New regulations mean that from 12 November 2026, anyone applying for a Subclass 407 (Training) visa will generally need to be offshore (ie. outside Australia) when they apply. Applications lodged before 12 November are not affected. 

Currently a 407 visa can be applied for and granted while the applicant is in Australia.

From 12 November, you must apply from overseas, and you must still be overseas when the visa is approved. An application made in Australia on or after 12 November is invalid, even if ImmiAccount accepts it. Unlike a refusal, an invalid application cannot be reviewed, and it may affect your visa status. If your visa has already expired, you may also be unable to apply for another visa.

The Government may exempt certain groups from the new rules, such as workers in genuine skills-shortage areas or to keep families together. However, these groups have not yet been confirmed.

Why it's changing

This latest change is consistent with other legislative amendments this year, all aimed at stopping people from using successive temporary visas to stay in Australia. In March 2026, employers had to get sponsorship and nomination approved before the visa could be applied for, so applicants in Australia could no longer stay on a while they waited. Since July, most 407 nominations have been refused, often due to doubts over whether the training program was genuine.

What employers need to know

A short window remains: If sponsorship and nomination are already approved and the trainee is in Australia, they can still apply onshore before 12 November.

Where a nomination is approved after 12 November, the trainee must apply from overseas. Trainees who are already in Australia, including those here on student, graduate or working holiday visas, will need to leave Australia before applying and must be outside Australia when the 407 is granted. To prepare, employers should ensure both sponsorship and nomination are approved before the trainee leaves, and allow more time before the training start date for travel and visa processing.

What applicants and visa holders need to know

Existing 407 visas are not affected. However, visa holders cannot apply for another 407, or for a student visa, from inside Australia.

Valid 407 applications lodged before 12 November will be assessed under the old rules, and any bridging visa held continues.

Anyone whose visa is ending soon should not rely on a 407 to remain in Australia, and should get advice on other visa options or plan to leave in time.

Applicants in Australia who need to apply for a 407 from overseas should prepare before leaving:

• Make sure you depart before your current visa expires.
• Confirm that your employer’s sponsorship and your nomination are both approved.
• Gather the documents you need for your application.
• Check whether you need a health examination, and whether you can complete it before you go.

While your application is being processed, you may travel to Australia on another valid visa as long as you follow its conditions.

Abacus comment

The 407 will soon be, in most cases, a visa applied for from overseas. Employers with trainees currently in Australia should urgently review each case before 12 November to determine whether an application can or should be lodged before that date. We will monitor the situation closely and give an update as more information becomes available.

More information can be found on the Department’s website.

This newsletter is a general summary for information only and is not legal advice. Anyone affected by a Subclass 407 nomination or visa refusal should seek advice on their specific circumstances.