Planning to apply for Australia’s Training Visa (subclass 407)? New rules taking effect on 12 November 2026 will change where applicants can lodge their applications and receive visa grants.
The Australian Government has introduced new requirements that will generally prevent individuals from applying for a Training Visa while physically present in Australia.
These changes could significantly affect temporary visa holders, international trainees and Australian organisations sponsoring overseas workers for occupational training.
What Is Changing from 12 November 2026?
Under the new rules, Training Visa (subclass 407) applicants must generally be outside Australia both when submitting their application and when their visa is granted.
This means individuals currently in Australia who intend to apply for a subclass 407 visa will generally need to depart Australia before lodging their application.
Importantly, an application lodged from within Australia on or after 12 November 2026 will generally be considered invalid, even if the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system allows it to be submitted.
An invalid application can have serious consequences:
- It may affect an applicant’s lawful immigration status.
- Applicants whose existing visas have expired may face restrictions on applying for another visa.
- A decision that an application is invalid cannot be reviewed on its merits by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
The regulations allow for possible exceptions for classes of applicants specified by a Ministerial legislative instrument. However, applicants should not assume an exemption applies without obtaining appropriate advice.
What Should Applicants Do Before Leaving Australia?
Individuals planning to apply for a Training Visa from overseas should carefully prepare before travelling.
Before departing Australia, applicants should:
- Check their visa expiry date and ensure they do not become unlawful while making arrangements.
- Confirm sponsorship and nomination approvals. The sponsoring organisation must be approved as a temporary activities sponsor, and the training nomination must generally be approved before the visa application is lodged.
- Prepare the required documents, including evidence supporting the proposed occupational training.
- Review health examination requirements and consider whether necessary examinations can be completed before departure.
- Plan for overseas processing, as applicants must generally remain outside Australia when their Training Visa is granted.
While applicants may enter Australia on another valid visa during processing, they must comply with that visa’s conditions and be outside Australia when the Training Visa is granted.
An offshore Training Visa application will not provide an associated Bridging Visa. Applicants should also avoid booking return travel based on anticipated processing times, as visa approval is not guaranteed.
What Happens to Applications Lodged Before 12 November?
Applicants who submitted a valid Training Visa application before 12 November 2026 will not be affected by the new offshore application and grant requirements.
Their applications will continue to be assessed under the regulations applicable when they were lodged.
However, the earlier changes introduced on 11 March 2026 remain important. These require applicants to have an approved temporary activities sponsor and an approved training nomination before applying, unless the nomination exemption for Commonwealth Government agency sponsors applies.
What Does This Mean for Australian Employers and Sponsors?
Australian businesses and organisations planning to sponsor international trainees should review their training arrangements and visa application timelines.
The new offshore requirements may affect when trainees can commence their programs, particularly where individuals are already in Australia on temporary visas.
Sponsors should ensure their sponsorship and nomination approvals are in place before applicants make international travel arrangements.
Early planning can help minimise disruptions to occupational training programs and avoid unnecessary immigration complications.
Need Help with Your Training Visa Application?
The upcoming subclass 407 changes make it increasingly important to understand your visa eligibility, current immigration status and sponsorship requirements before making travel or relocation decisions.
At NB Migration Law, our migration lawyers can assist individuals and sponsoring organisations with understanding the new requirements, reviewing visa options and navigating the sponsorship, nomination and application processes.
Planning to apply for a Training Visa or sponsor an overseas trainee? Contact NB Migration Law today to arrange a consultation and understand how the new rules may affect your circumstances.
For official information, visit the Changes to Training visa application rules (subclass 407)
Disclaimer: This article provides general information based on Australian immigration requirements announced as at 2 November 2026 and does not constitute legal advice. Visa eligibility and application requirements depend on individual circumstances.