Training Visa (Subclass 407): Important Changes to Lodgement Rules

Lodgement Rules

If your organisation relies on the Training visa (subclass 407) to bring overseas trainees to Australia, a regulatory change that took effect on 11 March 2026 has fundamentally altered how and when applications can be submitted. Here is what you need to know.

What Has Changed?

The Migration Amendment (Training Visas Sponsorship Requirements) Regulations 2026 introduced a new sequential lodgement requirement for subclass 407 visa applications. Under the previous rules, applicants and sponsoring employers could submit the Temporary Activities Sponsorship application, the Training Nomination, and the visa application all at the same time - known as a concurrent lodgement approach.

That is no longer permitted for applications lodged on or after 11 March 2026. The visa application can now only be submitted once both the Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Training Nomination have been formally approved.

Applications already lodged before this date will continue to be assessed under the previous arrangements.

The New Mandatory Requirements at a Glance

The amendments update Schedule 1 of the Migration Regulations 1994. For a subclass 407 visa application to be valid, the following conditions must all be satisfied at the time of lodgement:

• The applicant must be associated with an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
• The sponsor must have nominated a specific program of occupational training for the applicant.
• The training nomination must be formally approved under subsection 140GB(2) of the Migration Act 1958.
• The nomination approval must still be valid at the time the visa application is lodged.
• The visa application must identify and reference the approved nomination.

It is also important to note that bridging visas cannot be granted unless a valid subclass 407 application has been lodged. This means anyone in Australia on an expiring visa who is waiting for their sponsorship or nomination to be approved may face a gap in their lawful status.

How Processing Times Affect Your Timeline

The practical impact of this change is significant. Current government processing timeframes for Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Training Nomination approvals range from approximately 88 days up to 11 months in some cases. Under the new rules, the visa application cannot be submitted until both of these steps are complete.

For businesses planning to bring trainees to Australia, this could substantially extend the overall lead time. Organisations that previously relied on concurrent lodgement to move quickly may find their timelines stretched considerably.

The change is particularly relevant for employers running:

• Structured professional development programs
• Workplace skills and technical training
• Graduate or internship placements for overseas participants
• Industry-wide training initiatives involving overseas trainees

What Employers and Sponsors Should Do Now

The shift to a sequential lodgement model demands earlier planning and more careful coordination of each stage of the application process. Employers and training organisations should consider the following steps:

• Begin Temporary Activities Sponsorship and Training Nomination applications as early as possible - well ahead of the intended training start date.
• Review the visa expiry dates of any trainees currently in Australia and assess whether the new sequential process creates a bridging visa risk.
• Align planned training program commencement dates with realistic processing timeframes.
• Prepare training plans, supporting documentation, and nomination materials in advance to avoid delays once sponsorship is approved.

How Roam Migration Law Can Help

Navigating the updated subclass 407 requirements requires careful sequencing and a clear understanding of the regulatory framework. At Roam Migration Law, we work with employers and training organisations to manage every stage of the process - from initial eligibility assessment through to visa lodgement.

Our team can assist with:

• Assessing eligibility and developing a subclass 407 strategy under the new requirements
• Preparing and lodging Temporary Activities
• Sponsorship applications
• Drafting compliant Training Nomination applications
• Identifying and managing timing risks, including bridging visa exposure
• Advising on alternative visa options where the subclass 407 may not be suitable

f you have upcoming training programs or trainees already in Australia who may be affected by this change, we encourage you to contact our team early. The sooner the sponsorship and nomination process begins, the greater the flexibility you will have in managing your training timelines.

Contact Roam Migration Law today to discuss how this change affects your organisation and to get the process started.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.