Australia tightens Training visa rules, sponsor approval now required before application

Australian Government Department of Home Affairs has implemented new application requirements for the Training visa (subclass 407), with the revised rules taking effect from March 11, 2026.

Under the updated process, applicants can now submit a valid Training visa application only after their sponsor has been approved as a temporary activities sponsor and their Training visa nomination has been approved. The rule applies to all new applicants unless the sponsor is a Commonwealth agency.

Earlier, applicants could lodge a visa application at the same time as sponsorship and nomination requests, and approvals were required only before the visa was granted. Authorities said the change ensures the programme continues to support structured workplace training aimed at genuine skills development.

Sponsor approval required before visa application

Sponsors have been advised to submit sponsorship and nomination applications well before the planned training start date to avoid delays in the visa process.

Applicants who are already in Australia must ensure they hold a valid visa while waiting for sponsorship or nomination approval. Officials said applicants will only be eligible for a bridging visa once they lodge a valid Training visa application.

The department also said that Training visa applications submitted through its systems after March 11, 2026 without prior approval of the sponsor and nomination will not be considered valid. In such cases, the department will notify the applicant and refund the visa application charge.

Applicants may need to leave Australia or apply for another visa while waiting for sponsorship or nomination approvals.

Government aims to curb repeated temporary stays

Separate arrangements apply for Australian Commonwealth agency sponsors. These agencies must obtain approval as temporary activities sponsors before the visa application is lodged, but they do not need to submit a nomination for the applicant.

According to the department, the Training visa allows individuals to improve their professional skills through structured, workplace-based training programmes in Australia.

The government said the changes are intended to address “permanent temporariness”, where individuals extend their stay in Australia through multiple temporary visa applications despite not meeting eligibility requirements for permanent residence. Authorities said such situations can leave visa holders vulnerable to exploitation.