Training Visa (Subclass 407) | Wintr Consulting

Training Visa (Subclass 407)

Undertake occupational training in Australia to enhance skills, meet registration requirements, or build capacity.

The Training visa (subclass 407) allows full-time workplace learning for up to two years and allows including your family. It is a temporary visa and does not lead directly to permanent residency.

The Three Streams

1. Occupational Training to Enhance Skills

The most commonly used stream. It involves structured, workplace-based training to improve skills in a nominated occupation.

Must choose an occupation on the list of eligible skilled occupations.
Must have at least 12 months full-time experience in the occupation within the last 24 months.

2. Occupational Training for Registration

Available if you require workplace training in order to obtain mandatory registration, membership, or licensing to work in your occupation.

The requirement for registration must apply in either Australia or your home country.

3. Occupational Training for Capacity Building Overseas

Tailored options including:

Overseas qualification: For students needing practical training (up to 6 months).
Government support: Training backed by government agencies.
Professional development: For overseas employers sending staff for development.

The 3-Stage Process

Similar to the 482 visa, the Training visa operates in three stages. Each stage must precede the one before, but all can be submitted on the same day.

Temporary Activity Sponsor (TAS)

Application for the employer to become a recognised sponsor. Valid for five years. Allows sponsorship for 407, 408, and 403 visas.

Nomination

Focuses on qualifications, structured training program, and supporting letters. You must choose the most suitable stream.

Visa Application

Applicants provide evidence of qualifications, English language, financial capacity, health, and character requirements.

Case Study: The Aspiring Pastry Chef

Scenario: You recently completed a Certificate IV in Patisserie in Australia. Your dream is to become a Pastry Chef.

Opportunity: You land an opportunity at a top hotel. The hotel is an existing Temporary Activities Sponsor and offers a 16-month structured training program.

Outcome: You are thrilled to learn techniques in stages, enhancing your skills through workplace-based training.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the training under the 407 visa be unpaid?

Yes. Unpaid placements are allowed if they’re genuine and structured. The applicant and sponsor must acknowledge the arrangement through supporting documents.

Can I apply for the 407 visa while on a bridging visa?

The conditions are limited, and one such limitation is that the application must be made within 28 days after the last substantive visa ceased to be in effect. If you hold a Bridging visa and wish to make an application for a subclass 407 visa, contact us today to discuss further.

Can the training take place partly overseas?

Generally, training must occur mainly in Australia where at least 70% must be workplace-based. Limited overseas components may be approved only under the capacity-building overseas stream.

Is there a minimum age or experience requirement?

Applicants must be 18 or older. For the “occupational training to enhance skills” stream, you typically need 12 months of full-time experience in your nominated occupation within the past 24 months.

Can I change sponsors during the training program?

Only in limited circumstances such as if a new nomination and visa are approved. Training with a new organisation before approval is a breach your visa conditions which may lead to an unfavourable outcome.

Can my dependents work full-time in Australia?

Dependents can work but are usually limited to 40 hours per fortnight unless your visa grant specifies otherwise. Check your individual visa conditions for any exceptions.

Can previous work in Australia count toward the 12-month experience rule?

Yes. Previous full-time, paid experience in the same occupation—whether in Australia or overseas—can satisfy this requirement, as long as it’s within the last 24 months.

What happens if my sponsor closes or training ends early?

You must stop the training and notify the Department of Home Affairs. You may apply for a new sponsor or another visa, but the 407 can’t simply be extended beyond the approved program.

Is the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy or labour market testing required?

No. The 407 visa does not require both the SAF levy and labour market testing, unlike employer-sponsored work visas such as the subclass 482.

Can time on a 407 visa count toward skilled migration later?

It may support your work-experience record, but the 407 itself isn’t a direct PR pathway. Eligibility for skilled visas depends on the occupation, assessing authority, and other criteria.

Can I study while on a 407 visa?

You may undertake incidental or related study, but not a full-time course. The visa’s main purpose is that you remain within your structured workplace training.

What if my job role changes during the training period?

If your duties or occupation change significantly, your sponsor may need to update the training plan or lodge a new nomination. This ensures the visa remains valid for your new role.