The Subclass 407 Training Visa (commonly referred to as the 407 Visa or Training Visa) is a short-stay visa designed for individuals who wish to travel to Australia to participate in occupational training or professional development activities. This visa provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills, gain international experience, and meet professional development goals in an Australian workplace or training environment.
With a Training Visa, you can attend work-based activities to meet occupational registration or licensing requirements, enhance skills in your occupation, take part in capacity building work overseas, gain continuing professional development (CPD) experience or training, and improve skills related to higher education studies.
This guide covers everything you need to know about eligibility, streams, sponsorship, fees, and the application process for the Subclass 407 Training Visa.
Key Features of the Subclass 407 Training Visa
- Purpose: To participate in occupational training or professional development programs in Australia.
- Duration: Generally valid for stays of up to two years.
- Location: You can apply either from within Australia or overseas.
- Work Rights: Permitted to undertake training-related activities only (Condition 8102 applies).
- Family: Immediate family members (spouse and children) can be included in the application.
- Health Insurance: You must maintain valid health insurance throughout your stay.
- Cost: From AUD $430.
Am I Eligible for a 407 Visa?
To be eligible for a Subclass 407 Training Visa, all applicants must meet the following common criteria:
- Age: Have turned 18 years of age.
- English: Have functional English (see requirements below).
- Health Insurance: Hold private health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- Genuine Temporary Stay: Genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia for the intended training purpose.
- Health and Character: Meet standard health and character requirements.
- Sponsorship: Be sponsored by an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor.
The Two Pathways: Occupational Trainee vs. Professional Development
The 407 Visa has two distinct eligibility pathways, depending on the nature of your proposed activities in Australia.
Pathway 1: Occupational Trainee Stream
This stream is designed for individuals who require training to enhance their skills in a specific occupation. Activities may include:
- Training required to obtain registration, membership, or a licence to work in Australia or your home country.
- Training for an occupation that is on the 407 Training Visa Occupations List, provided you have recent and suitable prior experience.
- Up to 6 months of practical experience, research, or observation required to obtain an overseas qualification.
- Training supported by a government agency or your home government.
Experience Requirements:
- You must have recent and suitable experience equivalent to at least 12 months full-time experience in the nominated occupation.
- This experience must have occurred in the 24 months immediately before the nomination is lodged.
Training Composition:
Occupational training generally requires at least 70% of the training to be on-the-job (workplace-based) as opposed to classroom training.
Pathway 2: Professional Development Stream
This stream is intended for individuals who are already working overseas in a management or professional position and wish to enhance their skills through a structured program in Australia.
Key Characteristics:
- You must be working overseas in a management or professional role.
- Training is primarily classroom-based (as opposed to on-the-job).
- The training must be in skills relevant to your current overseas position.
Sponsorship Requirements
To apply for a 407 Visa, you must be nominated by an approved sponsor. Your employer cannot be a sole trader or an individual; they must be a lawfully operating organisation.
Sponsorship Process:
- Sponsor Approval: Your employer must become an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor (if they are not already).
- Nomination: Your employer must lodge a nomination for you, detailing the training plan and your eligibility.
- Visa Application: Once the nomination is approved or lodged, you can proceed with your visa application.
Information Required from Your Sponsor:
- Transaction Reference Number (TRN) or Sponsorship Application ID.
- Sponsor approval letter or receipt of lodgement.
- A detailed training plan outlining the activities, duration, and objectives of your training.
407 Visa – Occupations List
For the Occupational Trainee stream, the training must be for an occupation that is on the 407 Training Visa Occupations List. This list generally aligns with skilled occupations and is designed to ensure that training contributes to genuine skill development in areas of need.
Note: If you are unsure whether your occupation is eligible, consult with a Registered Migration Agent or check the current legislative instrument on the Department of Home Affairs website.
English Language Requirements
All 407 Visa applicants must demonstrate functional English.
Acceptable Evidence of Functional English:
| Test | Required Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall band score of at least 4.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | Total score of at least 32 |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of at least 30 |
| CAE | Overall score of at least 147 |
| OET | Pass level |
Exemptions:
You are exempt from the English requirement if:
- You hold a valid passport from the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand, or the Republic of Ireland.
- You have completed at least five years of full-time study in a secondary or higher education institution where all instruction was conducted in English.
Visa Conditions
Condition 8102 (Main Applicant)
The main applicant must not engage in work in Australia other than in relation to the holder’s course of study or training. This means you can only undertake activities that are directly related to the training program outlined in your nomination.
Condition 8104 (Secondary Applicants)
Secondary applicants (family members) must not engage in work for more than 40 hours per fortnight while the holder is in Australia.
Length of Stay
The duration of your 407 Visa will be determined by the case officer based on the training plan and your individual circumstances.
- Minimum Stay: Typically around 6 months (though shorter periods may be considered in limited circumstances).
- Maximum Stay: Up to 2 years.
If You Are Outside Australia at Time of Grant:
- You may travel to and enter Australia after your visa is granted.
- Your stay period begins on the day you first enter Australia.
If You Are in Australia at Time of Grant:
- Your stay period begins on the date your visa is granted.
When you receive your visa, you will be issued a grant notification letter explaining the conditions, maximum stay period, and any entry requirements.
Qualifications and Experience
Nominees for a 407 visa must have appropriate qualifications and/or experience to undertake their planned occupational training.
How to Demonstrate This:
- Provide a letter from the registering regulatory body in Australia (or your home country) confirming that you have appropriate qualifications and/or experience to undertake the occupational training.
- Alternatively, the Department will assess your qualifications and work experience as set out in your CV or résumé.
For further detail on the level of qualification or experience necessary to perform a given occupation in Australia, you may wish to consult the Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) .
Special Requirements for Health Practitioners
Health practitioners who will treat patients as part of their occupational training are required to have conditional registration from the relevant national or state/territory regulatory body.
Required Documentation:
- A letter from the relevant registration authority advising that you have the required conditional registration.
- Confirmation that you are legally permitted to undertake occupational training involving the treatment of patients.
Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Base Application Charge | AUD $430 |
| Additional Applicant (18 and over) | AUD $430 |
| Additional Applicant (Under 18) | AUD $110 |
| Subsequent Temporary Application Charge | AUD $700 |
Note: Fees are subject to change. Always check the current Department of Home Affairs fee schedule before lodging.
Processing Times
Processing times for the Subclass 407 Training Visa can vary depending on:
- Departmental workload and backlog.
- The complexity of your application.
- The completeness of documentation provided.
| Processing Timeframe | Estimate |
|---|---|
| 50% of applications | Within 3 months |
| 90% of applications | Within 9 months |
Bridging Visa: If your current visa is due to expire while you wait for your 407 visa to be processed, lodging a valid application may grant you a Bridging Visa, allowing you to remain lawfully in Australia until a decision is made.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Secure a Sponsor: Find an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor willing to nominate you.
- Develop a Training Plan: Work with your sponsor to create a detailed training plan outlining activities, duration, and objectives.
- Sponsor Lodges Nomination: Your sponsor lodges the nomination application (and sponsorship application if not already approved).
- Prepare Your Documents: Gather evidence of qualifications, experience, English proficiency, health insurance, and financial capacity.
- Lodge Visa Application: Apply online via ImmiAccount. You can do this whether you are in Australia or overseas.
- Provide Biometrics/Health: If requested, complete health examinations and provide biometrics.
- Wait for Decision: Monitor your application and respond to any requests for additional information promptly.
- Receive Visa and Travel: If granted, ensure you comply with all visa conditions during your stay.
