407 Training Visa: Offshore Requirement Takes Effect 12 November 2026

The Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that, from 12 November 2026, applicants for the Training visa (subclass 407) must generally be outside Australia both when lodging their application and when the visa is granted.

This is a significant change for temporary visa holders currently in Australia who are planning to transition to a Training visa.

If you're in Australia and considering a Subclass 407 visa, your application timing, sponsorship approval and travel arrangements now require careful planning.

What Is the Subclass 407 Training Visa?

The Subclass 407 visa allows eligible applicants to undertake structured occupational training or professional development in Australia for up to two years.

It covers training required for occupational registration, training to improve skills in an eligible occupation, and certain professional development programmes.

The visa requires an approved temporary activities sponsor and, in most cases, an approved training nomination. It is not intended to be used simply to extend a temporary stay or fill ordinary workforce shortages.

What Is Changing?

Under the new rules, applicants must generally be outside Australia at two key stages:

• When lodging the Subclass 407 visa application
• When the Subclass 407 visa is granted

From 12 November 2026, an application lodged while the applicant is in Australia will generally be invalid, even if ImmiAccount allows it to be submitted.

An invalid application may affect an applicant's lawful visa status, and a decision that an application is invalid cannot be reviewed on its merits by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).

Applicants who lodge offshore may travel to Australia on another valid visa while their application is processed, provided they comply with that visa's conditions. However, they must be outside Australia when the Subclass 407 visa is granted.

An offshore Subclass 407 application does not provide a Bridging visa.

Who Is Affected?

The new requirements apply to Subclass 407 applications lodged on or after 12 November 2026.

Those particularly affected include:

• Temporary visa holders in Australia planning to transition to a Subclass 407 visa.
• Applicants with an approved training sponsor who have not yet lodged their visa application.
• Employers and training sponsors preparing occupational training arrangements for candidates currently in Australia.

Applicants should also be aware that, since 11 March 2026, the sponsor must generally have an approved temporary activities sponsorship and an approved training nomination before the visa application can be lodged. The nomination requirement does not apply where the sponsor is an Australian Commonwealth Government agency.

Are There Any Exceptions?

The amended regulations allow the Minister to specify classes of applicants who may apply for and be granted a Subclass 407 visa while in Australia.

However, no specific exempt class has been confirmed in the official guidance reviewed as at 5 November 2026.

Applicants should not assume they qualify for an exemption without checking the applicable legislation and any relevant legislative instruments.

Applications Lodged Before 12 November 2026

Valid Subclass 407 applications lodged before 12 November 2026 are not affected by the new offshore location requirements.

These applications will continue to be assessed under the rules applicable when they were lodged.

However, applicants must still have satisfied the relevant application requirements, including the sponsorship and nomination arrangements introduced in March 2026.

Practical Steps for Affected Applicants

If you're currently in Australia and considering a Subclass 407 visa:

1. Check your current visa expiry date. Confirm whether you can remain lawfully in Australia while preparing your next application.
2. Confirm sponsorship and nomination approval. Both generally need to be approved before lodging the visa application.
3. Review your application timing. If you cannot lodge a valid application before 12 November 2026, you will generally need to apply from outside Australia.
4. Plan your travel carefully. You must also be outside Australia when the Subclass 407 visa is granted.
5. Review alternative visa options. If the new requirements affect your plans, assess whether another visa pathway may be suitable before making travel or application decisions.

Key Takeaways

• From 12 November 2026, Subclass 407 applicants must generally be outside Australia at both application and grant.
• Onshore applications lodged from that date will generally be invalid, unless an applicable exemption is established.
• Valid applications lodged before 12 November will continue under the previous location requirements.
• Approved sponsorship and training nomination arrangements are generally required before applying.
• Offshore applicants do not receive a Bridging visa linked to their Subclass 407 application.
• Applicants currently in Australia should review their visa status, training arrangements and application timing before proceeding.

Planning a Subclass 407 Visa? Review Your Options Before Applying

Already in Australia and planning to move onto a 407 Training visa?

The new offshore requirements could affect your ability to apply, your travel arrangements and your lawful visa status.

At Riverwood Migration, our migration lawyers can help you assess your eligibility, sponsorship and nomination requirements, and available visa pathways.

Book a consultation with Riverwood Migration to review your options before making any visa or travel decisions.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa eligibility, application validity and any exemptions depend on individual circumstances and the legislation in force at the relevant time.

The content of this article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is complex and subject to change. The information provided may not reflect the most current legal developments. For advice specific to your circumstances, please consult a registered Australian migration lawyer. For full terms governing use of this website and its content, please refer to our Website Terms and Conditions.

Speak with a Riverwood Migration Lawyer

As a regulated Australian migration law practice, Riverwood Migration provides precise, personalised advice on visa strategy, compliance, and application preparation. Speak with our expert legal team. Book a consultation to discuss your circumstances.

Stay Informed on Australian Immigration Law

• YouTube: Johnny Kong | Migration Lawyer
• Instagram: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Facebook: Riverwood Migration
• TikTok: @johnny_migrationlawyer
• Linktree: linktr.ee/johnny_lawyer