The Australian Government has introduced new location rules for Training (subclass 407) visa applications from 12 November 2026.
If you are in Australia arranging training, this affects more than your departure date. You need to distinguish sponsor approval, nomination approval and a valid visa application, and consider how you will maintain lawful status while making those plans.
QUICK ANSWER
Can I still apply for a 407 visa in Australia?
Generally, no—from 12 November 2026 you must apply outside Australia and be offshore when the visa is granted. The legislation allows an exception for a class specified by the Minister; the exception requirements need checking separately.
Applying offshore and being offshore at grant are distinct requirements. Leaving to submit an application does not remove the grant-location requirement. November amendment
Why is the Government changing the rules?
The Government says it wants to limit successive temporary visa applications used to prolong an onshore stay beyond its original purpose. That is the policy explanation in the Explanatory Statement, not a finding about every applicant's intentions. Explanatory Statement
The 407 visa is for occupational training or professional development, including workplace-based training to improve relevant skills. It is not intended for ongoing employment or simply filling a vacancy. A genuine training opportunity remains central to the program. Home Affairs: Training visa
Didn't the sponsorship rules already change in March?
Yes. The March change concerned approvals before applying; the November change adds location requirements. They address different parts of the process.
For visa applications subject to the reforms commencing 11 March 2026, the sponsor must already be approved as a temporary activities sponsor. Unless the sponsor is a Commonwealth agency, the applicant must also have an approved training nomination whose approval has not ceased, and identify it in the visa application. March amendment
Previously, sponsorship, nomination and visa applications could be lodged together, with approvals required before visa grant. The March reform moved the relevant approvals to the visa-application stage. Sponsorship, nomination and visa applications therefore need to be planned in sequence. March Explanatory Statement
What if my visa application is already lodged?
The November changes do not apply if your Training visa application was validly lodged before 12 November 2026. It remains subject to the rules applicable when lodged.
The transition concerns the visa application—not merely a sponsorship or nomination application. If only those earlier stages are pending, that does not establish that you have a pre-commencement visa application. Home Affairs: application changes
Is applying in the wrong location just a refusal risk?
No. Application validity comes before a decision to grant or refuse a visa. Under section 47 of the Migration Act, an invalid application is not considered as a valid visa application. That is different from assessing a valid application and refusing it on its merits. Migration Act, sections 46–47
Home Affairs warns that an onshore application subject to the new offshore rule is invalid even if ImmiAccount accepts the submission. Online submission alone does not establish validity.
Can I rely on a bridging visa while waiting?
An offshore 407 application does not provide a bridging visa linked to that application. Under the general rule, you cannot plan to lodge onshore after commencement and rely on that application to extend your stay.
Existing visa conditions and bridging arrangements need separate assessment; this is not an announcement that all existing bridging visas end on 12 November.
Must I stay overseas throughout processing?
No. Home Affairs says you may travel to Australia on another valid visa during processing, subject to its conditions. The default offshore grant requirement still applies. This does not guarantee entry or grant. Home Affairs: application changes
Could an exception allow me to apply in Australia?
Only if you fall within a class specified in the relevant ministerial instrument and meet the applicable requirements. For the grant exception, class membership is tested at application. The exception permits onshore or offshore application and grant, but not while in immigration clearance.
A suitable training placement alone does not establish an exception. Before relying on an exception, check the relevant instrument and whether you meet its requirements at the time of application. November amendment
What should I check before making plans?
Check the application sequence and your current visa position before committing to training or travel. In particular:
- Your current visa expiry date and conditions.
- Whether sponsorship and any required nomination are already approved.
- Whether a valid visa application has been lodged, and when.
- Where you must be at application and grant, including any verified exception.
- How any departure or return would affect your existing visa arrangements.
View sources · 9
- Migration Amendment (Training Visas—Application Requirements) Regulations 2026 (opens in a new tab)
Federal Register of Legislation · Checked
- Explanatory Statement — F2026L01449 (opens in a new tab)
Department of Home Affairs · Checked
- Changes to Training visa application rules (subclass 407) (opens in a new tab)
Department of Home Affairs · Checked
- Migration Regulations 1994 — compilation 289 — Volume 1 (opens in a new tab)
Federal Register of Legislation · Checked
- Migration Regulations 1994 — compilation 289 — Volume 2 (opens in a new tab)
Federal Register of Legislation · Checked
- March sponsorship amendment (opens in a new tab)
Federal Register of Legislation · Checked
- March Explanatory Statement (opens in a new tab)
Department of Home Affairs · Checked
- Training visa (subclass 407) (opens in a new tab)
Department of Home Affairs · Checked
- Migration Act 1958 — compilation 172, 8 October 2026, Volume 1 (opens in a new tab)
Federal Register of Legislation · Checked
CONSULTATION
Would you like to discuss your training plans?
Hans Immigration Services can discuss how the timing and requirements relate to your circumstances. Whether you are the prospective trainee or the organisation arranging training, bring your current visa details and sponsorship or nomination information to the consultation so the relevant steps can be considered together.
Book a Consultation