Training Visa (subclass 407) — Australia

The Training Visa (subclass 407) lets you complete structured, workplace-based occupational training in Australia. It’s used to improve your skills for your current job, tertiary field of study, or area of professional expertise through an approved training program overseen by the Department of Home Affairs.

Who it's for

Apply for the Training Visa (subclass 407) if you need practical, workplace-based training rather than full-time academic study.

This visa is suitable if:

• You work in a specific occupation and need hands-on training to improve your skills.
• You recently completed or are completing tertiary studies and require occupational training in your field.
• You participate in a structured professional development training program.

It isn’t a substitute for a Student Visa (subclass 500), which focuses on formal education courses. It also differs from employment-focused visas like the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) or permanent options such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).

If you already hold or are considering a Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) or Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408), compare whether your main purpose is structured occupational training. The Department of Home Affairs will look at your stated training purpose and supporting documentation, which may include identity and background forms such as Form Form 80 where requested.

What training is covered

This visa covers workplace-based occupational training activities delivered in Australia.

Your training must directly relate to:

• Your current occupation
• Your area of tertiary study
• Your established field of expertise
• A structured professional development training program

The training takes place in a real work environment. It focuses on skill development, not paid employment as the main purpose.

You can’t use this visa just to work in Australia. The central activity must be occupational training, and your program must clearly show how it builds your professional skills.

Program purpose

The core purpose of the Training Visa (subclass 407) is structured skill development.

You use it to gain practical experience that strengthens your competence in a specific occupation or professional field. The training must be planned and targeted.

Home Affairs looks for:

• A program that clearly outlines training objectives.
• Activities focused on developing occupational skills.
• Training that aligns with your background and professional goals.

Your application should show that occupational training is the primary reason you want to enter and stay in Australia.

Your work rights depend on the type of occupational training you undertake and the visa you hold. Home Affairs sets the conditions, and you must follow them strictly to avoid breaching your visa.

Work during training

Occupational training focuses on structured, workplace-based learning. You’ll complete practical training that directly relates to your approved program.

You must only perform duties that form part of your training plan. Don’t treat the placement as open employment unless your visa conditions allow it.

Your work rights vary by visa:

Home Affairs may also assess your background through documents such as Form

1. Provide accurate information about your employment and training history.

If you later apply for visas such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) or the Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), ensure your training records clearly show relevant duties and supervision.

Types of occupational training

The training must fall within one of three recognised categories. Each serves a specific purpose and requires clear documentation.

You must show that the training:

• Directly relates to your current occupation or field of study
• Takes place in a structured workplace environment
• Has defined learning objectives

Training designed only to fill a labour shortage won’t meet the purpose of occupational training. The focus must remain on skill development.

Placement & supervision

Your placement must operate under formal supervision. A qualified supervisor should oversee your duties and confirm your progress.

The training plan should outline:

1. Specific tasks and competencies

2. Duration and schedule

3. Assessment or evaluation methods

4. Supervisor details and qualifications

You can’t arrange informal or unsupervised work and call it training. Home Affairs expects clear evidence that the placement improves your professional skills.

Keep written agreements, progress reports, and supervisor feedback. These records support future applications, including the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) or permanent pathways such as the Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189).

The Department of Home Affairs assesses compliance. The Australian Border Force manages entry at the border, but visa conditions remain enforceable throughout your stay.

Seek help when your application involves detailed background disclosures, overlapping visa histories, or complex sponsorship arrangements. Mistakes in forms such as Form Form 80 can cause delays because Home Affairs uses this information for security assessments.

Using a migration agent or legal help

If you want professional representation, appoint a registered migration agent or legal practitioner using Form

1. This form authorizes them to communicate with the Department of Home Affairs on your behalf.

Consider assistance if you:

• Previously held a Student Visa (subclass 500) and are moving to a Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408)
• Plan to transition later to visas such as the Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485), Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482), or Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• Have prior refusals, cancellations, or complex travel histories

A representative helps ensure your training position aligns with visa conditions and that your documents remain consistent across applications. They also manage communication with Home Affairs and respond to requests for further information.

If you don’t appoint a representative, you remain fully responsible for the accuracy of your application.

Complex forms & background checks

If you have trouble completing Form 80 accurately, seek help. Home Affairs uses this form for background and security checks, and inconsistencies can delay your application.

Before you submit, gather a full 10‑year history of:

• Residential addresses
• Employment
• Education
• International travel

Gaps in these histories cause delays. Reconstruct travel dates using passport stamps, boarding passes, or booking records.

If you can't recall exact dates, make your best accurate estimate rather than leaving blanks.

If Home Affairs also requires Form 1221, make sure both forms match exactly. Overlapping questions must contain the same details.

Do not omit travel to conflict or sensitive regions. Full disclosure reduces suspicion.

Police certificates are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If processing takes longer, you may need to provide updated certificates.

Practical expert tips

If your background includes frequent travel, multiple visa subclasses, or long employment gaps, seek guidance early.

Take these steps before you lodge:

1. Build a detailed 10‑year timeline covering work, study, travel, and residence.

2. Cross‑check all dates across every form.

3. Confirm police certificates will remain valid during processing.

4. Keep copies of all documents you submit to Home Affairs.

If you previously held visas such as subclass 500, 485, or 482, check that your historical information matches earlier applications. Home Affairs compares current forms with prior records.

If you're unsure about consistency, disclosure, or documentation standards, professional advice helps avoid preventable delays.

Your options after graduation depend on your long-term plans and eligibility. You may transition to another temporary visa or pursue a skilled permanent pathway managed by Home Affairs.

Pathways and next steps

After your training, you must hold a valid visa to remain in Australia. The Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) doesn't provide a direct path to permanent residence, so you'll need to apply for a new visa before it expires.

Common visa pathways include:

• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485)
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482)
• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189)
• A new Student Visa (subclass 500) if you return to study

If you apply under a skilled permanent stream, Home Affairs may require Form Form 80 (Personal particulars for assessment including character assessment).

You should prepare:

• A complete visa application through Home Affairs
• Supporting identity and background documents
• Form 80, if requested
• Accurate employment and education history

Incomplete or inconsistent information can delay your application.

Processing times for skilled/permanent streams

processing times differ by visa category and where you apply. Home Affairs publishes updated timelines.

For applicants in the Skilled (Permanent) category who must submit Form 80, current processing is about 13 months. This can change depending on caseload and your circumstances.

Processing time depends on:

• Visa subclass
• Completeness of your documents
• Whether Home Affairs requests additional information
• Security and character assessments

You must hold a valid visa while your new application is under assessment. If your current visa will expire before a decision, confirm bridging or interim arrangements directly with Home Affairs.

You must meet specific sponsorship, age, and program criteria before Home Affairs will decide your application. Each requirement focuses on your approved training arrangement and your personal eligibility at the time of decision.

Sponsorship & nomination

You must have an approved sponsor unless your sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency.

Your sponsor must formally nominate you for a structured program of occupational training. This nomination confirms that the training is genuine and that you'll participate in the approved activities.

You can't apply independently without sponsorship unless the sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency.

Your application must include:

• Evidence that an approved sponsor supports you
• A formal nomination for your occupational training program (if required)
• Details of the proposed occupational training
• Proof of enrolment in the training program

Home Affairs assesses both the sponsorship and nomination before deciding your Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408) application.

Age & visa status

You must be at least 18 years old when Home Affairs makes a decision on your application.

If you turn 18 after lodging but before a decision, you must still meet the age requirement at the time of decision.

Eligibility is assessed at decision stage, not just at lodgement.

If you currently hold another visa, such as subclass 500, 485, 482, or 189, you must still meet the training visa requirements independently.

Home Affairs may also request more personal information during assessment, including Form Form 80 if required.

Program-specific eligibility

Your training must be clearly defined and directly related to occupational development.

You must provide detailed information about:

• The structure of the training program
• The duration and format of the training
• The skills or competencies you will develop
• Confirmation of your enrolment

Home Affairs evaluates whether the training arrangement matches the purpose of the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).

Incomplete or vague training plans can delay or prevent approval. Your documentation must show that the program is organised, occupationally focused, and supported by your sponsor.

You need an ImmiAccount to lodge and manage your Australia training visa application with the Department of Home Affairs. The account lets you select the correct visa type, fill in required fields, and upload documents after submission.

Sign up & login

Create your ImmiAccount through the Department of Home Affairs online services portal. Set a username and password, and keep them secure.

When logging in, enter:

• Username
• Password

If you forget your username or password, use the account recovery options on the login page. Lost access to your multi-factor authentication app? Follow the recovery steps provided before submitting or updating an application.

Each application requires you to select a visa type before proceeding. For a training visa, you’ll usually pick the right category under the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408).

Use this table to see how visa types appear in the system:

Selecting the wrong subclass causes delays since you’d have to withdraw and reapply.

Visa type menus & tools

When starting a new application, the system asks you to pick a visa category from a dropdown list. Anything marked with an asterisk (*) is mandatory. You can’t move forward unless you fill those in.

For a training visa, make sure you’re applying under the correct stream of the Temporary Activity Visa (subclass 408). Don’t mix this up with:

• Student Visa (subclass 500) for full-time study
• Temporary Graduate Visa (subclass 485) for recent graduates
• Temporary Skill Shortage Visa (subclass 482) for employer-sponsored skilled work
• Skilled Independent Visa (subclass 189) for points-tested permanent migration

The menu structure helps you find the correct subclass before answering eligibility questions. Double-check your selection on the summary screen before you submit.

If your application needs extra character information, you might need to complete Form Form 80 and upload it through your ImmiAccount.

Uploading missing documents

If you didn’t attach all required documents when lodging your application, upload them as soon as possible through your ImmiAccount. Missing documents can slow down assessment.

Log in and open your submitted application. Use the document attachment function to add files to the right document category.

Follow these steps:

1. Open your application dashboard.

2. Select the relevant application.

3. Choose the document type from the dropdown list.

4. Upload the file.

5. Make sure the attachment appears in your document list.

Upload clear, complete copies. Label documents accurately so the case officer can identify them quickly.

If Home Affairs asks for more documents, respond through your ImmiAccount rather than by email. Keep all communication and uploads within the system for a full application record.