Subclass 407 Visa Sponsorship & Nomination Requirements Explained

Executive Summary

Subclass 407 Visa Requirements – Securing sponsorship and nomination is the most critical step in obtaining a Training Visa 407. Unlike other Australian work visas where applicants can apply independently, the 407 training visa requires mandatory employer sponsorship and nomination before you can even lodge your visa application. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about 407 training visa sponsorship, 407 sponsorship requirements, the nomination process, and how to navigate this complex pathway successfully.

What is 407 Visa Sponsorship?

407 training visa sponsorship is a two-stage process where an Australian organization must first become an approved temporary activities sponsor, and then formally nominate a candidate for workplace-based training. This 407 sponsorship framework ensures that training programs are genuine, structured, and provide real skill development benefits.

What is 407 visa in Australia sponsorship different from other visas? Unlike the 482 visa or other work sponsor Australia programs that focus on filling labor shortages, the subclass 407 sponsorship is specifically designed for training and skill development purposes. The sponsor’s primary obligation is to provide structured training rather than filling a job vacancy.

The training visa 407 sponsorship pathway consists of three distinct stages:

1. Sponsorship Approval – Organization becomes approved sponsor
2. Nomination – Sponsor nominates specific trainee
3. Visa Application – Trainee applies for the actual visa

Understanding each stage and its 407 training visa requirements is essential for both sponsors and applicants seeking this training visa australia pathway.

Who Can Become a 407 Visa Sponsor?

Who can sponsor a 407 visa in Australia? The 407 training visa sponsorship is available to a wide range of Australian organizations that can demonstrate genuine capacity to provide structured workplace training.

Eligible Sponsor Types for Training Visa 407

Organizations eligible for 407 sponsorship include:

Business Sponsors:

• Australian registered companies and businesses
• Small, medium, and large enterprises
• Professional services firms
• Manufacturing and industrial companies
• Technology and IT companies
• Healthcare facilities and hospitals

Educational and Training Institutions:

• Universities and higher education providers
• Vocational education and training (VET) providers
• Registered training organizations (RTOs)
• Research institutions
• Professional training academies

Government and Public Sector:

• Commonwealth government agencies
• State and territory government departments
• Local councils and authorities
• Statutory authorities
• Government-owned corporations

Non-Profit Organizations:

• Registered charities
• Religious institutions
• Community organizations
• Industry associations
• Professional bodies

International Organizations:

• Foreign government agencies (for capacity-building programs)
• International development organizations
• Multinational corporations with Australian operations
• Diplomatic missions and consulates

Key Requirements for Becoming a 407 Sponsor

To become an approved work sponsor Australia for the subclass 407 visa, organizations must meet specific criteria:

1. Legal Business Status:

• Be lawfully operating in Australia
• Have valid Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Maintain proper business registration
• Demonstrate financial viability

2. Training Capacity:

• Have facilities suitable for training delivery
• Employ qualified trainers and supervisors
• Demonstrate industry expertise in the training field
• Show capacity to provide structured workplace learning

3. Compliance History:

• No adverse findings from previous sponsorships
• Compliance with Australian workplace laws
• Payment of wages and entitlements where applicable
• No history of visa-related breaches

4. Genuine Need:

• Demonstrate legitimate need to provide training
• Show training aligns with business activities
• Prove training is not displacing Australian workers
• Establish training benefit to both trainee and organization

The Three-Stage Sponsorship Process

Understanding the complete 407 training visa sponsorship process helps both sponsors and applicants prepare effectively for the training visa 407 Australia pathway.

Stage 1: Temporary Activities Sponsor Approval

The first stage requires the organization to apply for approval as a temporary activities sponsor for the 407 visa.

Application Requirements:

Requirement	Details
Form	Form 1413 – Application for Approval as a Temporary Activities Sponsor
Fee	AUD $420 (significantly lower than other sponsorship types)
Processing Time	Typically 5-28 days for straightforward cases
Validity	5 years from approval date
Evidence Required	Business registration, ABN, financial records, training capacity evidence

Documents Needed for Sponsorship Approval:

• Certificate of incorporation or business registration
• Australian Business Number (ABN) verification
• Evidence of lawful operation in Australia
• Financial statements or evidence of financial viability
• Organizational structure and staff details
• Details of training facilities and resources
• Previous sponsorship history (if applicable)
• Compliance declarations

Key Points About Sponsor Approval:

• One-time application valid for 5 years
• Can nominate multiple trainees during validity period
• Must maintain compliance throughout sponsorship period
• Can sponsor for different training programs
• Must notify Department of changes to business circumstances

Stage 2: Nomination Application

Once approved as a sponsor, the organization must nominate each individual trainee for the training visa 407.

Nomination Requirements:

Requirement	Details
Form	Form 1100 – Nomination for Training visa (subclass 407)
Fee	AUD $170 per nomination
Processing Time	Typically 14-56 days (can vary significantly)
Validity	6 months (trainee must apply for visa within this period)
Key Document	Detailed training plan is mandatory

Detailed Nomination Documentation:

1. Trainee Information:

• Full personal details and current visa status
• Educational qualifications and certifications
• Employment history and work experience
• Evidence of skills and expertise
• Current occupation details

2. Training Program Details:

• Occupation for which training will be provided
• Type of training stream (registration, skills enhancement, capacity building, etc.)
• Duration of training program
• Training objectives and expected outcomes
• Assessment and monitoring methodology
• Supervision arrangements

3. Training Plan Components:

• Current skill assessment of the trainee
• Specific skills gaps to be addressed
• Structured training activities and timeline
• Learning outcomes for each training module
• Trainer qualifications and experience
• Assessment methods and milestones
• How training differs from regular employment

4. Supporting Evidence:

• Why training is necessary for the trainee
• Why training cannot be obtained in trainee’s home country
• How training benefits the trainee’s career
• Relevance to trainee’s current occupation or field of study
• Evidence trainee meets eligibility for chosen training stream

Stage 3: Visa Application

After nomination approval, the trainee can apply for the 407 training visa within 6 months.

Important Notes:

• The trainee, not the sponsor, lodges the visa application
• Nomination approval does not guarantee visa approval
• Trainee must meet all health, character, and English requirements
• Visa application must be made within 6 months of nomination approval
• Separate visa application fee applies (not covered in this guide)

Nomination Requirements by Training Stream

Different training streams have specific nomination requirements for the subclass 407 training visa.

Training Stream 1: Occupational Training Required for Registration

Nomination Requirements:

• Evidence that registration/licensing is mandatory for the occupation
• Proof that training is a prerequisite for obtaining registration
• Details of the registration body and requirements
• Explanation of how training leads to registration
• Evidence trainee doesn’t already hold the registration

Example Applications:

• Overseas nurses seeking AHPRA registration
• Engineers requiring Engineers Australia membership
• Teachers needing state registration
• Medical specialists seeking Australian recognition

Supporting Documentation:

• Registration body requirements and guidelines
• Confirmation from registration authority
• Evidence of trainee’s current qualifications
• Gap analysis showing what training is needed
• Timeline for achieving registration

Training Stream 2: Training to Enhance Skills in Eligible Occupation

Nomination Requirements:

• Occupation must be on the eligible skilled occupation list
• Trainee must have 12+ months full-time work experience in that occupation within past 24 months
• Training must directly relate to nominated occupation
• Evidence training unavailable in trainee’s home country

Work Experience Evidence Required:

• Employment contracts covering 12+ months
• Payslips or salary statements
• Tax returns or social security records
• Reference letters from employers
• Position descriptions showing relevant duties
• Evidence of full-time employment (minimum 38 hours per week)

Additional Requirements:

• Detailed explanation of skills to be enhanced
• Current skill level assessment
• Target skill level after training
• Why Australian training is superior or necessary
• How training advances trainee’s career

Training Stream 3: Capacity Building Training

Nomination Requirements:

• Training must support professional development benefiting trainee’s home country
• Government agency support or endorsement (Australian or foreign)
• Clear alignment with development objectives
• Evidence of benefit to home country

Supporting Documentation:

• Letter of support from government agency
• Organizational endorsement from home country
• Development program details
• How training contributes to capacity building
• Return commitment to home country

Training Stream 4: Training for Overseas Qualifications

Nomination Requirements:

• Trainee enrolled in foreign educational institution
• Training is mandatory component of overseas qualification
• Maximum 6 months duration
• Structured program designed for training needs

Required Evidence:

• Enrollment confirmation from overseas institution
• Course curriculum showing practical component
• Letter from institution explaining requirement
• How training component fits into qualification
• Timeline for qualification completion

Training Stream 5: Training with Government Support

Nomination Requirements:

• Official government backing (Australian or foreign)
• Workplace-based training program
• Program tailored to individual needs
• Duration appropriate to training objectives

Documentation Needed:

• Government support letter or memorandum
• Official program documentation
• Training objectives and outcomes
• Government agency contact details
• How program serves public interest

Training Stream 6: Professional Development Training

Nomination Requirements:

• Trainee employed by overseas company
• Works in managerial or professional role
• Training relevant to professional growth
• Primarily classroom-based instruction
• Aligns with current job, academic background, or career goals

Supporting Documents:

• Employment letter from overseas employer
• Position description and responsibilities
• Training program curriculum
• Relevance to professional development
• How training benefits employer’s business

Sponsor Obligations and Responsibilities

Organizations approved for 407 sponsorship have ongoing legal obligations throughout the sponsorship period.

Primary Sponsor Obligations

1. Training Delivery:

• Provide training as outlined in the nomination
• Maintain structured training program
• Ensure adequate supervision and guidance
• Provide qualified trainers and mentors
• Monitor trainee progress regularly

2. Record Keeping:

• Maintain accurate training records
• Document trainee attendance and participation
• Keep assessment results and evaluations
• Retain correspondence with Department
• Store records for minimum 2 years after training ends

3. Notification Requirements:

• Notify Department of trainee non-commencement within 28 days
• Report if trainee ceases training within 28 days
• Advise of significant changes to training program
• Inform of business structure changes
• Report compliance concerns

4. Workplace Compliance:

• Comply with Australian workplace laws
• Provide safe working environment
• Ensure appropriate insurance coverage
• Pay any wages/allowances as agreed
• Not require trainee to pay for training costs

5. No Charging Prohibited Fees:

• Cannot charge trainee for sponsorship costs
• Cannot require trainee to pay nomination fees
• Cannot demand bonds or deposits
• Cannot charge for training delivery
• Cannot require payment for supervision

Consequences of Non-Compliance

Penalties for Sponsor Breaches:

• Sponsorship cancellation or suspension
• Civil penalties up to $108,900 for serious breaches
• Ineligibility to sponsor future applicants
• Damage to business reputation
• Potential criminal prosecution for serious violations

Common Compliance Issues:

• Failure to provide genuine training
• Using trainees as cheap labor
• Not maintaining adequate records
• Failing to notify Department of changes
• Charging prohibited fees to trainees

How to Find a 407 Visa Sponsor

For applicants seeking training visa 407 opportunities, finding the right sponsor is crucial.

Strategies for Finding Sponsors

1. Professional Networks:

• Connect with industry associations in your field
• Attend professional conferences and events
• Engage with alumni networks
• Join relevant LinkedIn groups
• Contact professional bodies in your occupation

2. Direct Employer Approach:

• Research Australian companies in your industry
• Identify organizations with training programs
• Contact HR or training departments directly
• Highlight your qualifications and training needs
• Explain mutual benefits of sponsorship

3. Government and Educational Programs:

• Explore government exchange programs
• Contact universities with your field of study
• Research capacity-building initiatives
• Investigate bilateral agreements between countries
• Check with your home country’s government agencies

4. Recruitment and Migration Agents:

• Engage registered migration agents
• Work with recruitment agencies specializing in training placements
• Utilize professional placement services
• Attend migration seminars and workshops

What Sponsors Look For in Candidates

Ideal Candidate Qualities:

• Strong educational background in relevant field
• Relevant work experience (especially for skills enhancement)
• Clear career progression plan
• Genuine intention to return home after training
• Good English communication skills
• Professional attitude and commitment
• Understanding of Australian workplace culture

Red Flags for Sponsors:

• Migration intent rather than training focus
• Unrealistic training expectations
• Lack of relevant qualifications
• Poor English proficiency
• Unclear career objectives
• No evidence of ties to home country

Nomination Approval Timeline and Process

Understanding the 407 nomination timeline helps manage expectations.

Typical Processing Timeline

Stage	Timeframe	Variables Affecting Processing
Sponsorship Approval	5-28 days	Business complexity, previous history, documentation completeness
Nomination Assessment	14-56 days	Training plan quality, occupation complexity, evidence sufficiency
Request for Information (if issued)	28 days to respond	Additional documentation or clarification needed
Decision	After all information received	Can be approval, refusal, or withdrawal

Factors Affecting Processing Times

Faster Processing:

• Complete and well-documented applications
• Established sponsors with good compliance history
• Straightforward training programs
• Common occupations with clear training pathways
• Responsive to Department requests

Slower Processing:

• Incomplete documentation
• Complex or unusual training programs
• New sponsors without track record
• Occupations requiring additional verification
• High application volumes

What Happens After Nomination Approval

Upon Approval:

1. Sponsor receives nomination approval notice
2. Trainee is notified by sponsor
3. Trainee has 6 months to lodge visa application
4. Nomination approval letter includes reference number
5. This reference number must be included in visa application

If Nomination is Refused:

• Sponsor receives refusal letter with reasons
• Can address issues and reapply
• May seek internal review of decision
• Trainee cannot proceed with visa application
• New nomination application may be required

Common Nomination Refusal Reasons

Understanding why 407 nominations are refused helps avoid costly mistakes.

Top 10 Nomination Refusal Reasons

1. Inadequate Training Plan:

• Lack of structured activities
• Unclear learning outcomes
• Insufficient supervision arrangements
• No clear assessment methodology
• Reads more like job description than training plan

2. Training Not Genuine:

• Training appears to be disguised employment
• No clear skill development objectives
• Training available in trainee’s home country
• Doesn’t align with trainee’s background
• Unrealistic duration for stated objectives

3. Occupation Ineligibility:

• Occupation not on eligible list for skills enhancement stream
• ANZSCO code incorrectly identified
• Occupation doesn’t match training content
• Training not relevant to nominated occupation

4. Insufficient Work Experience:

• Less than 12 months experience for skills enhancement
• Experience not in nominated occupation
• Part-time work claimed as full-time
• Insufficient documentation of experience
• Experience too old (outside 24-month window)

5. Sponsor Non-Compliance:

• Previous sponsorship breaches
• Business not operating lawfully
• Financial instability
• Cannot demonstrate training capacity
• Inadequate facilities or trainers

6. Training Duration Issues:

• Duration too long for stated objectives
• Duration too short for meaningful skill development
• Inconsistent with similar programs
• Not justified by training plan

7. Displacement Concerns:

• Training appears to displace Australian workers
• Position could be filled by Australian resident
• Not genuine training need
• Primarily benefits employer rather than trainee

8. Documentation Deficiencies:

• Missing key supporting documents
• Inconsistent information across documents
• Unsigned or incomplete forms
• Evidence doesn’t support claims
• Poor quality translations

9. Trainee Eligibility Issues:

• Trainee doesn’t meet stream requirements
• Insufficient qualifications for program
• Poor English proficiency indicated
• Character or health concerns
• Previous visa breaches

10. Training Plan Quality:

• Generic or template-based plan
• Lacks specific details
• No clear progression pathway
• Assessment methods inadequate
• Supervision arrangements unclear

Tips for Successful Nomination Applications

For Sponsors: Best Practices

1. Invest Time in Training Plan Development:

• Make it specific to the individual trainee
• Include measurable learning outcomes
• Detail supervision and assessment
• Show clear progression throughout program
• Align with industry standards

2. Provide Comprehensive Evidence:

• Include all required documents
• Ensure consistency across documents
• Provide certified translations where needed
• Include supporting letters from industry bodies
• Document your training capacity thoroughly

3. Demonstrate Genuine Training Need:

• Explain why this training is necessary
• Show how it differs from employment
• Highlight skills gaps to be addressed
• Connect training to career development
• Prove unavailability in home country

4. Choose Appropriate Training Stream:

• Select stream matching trainee’s circumstances
• Ensure all stream requirements are met
• Provide stream-specific documentation
• Don’t try to fit square peg in round hole

5. Maintain Sponsor Compliance:

• Keep accurate records of all trainees
• Submit notifications on time
• Respond promptly to Department requests
• Address any compliance concerns immediately
• Stay updated on legislative changes

For Applicants: Maximizing Approval Chances

1. Choose the Right Sponsor:

• Research sponsor’s compliance history
• Ensure they have genuine training capacity
• Verify they understand obligations
• Confirm they can provide quality training
• Check their business stability

2. Align Your Background:

• Ensure your qualifications match program
• Have required work experience documented
• Show clear career progression plan
• Demonstrate relevance to current occupation

3. Strengthen Your GTE Case:

• Maintain strong ties to home country
• Show intention to return after training
• Explain how training benefits career at home
• Provide evidence of ongoing commitments

4. Provide Quality Evidence:

• Gather comprehensive work experience documentation
• Obtain strong reference letters
• Ensure all documents are certified
• Provide clear, professional translations
• Keep copies of everything submitted

Recent Changes and Updates (2025-2026)

The training visa 407 program has undergone several important changes affecting sponsorship and nomination.

Key Updates Effective 2025-2026

Processing Improvements:

• Introduction of two-week leniency period after nomination refusal
• Allows time to address issues before visa refusal
• Priority processing for established sponsors
• Enhanced online application systems

Increased Scrutiny:

• Heightened focus on genuine training vs. employment
• More detailed training plan requirements
• Additional verification for new sponsors
• Stricter assessment of GTE for trainees

Volume Management:

• Significant increase in applications (20,000+ in early 2025 vs. 4,000 annually previously)
• Department prioritizing quality over speed
• Emphasis on established sponsor relationships
• Enhanced compliance monitoring

Future Reforms Under Consideration

Potential Changes:

• Integration with Skills in Demand (SID) visa reforms
• Possible streamlining of sponsorship process
• Enhanced digital verification systems
• Clearer training plan templates and guidelines

Changing Sponsors During Training

Sometimes circumstances require changing sponsors during the 407 training visa period.

Can You Change Sponsors?

Yes, but with conditions:

• New organization must be approved sponsor
• Must submit new nomination
• Training program must remain substantially the same
• Trainee doesn’t need new visa if training continues
• Process must be managed carefully

Process for Changing Sponsors

Steps Required:

1. New sponsor applies for sponsorship approval (if not already approved)
2. New sponsor submits nomination for same training program
3. New nomination must be approved before transition
4. Trainee continues on same visa
5. Original sponsor notifies Department of cessation

Important Considerations:

• Cannot change training stream or occupation
• Training duration remains limited to original grant
• May face additional scrutiny from Department
• Should maintain continuity of training
• Both sponsors must fulfill obligations

Frequently Asked Questions

What is 407 visa sponsorship?

407 training visa sponsorship is a mandatory requirement where an approved Australian organization must sponsor and nominate a candidate for workplace-based training before they can apply for the subclass 407 visa.

How much does it cost to sponsor someone for a 407 visa?

The sponsorship approval costs AUD $420 (valid for 5 years) plus AUD $170 for each individual nomination. These are the only fees sponsors pay to the Department.

Who can sponsor a 407 visa in Australia?

Australian businesses, educational institutions, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and international bodies can become 407 sponsors if they demonstrate capacity to provide genuine structured training.

How long does 407 sponsorship approval take?

Sponsorship approval typically takes 5-28 days for straightforward applications. Nomination processing usually takes 14-56 days depending on complexity.

Can an individual sponsor a 407 visa?

No, only organizations (businesses, institutions, government agencies, etc.) can sponsor. Individuals cannot sponsor training visa 407 applicants.

What are sponsor obligations for 407 visa?

Sponsors must provide genuine training as outlined, maintain records, notify the Department of changes, ensure workplace compliance, and not charge prohibited fees to trainees.

Can a 407 nomination be refused?

Yes, common refusal reasons include inadequate training plans, training not being genuine, occupation ineligibility, insufficient trainee work experience, and sponsor non-compliance.

How long is a 407 nomination valid?

A nomination is valid for 6 months from approval date. The trainee must lodge their visa application within this period.

Can I have multiple trainees on 407 sponsorship?

Yes, once approved as a sponsor (valid 5 years), you can nominate multiple trainees for different training programs by submitting separate nominations.

What happens if sponsor breaches obligations?

Breaches can result in sponsorship cancellation, civil penalties up to $108,900, ineligibility for future sponsorships, and potential criminal prosecution for serious violations.

Can I change sponsors during my 407 visa?

Yes, the new sponsor must submit a new nomination for approval. You don’t need a new visa if continuing the same training program, but the new nomination must be approved.

Do sponsors pay for trainee’s visa application?

No, sponsors pay for sponsorship approval ($420) and nomination ($170), but the trainee pays their own visa application fee.

Conclusion

Understanding 407 training visa sponsorship and nomination requirements is critical for both sponsors and applicants. The 407 sponsorship process, while more accessible than other work sponsor Australia programs, requires careful attention to detail, comprehensive documentation, and genuine commitment to structured training delivery.

For sponsors, becoming an approved 407 sponsor opens opportunities to bring international talent for training while contributing to global skills development. The relatively low costs and flexible validity period make it an attractive option for organizations with genuine training capacity.

For applicants, securing the right sponsor is the foundation of a successful training visa 407 application. Choosing a sponsor who understands their obligations, can provide quality training, and has good compliance history significantly increases your chances of nomination approval.

The recent increase in application volumes demonstrates growing interest in the subclass 407 visa pathway. However, this has also led to enhanced scrutiny of applications, making it more important than ever to ensure your sponsorship and nomination meet all requirements and demonstrate genuine training intent.

By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, understanding the three-stage process, preparing thorough documentation, and ensuring compliance with all requirements, both sponsors and trainees can successfully navigate the 407 training visa sponsorship pathway.

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