Training visa program changes in 2026

Australia's Training (subclass 407) visa program has been significantly tightened in 2026, reflecting a stronger government focus on genuine workplace training, sponsor accountability and the protection of overseas workers. The Australian government had increase of about 360% in applications in this program between July 2024 and December 2025.

The changes were done without stakeholder consultation and implemented immediately upon announcement aiming to reduce the demand for the program and ensure the Training visa is used for structured, workplace-based skills development, not as an alternative route to employment or an extended stay in Australia.

The most recent change from 12 November 2026, has made program only available to visa applicants outside Australia with the introduction of new requirement that applicants must be outside the country when they lodge their Subclass 407 application and when the visa is granted. Though applicants may be able to travel to Australia on another valid visa while waiting, provided they meet its conditions, they have to depart for the approval of their Training visa.

An application lodged from within Australia will be found invalid, even if ImmiAccount allows it to be submitted. A decision that an application is invalid cannot be merits reviewed, and an invalid application gives no protection to someone whose current visa is expiring or has expired. The application charge will be refunded, and the applicant may need to depart Australia. Moreover, visa applicants may not be eligible to apply for another visa once they lose their visa status. They could be subject to detention and removal.

Transitional arrangements are in place for those who made valid applications lodged before 12 November 2026. They will be assessed under the rules in place at lodgement, so the new offshore requirements do not apply to them.

This is the final change in series of amendments that occurred earlies in the year. The Government says the changes address the issue of overseas nationals having a status of "permanent temporariness" via repeatedly extending their stay through various temporary visas, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation.

In March 2026 the Government introduced a rule that approved nomination was required before lodgement of a valid Training visa. Applicants must wait until their proposed sponsor is approved as a Temporary Activities Sponsor and their Training visa nomination is approved before lodging a valid Training visa application. Previously, these approvals were only needed before the visa was granted. The only exception is for Commonwealth government agencies, which need sponsor approval but not a separate nomination.

In May 2026, the Australian Border Force (ABF) launched a national compliance operation, led by the Department's Sponsor Monitoring Unit, targeting fraudulent training arrangements and exploitative practices. More than 100 site visits were conducted across six states and territories in the first month. If investigators found non-compliance with the sponsorship undertakings they could impose sanctions, which could lead to suspension or cancellation of sponsorship rights, affecting future sponsorship. Investigators were focusing on sanctions for employers who did not provide genuine, structured training, who place trainees in roles unrelated to their approved training plans, or who use the visa to access overseas labour.

What all these changes mean in practice

Australian employers must offer genuine, detailed training plans relevant to the trainee's professional development or registration. Ensure ongoing compliance with their sponsorship obligations. Review existing arrangements to confirm the training delivered matches the approved nomination and are not performing ordinary employment duties unrelated to their training. Keep accurate records of training activities, supervision and progress. Most importantly  cooperate with officers of ABF and seek legal advise early.  

The Training visa application process now demands far more forward planning for visa applicants too. Visa expiry dates for those onshore, travel arrangements for offshore processing, processing times, sponsorship and nomination approvals available, as well as any alternative visa options to travel to Australia should all be considered before making decision to pursue a Training visa application.

As the regulatory environment becomes more stringent, obtaining immigration advice early, well ahead of the intended training start date, is increasingly important. Assent Migration Lawyers can help employers and applicants navigate these requirements.