The Training visa (subclass 407) is an Australian temporary visa that allows people to participate in workplace-based occupational training in Australia to improve their skills, undertake professional development, or participate in government-sponsored training programs. It replaced the former subclass 402 (Training and Research visa). The 407 is not a work visa — the primary purpose of the stay must be genuine training, not productive employment for the benefit of the sponsor. The visa duration is determined by the length of the training program.

For current eligible training activity types, sponsor approval requirements, and processing times, refer to the DHA subclass 407 page.

• Migration Regulations 1994 — Subclass 407 (Training) — the visa criteria
• DHA: Training visa (subclass 407) — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/training-407
• DHA: Occupational training types for subclass 407 — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/training-407/occupational-training-types
• DHA: Temporary activities sponsor — immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/temporary-activities-sponsor

The three types of covered activities

1. Occupational training to improve skills

This is the most commonly used activity type. It covers workplace-based training where the applicant wishes to improve their skills in their current occupation, in an occupation related to their field of tertiary study, or in a recognised field of expertise. The training must be structured and genuinely aimed at skills development — it must not be primarily productive work performed for the benefit of the sponsoring organisation. The training can be in Australia for a role the applicant holds overseas, or to develop expertise in skills not available in the applicant's home country.

2. Government-sponsored occupational training

This activity type covers occupational training that is funded or supported by the Australian Government, a foreign government, or an international organisation. Government-sponsored training is typically part of aid or development programs, bilateral cooperation agreements, or scholarship arrangements. The sponsor for this type is often the relevant government agency or program administrator.

3. Professional development program

This activity type covers professional development programs — structured programs aimed at developing professional skills and knowledge in a particular industry or field. These programs are often run by industry bodies, professional associations, or employers as part of a formal professional development curriculum. The program must have clear learning objectives and outcomes and must not be primarily productive employment.

Approved temporary activities sponsor

The 407 visa requires the holder to be nominated by an approved temporary activities sponsor. The sponsor must apply for and receive approval from DHA before they can nominate persons for the 407. Sponsor approval is separate from the visa application. An approved temporary activities sponsor can sponsor persons for a range of temporary activity visa subclasses including the 407, 403 (Temporary Work — International Relations), and 408 (Temporary Activity). The application for temporary activities sponsorship is made using Form 1283. For current eligibility requirements and sponsor obligations, refer to the DHA temporary activities sponsor page.

Training must be genuine — not productive employment

A core integrity requirement of the 407 is that the activity must constitute genuine training, not productive work. DHA assesses whether the primary purpose is skills development (legitimate for the 407) versus performing work that productively benefits the employer (not legitimate — a work visa would be required instead). Factors considered include:

• Whether the training has a structured plan and defined outcomes
• Whether the tasks performed are primarily for training purposes or for the employer's operational benefit
• Whether an equivalent Australian worker would be paid to perform the same tasks
• Whether the training improves the applicant's skills beyond what their current role requires

Visa duration and conditions

The subclass 407 is granted for the period of the training program — up to a maximum set by the visa conditions and the training plan submitted. The visa is tied to the specific training activity nominated. If the holder completes or ceases the nominated training, they cannot remain in Australia under the 407 for other purposes. For current maximum stay periods by activity type, refer to the DHA 407 page.

Health and character requirements

Applicants must meet Australia's standard health and character requirements for a temporary visa. The applicable health requirements depend on the country of residence and the length of stay. For current health requirement thresholds, refer to the DHA 407 page.

407 vs. 482 — training or work?

The distinction between the 407 (training) and the 482 Skills in Demand visa (work) is significant. If a company wants to bring an overseas worker to perform productive work in Australia, the appropriate visa is the 482 — not the 407. Using the 407 for what is effectively a work arrangement is non-compliant and can expose both the sponsor and the visa holder to enforcement action. If the primary purpose is genuine skills training with only incidental productive output, the 407 is appropriate.

The subclass 407 is a niche visa used for specific training purposes — it is not a high-volume pathway. It is most commonly used by multinational companies seconding staff from overseas for structured training programs, by governments and international organisations operating aid/development programs, and by industry associations running formal professional development curricula. For current eligible training activity categories, sponsorship requirements, and processing times, refer to the DHA subclass 407 page.