Australia Subclass 407 Training Visa changes: new offshore rules from 12 November 2026

Australia will introduce significant changes to the Training Visa (Subclass 407) programme from 12 November 2026, requiring applicants to generally be outside Australia both when lodging their visa application and when the visa is granted.

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The changes are introduced under the Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Application Requirements) Regulations 2026 and will affect employers sponsoring overseas trainees, international businesses managing workforce mobility and individuals seeking occupational training opportunities in Australia.

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The reforms form part of Australia’s wider efforts to strengthen the integrity of its temporary visa programmes and address the use of successive temporary visa applications to prolong stays in the country.

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Businesses and individuals planning Australian training assignments should review their arrangements before the new rules take effect.

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For broader information about Australian immigration options, visit our Australia immigration page.

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What are the new Subclass 407 visa requirements?

From 12 November 2026, applicants seeking an Australian Training Visa (Subclass 407) will generally be required to:

• be physically outside Australia when lodging their visa application;
• be outside Australia when the visa is granted; and
• continue to meet the applicable sponsorship, nomination and visa eligibility requirements.

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Under the previous arrangements, eligible applicants could apply for a Subclass 407 visa while lawfully present in Australia.

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The new rules substantially restrict that option.

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Importantly, an application lodged while the applicant is in Australia from 12 November 2026 may be considered invalid, even if the Department of Home Affairs’ ImmiAccount system permits the application to be submitted.

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The regulations allow the Minister to specify classes of applicants who may be permitted to apply from within Australia. However, applicants should check the latest Department of Home Affairs guidance before relying on any possible exception.

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Why is Australia changing the Subclass 407 visa rules?

The Australian Government has stated that the amendments are intended to support a more sustainable migration system and strengthen the integrity of the Subclass 407 programme.

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The Training Visa is designed to facilitate structured workplace-based occupational training, professional development and skills enhancement.

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It is not intended primarily as a mechanism for extending an individual’s stay in Australia through successive temporary visa applications.

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The amendments follow earlier changes introduced in March 2026 concerning sponsorship and nomination requirements and form part of the Government’s continuing focus on ensuring temporary visas are used for their intended purpose.

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What do the changes mean for Australian employers?

For Australian businesses and multinational organisations, the new offshore application requirements may have important implications for workforce planning, international mobility and employee training programmes.

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Employers intending to sponsor overseas trainees should review:

• proposed training commencement dates;
• the applicant’s current location;
• existing visa expiry dates;
• sponsorship approval status;
• nomination approval status;
• expected visa processing timelines; and
• any international travel that may be required.

The changes may be particularly relevant where a prospective trainee is already in Australia on another temporary visa and was expecting to lodge a Subclass 407 application without leaving the country.

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From 12 November 2026, that applicant will generally need to leave Australia before applying.

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Businesses may therefore need to factor additional travel, accommodation and scheduling considerations into their training and global mobility plans.

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Do sponsorship and nomination approvals need to be in place first?

Yes.

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The Department of Home Affairs advises applicants to ensure that the sponsoring organisation has been approved as a temporary activities sponsor and that the relevant Training Visa nomination has been approved before the visa application is lodged, unless the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth Government agency.

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Employers and applicants should therefore allow sufficient time for the sponsorship and nomination stages before arranging offshore travel and lodging the visa application.

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This is particularly important where training is expected to begin shortly after the new rules take effect.

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What happens to Subclass 407 applications lodged before 12 November 2026?

The amendments include transitional arrangements for existing applications.

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A valid Subclass 407 visa application lodged before 12 November 2026 will continue to be assessed under the requirements that applied when the application was submitted.

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The new offshore rules therefore apply to applications made on or after 12 November 2026.

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Employers and applicants should not assume, however, that an application can simply be lodged before the commencement date.

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Sponsorship and nomination requirements must still be satisfied, and the necessary approvals may take time to obtain.

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Any organisation considering an application close to the commencement date should review the position carefully.

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Can applicants return to Australia while the visa is being processed?

The Department of Home Affairs states that a person who has lodged a Subclass 407 application offshore may travel to Australia on another valid visa while the Training Visa application is being processed.

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They must comply with the conditions of that other visa.

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However, the applicant must be outside Australia when the Subclass 407 visa is granted.

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Businesses and applicants should therefore be careful when planning travel during the processing period and should not assume that an expected visa decision date will allow them to remain in Australia.

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Will applicants receive a bridging visa?

No.

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An offshore Subclass 407 application does not provide the applicant with an Australian bridging visa linked to that application.

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Applicants should therefore consider their existing immigration status and travel arrangements carefully.

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Anyone in Australia who needs to lodge a Subclass 407 application offshore should also ensure they leave Australia before their existing visa expires.

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How should employers and applicants prepare?

Organisations sponsoring international trainees should review their current and planned Subclass 407 arrangements before 12 November 2026.

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Particular attention should be given to:

• current visa expiry dates;
• sponsorship and nomination approval status;
• proposed training commencement dates;
• the applicant’s location at the time of application;
• the applicant’s expected location when the visa is decided;
• offshore travel arrangements; and
• the potential impact of visa processing times on training programmes.

Applicants should also prepare the documents required for their visa application before leaving Australia where possible.

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The Department of Home Affairs recommends considering whether health examinations or other application requirements can be completed before departure.

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Early assessment and careful planning can help businesses minimise disruption while ensuring compliance with Australia’s changing immigration framework.

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How Hudson McKenzie can assist

Hudson McKenzie supports businesses and individuals with global immigration and workforce mobility matters, including immigration programme planning, visa eligibility assessments and compliance considerations.

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Our team can assist organisations in reviewing how immigration changes may affect international training programmes and employee mobility arrangements.

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Businesses operating across multiple jurisdictions can also explore our Immigration Programme Development services for support with global immigration processes, workforce planning and governance.

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If your organisation or employees require assistance with Australian immigration or international workforce mobility planning, contact Hudson McKenzie.

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Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of 2 November 2026 and is for general informational purposes only. Australian immigration requirements and implementation guidance may change. Advice should be obtained based on individual circumstances.

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