Breaking News: Changes to Training Visa Requirements Effective on 11 March 2026
The Australian Government has introduced new legislative changes affecting Training Visa applications, particularly on tightened sponsorship and nomination requirements under the Migration Amendment (Training Visas – Sponsorship Requirements) Regulation 2026.
The amendment primarily affects the Training Visa (subclass 407), introducing new conditions that must be satisfied before lodging a visa application.
These changes are designed to strengthen oversight of training programs and ensure that visa applicants are supported by properly approved sponsors.
What Are the Changes to Training Visa Requirements?
Under the new regulations, applicants will only be able to lodge a valid Training Visa (subclass 407) application after the Department of Home Affairs has approved the sponsorship and nomination applications.
Previously, it was possible to submit the visa application consecutively with the sponsorship or nomination application. The new amendment removes this flexibility.
The key change is that applicants must now have an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor and approved training nomination before lodging the visa application.
Learn more about the Training Visa (subclass 407) requirements here.
New Requirements for Training Visa Applications
Under the new Migration Amendment, the following conditions must be met before a Training Visa application is submitted:
1. Approved Temporary Activities Sponsor
The organisation providing the occupation training must hold approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor.
Without this sponsorship approval, an application for a Training Visa (subclass 407) cannot be lodged.
See the requirements, application steps, and cost to become an approved Temporary Activities Sponsor here.
2. Approved Nomination for the Training Program
Where the sponsor is not a Commonwealth government agency, there must also be an approved nomination for the occupational training program before submitting the visa application.
This nomination outlines:
- The type of training being provided
- The structure of the training program
- The occupation or professional development purpose
- How the training relates to the applicant’s career development
Why the Australian Government Introduced These Changes
The changes to Training Visa requirements aim to improve integrity within Australia’s training visa program by ensuring that:
- Training sponsors are vetted before applications are lodged
- Training programs are properly assessed
- Visa applicants are supported by legitimate training arrangements
By requiring approvals first, the Department of Home Affairs can ensure that the visa program is used for genuine occupational training purposes.
What This Means for Training Visa Applicants
If you plan to apply for the Training Visa, note that the process may now take longer because sponsorship and nomination approvals must be completed first.
You should expect the following steps:
- Employer or organisation becomes an approved sponsor
- The training program nomination is submitted and approved
- You lodge the Training Visa (subclass 407) application
If you submit a visa application before completing the first two steps, your application will likely result in an invalid application.
What This Means for Sponsors and Training Organisations
If you are an organisation or employer wishing to host trainees in Australia, ensure you:
- Hold a valid Temporary Activities Sponsor approval
- Prepare detailed training program documentation
- Lodge nominations early before the intended visa application
Failure to secure these approvals could delay or prevent trainees from entering Australia.
When Do These Changes Apply?
The amendment forms part of broader regulatory adjustments to Australia’s migration framework and is expected to affect Training Visa applications lodged from March 2026 onward.
So, applicants and sponsors should ensure they comply with the updated requirements before lodging any new applications.
Final Thoughts
The Migration Amendment (Training Visas – Sponsorship Requirements) Regulation 2026 represents a tightening of requirements for the Training Visa (subclass 407) program.
While the core purpose of the Training Visa remains the same, which is allowing individuals to undertake occupational training in Australia, the application process now requires greater preparation and earlier sponsor approval.
Applicants and employers should carefully plan their sponsorship and nomination steps before submitting a visa application to avoid delays or invalid lodgments.
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