Training Visa - Subclass 407
For workplace-based occupational training to improve skills in a current occupation, area of tertiary study or field of expertise, and for certain professional development programs.
Australia Training and Research Visas: Subclass 407 and 408
Australia no longer accepts new applications for the former Training and Research visa (subclass 402). Applicants seeking occupational training, professional development or academic research must now choose the current visa that matches the proposed activity, most commonly the Training visa (subclass 407) or the Temporary Activity visa (subclass 408).
Subclass 402 is closed: The Training and Research visa subclass 402 closed to new applications on 19 November 2016. Do not use the former Form 1402 or old subclass 402 sponsorship and nomination procedure for a new application.
Contents
Which Australian Visa Is Used for Training or Research?
Temporary Activity Visa - Subclass 408
For specified temporary activities, including eligible academic research activities undertaken with an Australian tertiary or research institution.
The correct visa depends on the primary purpose of the stay. Occupational training and professional development normally point to subclass 407. Academic collaboration or research activity may fall under the Research Activities stream of subclass 408.
Training Visa (Subclass 407)
The Training visa subclass 407 allows an eligible person to visit Australia to undertake workplace-based occupational training to improve skills in their current occupation, area of tertiary study or field of expertise. It can also be used for an eligible professional development training program.
Not an ordinary work visa: Subclass 407 is for training and professional development. It is not intended for ongoing employment in Australia.
Main requirements
- have an approved sponsor or a sponsorship application meeting the current requirements;
- be nominated for an approved occupational training activity, unless the sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency;
- be invited where the Commonwealth Government agency arrangements apply;
- undertake genuine occupational training or professional development;
- genuinely intend to stay temporarily in Australia;
- meet the applicable English-language requirement;
- have adequate financial support;
- maintain adequate health insurance;
- meet health and character requirements; and
- comply with all conditions imposed on the visa.
How long can you stay?
The subclass 407 visa can generally allow a stay of up to two years, depending on the approved training program and visa grant.
Types of Occupational Training Under Subclass 407
Subclass 407 occupational training falls into recognised categories. The nomination requirements differ according to the purpose of the training.
| Training type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Training required for registration | Workplace-based training needed to obtain occupational registration, membership or licensing in Australia or the applicant's home country. |
| Training to improve skills in an eligible occupation | Structured workplace-based training designed to improve the applicant's existing occupational skills. |
| Training for capacity building overseas | Eligible training connected with overseas qualifications, government support or professional development designed to build capacity outside Australia. |
The training program should be individually structured where required, clearly describe the training objectives and activities, and distinguish genuine training from ordinary productive employment.
Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) - Research Activities
The former subclass 402 Research stream has been replaced for new applicants by the Temporary Activity visa subclass 408 in relevant research circumstances.
Subclass 408 may be appropriate where:
- an academic is invited to collaborate in a research project at an Australian tertiary or research institution; or
- a student or recent graduate undertakes a research activity at an Australian tertiary or research institution that is related to their field of study.
The applicant must satisfy the current Research Activities stream requirements, including the applicable sponsorship or support arrangements, genuine temporary-stay requirement, health, character and financial-support requirements.
Short academic events: An academic invited to lecture, conduct workshops or take part in short research associated with a community-based academic event may, depending on the circumstances, instead fall under the subclass 408 Other Social and Cultural Activity (Invited Participant) stream.
Documents for Training Visa 407 or Research Visa 408
The exact evidence depends on the visa subclass, stream, sponsor, nomination and individual circumstances. The current ImmiAccount checklist should always be followed.
Identity documents
- passport identity page showing photograph and personal details;
- national identity documents where applicable;
- birth certificate or other civil-status documents when requested;
- evidence of any change of name; and
- clear colour scans or photographs of required documents.
Training documents for subclass 407
- letter of invitation or training offer;
- detailed training plan;
- position title and description;
- training objectives, components, duration and timetable;
- details of supervisors, trainers or assessors;
- evidence of qualifications and prior experience;
- professional registration or licensing evidence where relevant;
- sponsorship and nomination details; and
- evidence that the activity is genuine training rather than ongoing employment.
Research documents for subclass 408
- formal invitation from the Australian tertiary or research institution;
- details of the proposed research activity or collaborative project;
- proposed period of stay;
- duties and research responsibilities;
- curriculum vitae;
- academic qualifications and research experience;
- publication record where relevant;
- evidence of current academic appointment, study or recent graduation where relevant;
- financial-support or stipend evidence; and
- current sponsorship or support evidence required by the relevant stream.
Translations
Documents not in English must be translated into English. Upload both the original document and the English translation. Translators in Australia should be NAATI accredited; translators outside Australia should provide their identifying details, qualifications and experience.
Sponsorship and Nomination
For subclass 407, the applicant must generally be sponsored and nominated. A nomination is not required where the sponsor is a Commonwealth Government agency; in that situation, the applicant must instead meet the applicable invitation requirements.
A temporary activities sponsor can sponsor eligible subclass 407 and subclass 408 applicants. Sponsorship and nomination must comply with current Home Affairs requirements and any applicable legislative instruments.
Financial Support and Health Insurance
Applicants must have access to sufficient funds to support themselves and any accompanying family members during their stay in Australia. Evidence can include:
- bank statements;
- a letter from a financial institution;
- stipend or scholarship documentation;
- salary or allowance evidence; and
- evidence of accommodation or other financial support from the sponsor, employer or institution.
Applicants should maintain adequate health insurance for the duration of their stay where required. Temporary visa holders can be personally responsible for healthcare costs in Australia.
Partner and Dependent Family Members
Eligible family members may be included in, or in some circumstances apply in connection with, a subclass 407 or subclass 408 application. Family eligibility and work rights depend on the particular visa and conditions granted.
Supporting evidence can include:
- marriage certificate or evidence of a qualifying de facto relationship;
- birth certificates for dependent children;
- adoption, custody or guardianship documents where relevant;
- evidence of dependency where required; and
- parental consent for applicants under 18.
Unpaid Occupational Training or Placement
Some occupational training placements may lawfully be unpaid, but the arrangement must comply with Australian workplace law and the relevant visa requirements. Where required, the parties should complete the current Home Affairs acknowledgement for an unpaid placement.
Health and Character Requirements
Health
The applicant and relevant family members must meet Australia's health requirements. Home Affairs may request medical examinations and will provide instructions through ImmiAccount where examinations are required.
Character
Applicants and relevant family members must satisfy Australian character requirements. Home Affairs can request police certificates, military service records or other character evidence depending on the applicant's circumstances and residence history.
Immigration Assistance and Authorised Recipients
If a registered migration agent, legal practitioner or exempt person provides immigration assistance, or another person is authorised to receive correspondence, use the current Home Affairs form where required.
How to Apply for an Australian Training or Research Visa
- Identify whether the main purpose is occupational training/professional development or research.
- For occupational training, review subclass 407 eligibility and sponsorship/nomination requirements.
- For academic research, review the appropriate subclass 408 Research Activities requirements.
- Obtain the required invitation, sponsorship, nomination or institutional support.
- Prepare identity, qualifications, training/research, financial, family, health and character evidence.
- Translate non-English documents into English.
- Create or sign in to ImmiAccount.
- Complete the current online application for the correct visa subclass and activity.
- Attach supporting documents and pay the applicable visa application charge.
- Monitor ImmiAccount and respond to any further information, health, biometrics or character requests.
Current procedure: New training and research applicants should use the current subclass 407 or subclass 408 online application process. Do not lodge former Form 1402 for a new subclass 402 application.
Former Training and Research Visa Subclass 402
The subclass 402 visa closed to new applications on 19 November 2016. It previously contained Occupational Trainee, Research and Professional Development streams.
Existing subclass 402 holders can still check their visa conditions and entitlements through VEVO. However, new applicants must use a current visa such as subclass 407 or subclass 408 where eligible.
Obsolete material: Former Form 1402, subclass 402 sponsorship approvals, professional development sponsorship and subclass 402 nomination procedures should not be used for a new visa application.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is subclass 402 still open?
No. The Training and Research visa subclass 402 closed to new applications on 19 November 2016.
Which visa is used for occupational training?
The current principal visa is the Training visa subclass 407 for eligible workplace-based occupational training and certain professional development programs.
Which visa is used for academic research?
Eligible academics, students and recent graduates may use the Temporary Activity visa subclass 408 Research Activities stream, subject to current eligibility and sponsorship or support requirements.
Can I use Form 1402?
No. Form 1402 related to the former subclass 402 visa. New applications for current training and research visas are made online through ImmiAccount.
Is subclass 407 a work visa?
Subclass 407 is primarily a training visa. It is not designed for ongoing employment; the applicant must undertake the approved occupational training or professional development activity.
Disclaimer: Australian migration law, visa subclasses, sponsorship requirements, fees and documentary requirements can change. The Migration Act 1958, Migration Regulations 1994, applicable legislative instruments, current Department of Home Affairs instructions and the applicant's ImmiAccount checklist take precedence over this general guide.