Quick Answer: The Subclass 407 Training Visa allows overseas workers and Australian permanent residents to complete occupational training in Australia for up to two years. It is employer-sponsored, requires a Deed of Agreement, and covers structured workplace-based training, English language development, and professional development programs.
If you or your employee needs to complete occupational training in Australia, the Subclass 407 Training Visa is the pathway designed for exactly that purpose. Unlike work visas, the 407 visa is strictly for training β and getting the documentation wrong is the single biggest reason applications are refused.
In this guide, Umar Ashraf (MARN 2619222) from Magpie Consultants explains everything you need to know about the 407 visa: who qualifies, what documents are required, how long it takes, and the common mistakes that get applications rejected.
What Is the Subclass 407 Training Visa?
The Subclass 407 Training Visa is a temporary Australian visa for people who want to participate in occupational training in Australia. It was introduced as part of Australia’s employer-sponsored visa framework and sits alongside the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage Visa as an employer-sponsored pathway β but with a fundamentally different purpose.
The 407 visa is not a work visa. Holders cannot simply be employed to do a job. The primary purpose must be training, and the Department of Home Affairs scrutinises applications carefully to ensure there is a genuine training need that cannot be met in the applicant’s home country.
Key facts at a glance:
- Maximum stay: 2 years
- Work rights: Limited to the approved training activity only
- Sponsor required: An approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS)
- Family members: Can accompany the primary applicant
- Pathway to PR: Not a direct PR pathway β but training gained may support a future skilled visa
Three Streams: Which One Applies to You?
The 407 visa has three distinct streams, each for a different type of training activity. Choosing the wrong stream is a fast track to refusal.
Stream 1 β Occupational Training to Enhance Skills
This is the most commonly used stream. It is for people who need to participate in structured workplace-based training to improve their skills in an occupation they already work in. The training must be linked to their current occupation and must not be available in their home country to the same standard.
Example: An engineer from India who needs Australian-specific safety training before their employer brings them onshore permanently.
Stream 2 β Occupational Training Required by an Australian Government Agency
This stream is for training that has been formally arranged by an Australian government agency β for example, training programs run through state government health departments or technical authorities. The nominating organisation must be an Australian government agency or one operating under their arrangement.
Example: An overseas nurse nominated by a state health department for a structured clinical training program.
Stream 3 β Occupational Training for the Purpose of Capacity Building Overseas
This stream is for applicants whose training will ultimately benefit a developing country or overseas organisation. The training is completed in Australia, but the skills are intended to be taken back and applied offshore.
Example: A worker from a developing country sponsored by an Australian company to complete technical training before returning home to lead local operations.
Eligibility Requirements for the 407 Visa
To be eligible for the Subclass 407 Training Visa, both the sponsor and the applicant must meet specific requirements.
Sponsor Requirements
- Must be an approved Standard Business Sponsor (SBS) β the same sponsorship type used for the 482 visa
- Must lodge a Nomination for the training activity, including a Deed of Agreement that sets out the training plan in detail
- Must demonstrate that the training is genuine and that a genuine need exists for it
- Must not use the visa as a substitute for employing an Australian worker
Applicant Requirements
- Must be outside Australia at time of application (or inside on a valid substantive visa)
- Must be nominated for an approved training activity
- Must meet standard health and character requirements (health examinations + police clearances)
- Must have adequate English β unless exempt (certain nationalities, or if training is in English)
- Must have relevant skills and experience in the nominated occupation
The Deed of Agreement β The Critical Document
The Deed of Agreement is the single most important document in a 407 nomination. It must include:
- A detailed training plan with specific activities and timeframes
- The name of the supervisor or trainer
- How the training will enhance the nominee’s skills
- Why the training cannot be provided in the home country
- What outcomes will be achieved at the end of the training period
Vague Deeds of Agreement β for example, saying “the trainee will shadow experienced staff” β are routinely rejected. The training plan must be specific, structured, and measurable.
Documents Required for a 407 Visa Application
Below is the core document checklist. Your registered migration agent will advise on additional documents based on your specific circumstances.
Sponsor / Nomination Documents
- Completed Deed of Agreement (signed by both parties)
- Evidence of Standard Business Sponsorship approval
- Detailed training plan and schedule
- Evidence the sponsor is a lawfully operating business (ASIC registration, financials)
- Statement explaining why the training cannot be provided offshore
Applicant Documents
- Completed application form (Form 1066 β lodged online via ImmiAccount)
- Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Current resume showing relevant skills and employment history
- Certified copies of qualifications and transcripts
- English language evidence (IELTS, PTE, OET β or exemption evidence)
- Health examination results (Form 26)
- Police clearances from all countries lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years
- Statement of purpose explaining why you need this training
407 Visa Costs in 2026
The visa application charge for a Subclass 407 Training Visa is set by the Department of Home Affairs. As of July 2025, the primary applicant fee is AUD $3,115, with additional charges for secondary applicants (AUD $785 per adult, AUD $390 per child).
Unlike the 482 visa, the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy does not apply to 407 visa nominations β this is a significant cost saving for smaller employers.
However, sponsors should budget for:
- Migration agent fees (nomination + visa application)
- Medical examination costs (approximately AUD $300β450 per person)
- Police clearance fees (varies by country)
- Translation costs for non-English documents
Always check the Department of Home Affairs 407 visa page for the most current fee schedule before lodging.
407 Visa Processing Time in 2026
The Department of Home Affairs does not publish fixed processing times for the 407 visa as they fluctuate based on application volumes. However, based on current processing data:
- 75% of applications are processed within approximately 3β5 months
- 90% of applications are processed within approximately 7β10 months
Applications that are complete, well-documented, and have a clear Deed of Agreement tend to process faster. Applications that receive requests for further information (RFIs) can take significantly longer β which is why having an experienced 407 visa agent prepare your application correctly from the outset matters.
You can check current processing times at immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.
407 Visa Conditions
The Subclass 407 visa is granted with specific conditions that holders must comply with:
- Condition 8570: Must work only for the approved training sponsor in the approved training activity
- Condition 8501: Must maintain adequate health insurance (OVHC)
- Condition 8303: Must not get involved in criminal activities
- No work outside the training activity: Unlike the 482 visa, 407 holders cannot work for other employers
- Must complete the approved training: Departing before completing the training plan may affect future visa applications
Common Reasons for 407 Visa Refusal
These are the most frequent reasons 407 applications are refused or returned β and all of them are preventable with proper preparation:
- Vague Deed of Agreement: The training plan lacks specific activities, timelines, or measurable outcomes
- No genuine training need: The Department determines the role is really employment disguised as training
- Training available offshore: The sponsor cannot demonstrate why the training must occur in Australia
- Applicant lacks relevant background: The nominee’s qualifications and experience don’t align with the training occupation
- English requirements not met: The applicant doesn’t have required English evidence and is not exempt
- Health or character issues: Undisclosed prior visa refusals, criminal history, or medical conditions
If your 407 application has been refused or you’ve received a refusal letter, our complex cases team can advise on your options, including an AAT/ART appeal or a fresh application with stronger evidence.
Need help with a Subclass 407 Training Visa? Umar Ashraf (MARN 2619222) at Magpie Consultants has helped employers and overseas workers navigate the 407 visa process from start to finish. Book a consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions β Subclass 407 Training Visa
Can I work in Australia on a Subclass 407 Training Visa?
Only within the scope of your approved training activity. The 407 visa is not a general work visa β you cannot take additional employment or work for a different employer. Your work rights are strictly limited to the training program specified in your Deed of Agreement.
How long can I stay in Australia on a 407 visa?
The maximum stay is 2 years. The actual duration granted will match the length of the approved training program in your Deed of Agreement and will not exceed the 2-year maximum.
Can I bring my family on a 407 visa?
Yes. Your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children can accompany you as secondary applicants. They can study freely, but their work rights are limited unless they hold a separate visa granting work entitlements.
Does the SAF Levy apply to the 407 Training Visa?
No. The Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) Levy that applies to 482 and 186 nominations does not apply to 407 nominations β a significant saving for employers, especially small businesses.
Is the Subclass 407 a pathway to permanent residency?
Not directly. But the Australian training experience and skills gained may strengthen a future skilled visa application (189, 190, or 491) if your occupation is on the relevant skills list.
What is a Deed of Agreement and do I need one?
Yes β it is mandatory. The Deed of Agreement is a formal document signed by both sponsor and trainee, detailing the training program, activities, duration, supervisor, and expected outcomes. A vague or incomplete Deed is the most common cause of 407 refusals.
This article was prepared by Umar Ashraf, Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2619222) at Magpie Consultants, Melbourne. It is general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Visa regulations change frequently β always consult a registered agent before lodging an application. Source: Department of Home Affairs β Subclass 407.

Umar Ashraf
MARA Registered Migration Agent & Education Consultant | MARA #2619222 | Epping, Melbourne VIC
Umar Ashraf is a MARA-registered migration agent specialising in complex cases, visa cancellations, ART tribunal appeals, and employer sponsorship. He provides consultations in English, Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi.
