable For?

The 407 Training visa is suitable for overseas-qualified professionals completing supervised training required for Australian professional registration, employees of multinational organisations undertaking structured intra-company skills transfer programs, professionals participating in formal industry or government-endorsed development programs, and graduates completing structured practical training aligned with their field of qualification.

The Subclass 407 Training visa is not suitable for filling a vacant position, supplementing workforce numbers, or providing labour under an alternative visa pathway.