Subclass 407 Training Visa: Complete Guide (2026)
Published 2026-02-14
Key Facts — Subclass 407 at a Glance
Visa type: Temporary (training purposes). Duration: Up to 2 years. Application cost (2025–26): $310 (main applicant). Nomination fee: $170 (paid by sponsor). Processing time: 1–4 months. No points test required. No skills assessment required. English requirement: Overall IELTS 4.5 with no band below 4.0 (or equivalent). Age limit: None specified, but applicants must be genuine training participants. Requires a temporary activities sponsor and nomination. Cannot lead directly to permanent residency.
What is the Subclass 407 Visa?
The Subclass 407 Training visa allows people to come to Australia to participate in workplace-based training to improve their skills for their current occupation, their field of study at a tertiary institution, or their capacity in a professional development program. This visa is not for performing productive work — it is specifically for receiving training. The distinction is important: if you are coming to Australia primarily to work (even if training is involved), the 407 is not the right visa. The 407 is commonly used by overseas employees of multinational companies being trained in Australian operations, overseas professionals undertaking professional development in Australia, government or academic personnel participating in structured training programs, and occupational trainees in fields like healthcare, engineering, and trades where hands-on training in Australian workplaces is valuable.
Three Nomination Streams
The 407 visa has three streams, each with different sponsors and purposes. Workplace-based training stream: For training to improve skills for the applicant's current occupation. Requires nomination by an approved temporary activities sponsor (typically the employer or training organisation). The training must be structured, with a training plan that outlines learning objectives, supervision arrangements, and assessment methods. Professional development stream: For managers or professionals participating in professional development activities. Often used by multinational companies to train overseas staff in their Australian operations. The training must enhance the applicant's professional skills. Government-funded or academic training stream: For training funded by an Australian Commonwealth or state government agency, or training for capacity building for overseas government officials. This stream has specific eligibility criteria related to the funding arrangement.
Sponsor and Nomination Requirements
The 407 visa requires a sponsor and a nomination. The sponsor must be an approved temporary activities sponsor — this is a separate approval from the Standard Business Sponsorship used for the 482 visa. The sponsor applies to become approved, then nominates you for a specific training position. The nomination must include a detailed training plan that describes the training activities, the skills to be gained, the duration, the qualifications of supervisors, how training will be assessed, and confirmation that the training is not available in the applicant's home country (or that Australian training provides a distinct benefit). The Department scrutinises training plans carefully to ensure the visa is not being used as a backdoor for cheap labour. The training must be genuine, structured, and primarily for the benefit of the trainee.
Eligibility for Applicants
To be eligible for the 407 visa, you must have a genuine intention to undertake the training (not primarily to work), have relevant qualifications or experience related to the training field, meet minimum English language requirements (IELTS 4.5 overall with no band below 4.0, or equivalent — lower than most work visas), have adequate health insurance for your stay in Australia, meet health and character requirements, and be outside Australia when you apply (for most streams). You must genuinely intend to stay temporarily — the 407 is not a pathway to permanent residency, and the Department will assess whether you have genuine ties to your home country and a genuine reason to return after training.
Duration and Conditions
The 407 visa can be granted for up to 2 years, though the actual duration depends on the training plan. Most 407 visas are granted for 6–12 months. Visa conditions typically include: Condition 8102 — you can only perform work or training as specified in your nomination. You cannot take on other employment. Limited work rights: some 407 holders receive permission to work up to 20 hours per fortnight outside their training, but this varies. The training must be the primary activity. You must maintain adequate health insurance throughout your stay. You must notify the Department of any change of address or circumstances. If you stop training or the training arrangement breaks down, you should contact the Department — continuing to stay in Australia without training may breach your visa conditions.
407 vs 482 vs 400: Choosing the Right Visa
The 407 is often confused with work visas, but it serves a different purpose. Use the 407 when the primary purpose is receiving training — learning new skills, professional development, or structured workplace training. Use the Subclass 482 when the primary purpose is performing skilled work for an Australian employer. The 482 is an employment visa; the 407 is a training visa. Use the Subclass 400 when you are coming to Australia for a short period to perform specialised work (not to receive training). The distinction matters: if you are coming to train Australian staff, that is work (400 or 482). If you are coming to be trained by Australian staff, that is training (407). If the arrangement involves both providing and receiving training, the Department will assess the primary purpose.
Costs and Processing
The 407 is one of Australia's most affordable visa options. Visa application fee: $310 (main applicant), $310 (additional applicant 18+), $80 (child under 18). Nomination fee: $170 (paid by sponsor). Temporary activities sponsorship fee: $420 (paid by sponsor, one-time). Total government fees for a single applicant: approximately $900 (including sponsorship, nomination, and visa). Additional costs: health insurance ($500–$1,500 depending on duration), medical examination ($300–$500), police clearances ($50–$200), and English test if needed ($300–$400). Migration agent fees for the 407 are typically $1,000–$2,500. Processing times are generally 1–4 months, with many decided within 6–8 weeks.
Common Issues and Tips
The most common reason for 407 visa refusals is that the Department is not satisfied the training is genuine. Red flags include: training plans that describe productive work rather than learning activities, sponsors who have previously had workers on 407 visas doing production work, applicants who have been in Australia on previous visas and appear to be using the 407 to stay longer, and training that is readily available in the applicant's home country with no clear reason to do it in Australia. To strengthen your application: provide a detailed, credible training plan with clear learning objectives, explain why the training must occur in Australia, show relevant qualifications that demonstrate you are at the right level for the training, and ensure the sponsor has appropriate training infrastructure and qualified supervisors.
When to Use a Migration Agent
The 407 visa is relatively affordable but the training plan requirements can be complex. A migration agent can help prepare a training plan that meets Department expectations, ensure the sponsor application is properly prepared, and advise on whether the 407 is the right visa for your situation. This is especially valuable for sponsors who are new to the training visa system. For simple, well-structured training arrangements — such as a multinational company with an established Australian training program — the application may be manageable without an agent. Search our directory at /migration-agents for agents with experience in training and temporary activity visas. Verify any agent's MARA registration at /tools/mara-check.
Need Professional Help?
Find a MARA-registered migration agent who can assist with your application.
Browse Agents