Skilled Visa

Separate changes affecting the Training visa (subclass 407) came into effect on 11 March 2026, fundamentally altering the application sequence. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and what it means in practice. QUICK SUMMARY Concurrent lodgement is no longer allowed Sponsorship and nomination must be approved first Visa application can only be lodged after approvals Processing timelines may increase significantly Bridging visa risks may arise for applicants in Australia Earlier planning is now essential  What Changed? Previously, three steps to gain a Subclass 407 visa could be lodged at the same time: Temporary Activities Sponsorship Training Nomination Visa application This was known as concurrent lodgement, and it allowed applicants and sponsors to move quickly through the process. This is no longer allowed. Under the new rules, a strict sequential process now applies. This means each step must be approved before moving to the next. In practice, this requires: The Temporary Activities Sponsorship is to be approved first The Training Nomination is to be approved Only after both approvals are granted can the visa application be lodged This change means applicants can no longer submit everything together and must instead wait for approvals at each stage before proceeding. Why This Matters This change can significantly extend overall processing timelines. Previously, applicants could lodge their visa while sponsorship and nomination were still being assessed. Now, applicants must wait for both approvals before lodging the visa application. Current processing times for sponsorship and nomination can range from several months to almost a year in some cases. This means training start dates may need to be pushed back accordingly. This change may also create risks for applicants already in Australia. A bridging visa is only granted after a valid visa application is lodged. Since applicants must now wait for approvals before lodging, some individuals may face: Visa expiry before they can lodge Gaps in lawful status Limited options to remain in Australia Planning ahead is now critical to avoid these situations. Who Is Most Affected? These changes particularly impact: Recent graduates seeking workplace training Internship-style training programs Employers running structured training initiatives Organisations bringing overseas trainees to Australia Applicants transitioning from other temporary visas The subclass 407 visa is designed for structured workplace-based training, not standard employment. Training plans must be genuine, structured, and clearly documented. CONTACT US FOR A CONSULTATION