Subclass 407
The Subclass 407 visa is the primary pathway for professionals seeking to enhance their skills through workplace-based training or classroom-based professional development activities in Australia.
The 407 Training Visa
The Subclass 407 is a temporary visa that allows you to participate in occupational training or professional development in Australia. It is designed specifically to improve your skills for your current occupation, field of study, or expertise.
This visa is not a substitute for standard work visas like the 482; it is strictly for structured learning. Following recent changes, the Department of Home Affairs now requires sequential lodgement i.e., sponsorship and nomination must both be approved before the visa can be validly lodged.
Key Factors:
- Sequential Lodgement Rule: You cannot lodge your visa application until both your Sponsorship and your Nomination have been approved.
- Approved Sponsor: Your host must be an approved Temporary Activity Sponsor (TAS).
- Approved Nomination: The specific training program for your role must be approved by the Department before you can apply for the visa (except for Commonwealth Agency sponsors)
- Structured Training Plan: The program must be specifically tailored to the nominee’s needs, outlining assessment methods, supervision, anda clear distinction between practical work and instruction.
Occupational Training for Registration
What it is for: To obtain mandatory registration, membership, or licensing required to work in an occupation in Australia or your home country.
What it allows: Participation in workplace-based training (minimum 30 hours per week) necessary for the relevant licensing body.
Key Requirements:
- Evidence (such as a letter from the regulatory body) that the training is mandatory for employment.
- Applicant possesses appropriate prior qualifications and experience to undertake the training.
- Training must be at least 70% on-the-job.
Length: The duration required to obtain the registration.
Work Rights: Restricted to the approved training program only.
Occupational Training to Enhance Skills
What it is for: Structured workplace training for individuals looking to improve their skills in an eligible occupation.
What it allows: Professional development in an occupation listed on the MLTSL, ROL, or STSOL.
Key Requirements:
- The occupation must be from MLTSL,ROL, or STSOL.
- Applicant must have at least 12 months of full-time equivalent experience in that occupation within the 24 months immediately preceding the nomination.
- Program must outline objectives, assessment pathways, and supervision structures.
Length: Up to 2 years.
Work Rights: Restricted to the approved training program only.
Capacity Building Overseas
What it is for: To build professional capacity for overseas students, governments, or businesses.
What it allows: Practical training, research, or observation in Australia.
Key Requirements:
- Overseas Qualification: For students enrolled in a foreign institution needing up to 6 months of practical training to graduate.
- Government Support: Training supported by an Australian or home country government agency.
- Professional Development: For managerial or professional employees (ANZSCO Groups 1 & 2) sent by an overseas employer for face-to-face classroom-based training
Length: Up to 2 years.
Work Rights: Restricted to the approved training program only.
Maintaining compliance
- Condition 8102: You are strictly prohibited from performing work that is not part of your approved occupational training program.
- Change of Circumstances: If your sponsor ends the training or you wish to change programs, your new sponsor must obtain a fresh nomination approval before you can transition.
- Health Cover: You must maintain adequate Overseas Visitor Health Cover (OVHC) for the full duration of your stay.
The 407 Application Process
Sponsorship Approval
Your host must apply for and be granted Temporary Activity Sponsor (TAS) status.
Nomination Approval
The sponsor lodges a nomination for your training program. You must wait for the Department to issue an approval notice for this nomination.
Visa Lodgement
Only once you have the nomination approval, you can lodge your Subclass 407 visa application.
Health & Character
Complete medicals and police checks.
Visa Notification
The decision on the visa is made by the Department.
For 407 Visa Applicants
The 407 visa is a highly scrutinised pathway because it involves workplace activity. The Department will refuse applications where they suspect the "training" is actually a way to fill a labour vacancy.
In the past, applicants could lodge a visa while their nomination was pending to stay in the country on a Bridging Visa. This is no longer possible. If you are onshore and your current visa is expiring, you must plan for securing nomination approval before your current visa ends, or you will not be able to lodge the 407 and may become unlawful.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. As of 11 March 2026, you cannot lodge a valid Subclass 407 visa application unless your sponsorship (TAS) and your nomination have both been fully approved first. If you lodgebefore receiving these approvals, the Department will deem your application invalid.
A Skills Assessment is typically not required for the 407 visa; however, you must provide evidence of your 12 months of relevant experience and qualifications.
Yes, eligible family members can be included in your application. They will generally havework rights, but the primary applicant remains restricted to the training.