Training Visa (Subclass 407) Changes in 2026: What Employers Need to Know

From 11 March 2026, the Australian Government introduced new application rules for the Training visa (subclass 407). The most important change is about when a visa application can be submitted.

Previously, employers and applicants could lodge three applications at the same time:

• sponsor approval

• nomination approval

• visa application

The visa could only be granted once the first two were approved, but the applicant could still submit the visa application earlier. This allowed the process to run in parallel, however that option no longer exists. Under the new rules, a Training visa application will only be valid after two approvals are already in place:

• the employer must be approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor
• the training nomination must already be approved for that applicant

If a visa application is submitted before these approvals, the Department will treat the application as invalid and refund the visa application charge.

Why the government introduced these changes

The Department of Home Affairs has indicated that these changes are intended to ensure the 407 visa is used for genuine training purposes, as opposed to serving as a temporary or cheaper alternative to employer-sponsored visas. Over the last few years, the number of applications increased dramatically.

In 2024–25 more than 21,000 applications were lodged, which represented a 183 percent increase compared with the previous year. At the same time, refusal rates have increased significantly, reaching around 40.9 percent during part of the 2025–26 program year.

This increase suggests the government is applying greater scrutiny to the visa given the genuine intention concerns highlighted above.

What this means for employers

For employers, the most important consequence is timing. Because sponsorship and nomination must now be approved first, businesses need to start the process earlier than before. Employers planning training programs should allow additional time for:

• sponsorship approval
• nomination assessment
• visa application lodgement

Another practical consideration affects applicants who are already in Australia. Because a bridging visa is only granted after a valid visa application is lodged, candidates must ensure they continue holding a valid visa while waiting for approvals. This makes planning much more important.

When the Training Visa still makes sense

The Training visa is still designed for structured workplace training, not for normal employment.

Examples include:

• professional development programs
• technical training placements
• workplace skill development initiatives

When the purpose of the role is genuinely training, the visa remains appropriate.

When employers should consider the 482 instead

However, many employers mistakenly use the 407 visa for roles that are actually normal employment positions. If a worker already has significant experience and will be performing a real job within the business, the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) is usually the more suitable option.

The 482 visa is designed for:

• skilled employment
• filling labour shortages
• longer-term workforce planning

In many cases, it also offers a potential pathway toward permanent residency, which can help employers retain experienced staff.

The bigger takeaway for employers

The new rules do not eliminate the 407 visa, but they reinforce its original purpose. It is a visa for training, not for filling ongoing skilled roles.

For employers who need experienced workers contributing directly to their business, the Skills in Demand visa may be the more appropriate pathway.

Seven Corp regularly helps employers assess which visa option aligns best with their workforce strategy.