New 2026 Rules for the Training Visa (Subclass 407): What You Need to Know
- Leading Edge
- Mar 10
- 3 min read
The Australian Department of Home Affairs has officially updated the Training Visa (Subclass 407) application requirements. Effective March 11, 2026, the "concurrent lodgement" era has ended.
At Leading Edge Migration, we’ve seen how these technical shifts can impact a person's lawful status in Australia. If you are a Perth business or a professional looking to upskill in WA, this update is critical to your visa strategy.
The Major Shift: No More Concurrent Applications
Previously, an applicant could lodge their visa application at the same time their employer lodged the sponsorship and nomination. This allowed for a faster "Bridging Visa" trigger.
As of March 11, 2026, this is no longer possible.
The New "Sequential" Requirement:
To make a valid Subclass 407 application, you must now follow this strict order:
Approved Sponsorship: Your employer must already be an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
Approved Nomination: Your specific training nomination must be fully approved by the Department.
Visa Lodgement: Only after these two approvals are in hand can you lodge your visa application.
Warning: If you submit a 407 visa application after March 11, 2026, without these prior approvals, the Department will deem your application invalid. They will refund your fee, but you will not receive a Bridging Visa, potentially leaving you unlawful in Australia.
Why has the Government made these changes in the Subclass 407 Training Visa?
The 2026 reforms are designed to ensure the 407 visa is used for its intended purpose: genuine skills development. By requiring nomination approval first, the Department ensures:
Training plans are rigorous and workplace-based (minimum 30 hours/week).
The visa isn't used as a "stop-gap" for employment without a structured plan.
Only high-quality, "Decision-Ready" applications enter the final processing queue.
Critical Timeline for Perth Applicants
Because you can no longer lodge "all at once," timing is everything. For those currently on a 485 Graduate Visa or a 408 Visa expiring soon:
Sponsorship & Nomination: These can take 2–4 months to process.
Buffer Period: You must start the sponsorship process at least 6 months before your current visa expires.
The "Gap" Risk: If your current visa expires while the nomination is still pending, you cannot lodge the 407 visa to get a Bridging Visa. You may need to apply for a different visa (like a Visitor Visa) to stay in Australia legally while you wait.
FAQ: Subclass 407 Changes 2026
1. Does this apply to Commonwealth Government agencies?
No. If your sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth Government agency, you do not need a nomination. You only need an invitation to apply.
2. What happens if I lodged my visa before March 11, 2026?
Applications lodged before the cutoff date are processed under the old rules. If your sponsorship/nomination was still pending at that time, your application remains valid.
3. I’m in Perth on a 485 visa expiring in 3 months. Can I still get the 407?
It is tight. You must get your employer’s sponsorship and nomination approved before those 3 months are up. We recommend an urgent consultation to see if your employer can be fast-tracked or if an alternative bridging strategy is needed.
4. What are the English requirements in 2026?
The requirement remains Functional English. This typically means an IELTS overall score of 4.5 (with no band under 4.0) or a PTE Academic score of 30.
5. Can I work while waiting for the nomination approval?
You can only work if your current visa allows it. Since you cannot lodge the 407 visa (and thus cannot get a 407-linked Bridging Visa) until the nomination is approved, you must rely on the work rights of your existing substantive visa.
How Leading Edge Migration Protects Your Application
Navigating the "sequential" lodgement process requires precision. One mistake in the training plan can lead to a nomination refusal, which now delays your entire visa journey by months.
Our 407 Specialist Services include:
Employer Triage: We assess your sponsor's eligibility to ensure they meet the "Temporary Activities" standards.
Custom Training Plans: We draft structured, compliant plans that meet the "70% on-the-job" requirement.
Strategic Bridging: If your visa is expiring, we manage the transition to ensure you never become unlawful.
Don't leave your 407 Visa to chance.
📞 Call us: +61 08 9221 8472
📍 Perth Office: Unit 3, 239 Adelaide Terrace, Perth, WA 6000
📩 Email: info@leadingedgemigration.com.au
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. It's crucial to consult with a registered migration agent for personalised guidance based on your specific circumstances
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