The 407 Training Visa remains one of Australia’s most valuable skilled migration pathways, enabling employers to bring temporary trainees into the country to develop workforce capabilities. As we move into 2026, understanding which occupations qualify for this visa is crucial for employers seeking to upskill their teams and international trainees pursuing professional development in Australia. This comprehensive guide, prepared by Keshab Chapagain (MARA 1576536) at Widen Migration Experts, outlines the eligible occupations, key requirements, and critical timelines you need to know.

What Is the 407 Training Visa?

The 407 Training Visa is a temporary visa subclass that allows Australian employers to sponsor overseas trainees for structured training programs lasting between 3 months and 2 years. Unlike skilled migration visas, the 407 doesn’t require occupation list restrictions, making it exceptionally flexible for employers across diverse industries.

Key characteristics include:

  • Visa duration: 3 months to 2 years
  • Processing time: 28 days standard (up to 63 days for complex cases)
  • Application fee: AUD $330 (plus AUD $165 for additional applicants)
  • No points test requirement
  • No occupation list restrictions (with limited exceptions)
  • Employer sponsorship mandatory

The flexibility of the 407 visa makes it particularly attractive for organisations seeking to develop talent, facilitate knowledge transfer, or provide specialised training unavailable in the trainee’s home country.

2026 Occupation Eligibility: What’s Changed?

A significant advantage of the 407 Training Visa is that it operates independently of Australia’s skilled occupation lists. Unlike the Skilled Independent Visa (189) or Skilled Nominated Visa (190), which have restricted occupation lists, the 407 generally accepts training applications across all industries and professions.

However, certain occupations remain prohibited or restricted:

  • Legal practice: Lawyers cannot undertake training via 407 unless they’re completing mandatory professional admission courses
  • Medical practitioners: Doctors are generally excluded unless participating in specific postgraduate training programs
  • Nursing roles: Restrictions apply unless part of accredited nursing education programs
  • Aircraft pilot training: Subject to specific CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) requirements
  • Radiation oncology and nuclear medicine: Limited to accredited training institutions

The 2026 occupation framework hasn’t introduced sweeping changes to restricted occupations, but employers should verify current restrictions with the Department of Home Affairs, as regulatory requirements for certain professions continue evolving.

Common Eligible Occupations for 407 Training in 2026

The following occupations represent popular 407 training applications:

  • Information Technology: Software developers, systems administrators, IT project managers, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists
  • Engineering: Civil engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, structural engineers, mining engineers
  • Business & Management: Business analysts, management consultants, project managers, finance professionals
  • Hospitality & Tourism: Head chefs, pastry chefs, restaurant managers, hotel managers, sommelier experts
  • Manufacturing & Trades: Advanced welders, CNC machinists, toolmakers, precision engineers, plant operators
  • Agriculture & Horticulture: Specialist farmers, viticulturists, agronomists, vineyard managers, horticultural technicians
  • Creative Industries: Graphic designers, UX/UI designers, video producers, animation specialists, architects
  • Environmental & Sciences: Environmental scientists, chemists, laboratory technicians, research specialists
  • Automotive: Automotive technicians, mechanics, technical trainers, vehicle designers

The breadth of eligible occupations reflects the 407 visa’s design philosophy: supporting workforce development across Australia’s diverse economy. Organisations can propose training programs for virtually any occupation, provided the training delivers genuine skill development not readily available domestically.

Essential 407 Training Visa Requirements for 2026

Successfully securing a 407 Training Visa involves meeting stringent requirements across multiple dimensions. Understanding these prerequisites prevents costly application rejections and delays.

Employer Sponsorship Requirements:

  • Organisation must be registered with the Department of Home Affairs
  • Employer must have genuine training need for the occupation
  • Training must not displace Australian workers
  • Employer must provide structured training program
  • Insurance or financial security may be required (depends on Department assessment)

Trainee Eligibility Criteria:

  • Age: 18 years minimum (no maximum age limit)
  • Health requirements: Must pass health examinations (estimated cost AUD $300-500)
  • Character requirements: Police clearance from home country (cost varies: AUD $50-200)
  • English language: Minimum IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent) for most occupations
  • Qualifications: Must possess relevant educational background for the training occupation
  • Training agreement: Must have signed training contract with Australian employer

Training Program Requirements:

  • Duration: Minimum 3 months, maximum 2 years
  • Structured curriculum: Clear learning outcomes and assessment methods
  • Supervision: Qualified supervisor designated for the trainee
  • Accommodation: Employer must ensure appropriate accommodation arrangements
  • Remuneration: Must comply with Australian minimum wage laws (currently AUD $23.23 per hour, increasing to AUD $24.10 from 1 July 2026)

407 Visa Application Timeline & Processing Costs 2026

Timeline management is critical for organisations planning international training programs. Understanding processing windows enables better project planning.

Standard Processing Timeline:

  • Initial employer sponsorship application: 14-21 days
  • Trainee visa application processing: 28 days (standard)
  • Complex cases requiring additional documentation: Up to 63 days
  • Total end-to-end process: 42-84 days from initial application to visa grant

Cost Breakdown for Single Trainee (2026):

  • Employer sponsorship registration: AUD $0 (no fee)
  • Trainee visa application fee: AUD $330
  • Health examination: AUD $300-500
  • Police clearance: AUD $50-200 (country-dependent)
  • English language test (if required): AUD $300-400
  • Total estimated cost: AUD $980-1,430

For organisations sponsoring multiple trainees, costs scale proportionally. A cohort of five trainees typically costs AUD $4,900-7,150 in direct visa and compliance expenses, excluding training delivery and accommodation costs.

Occupation-Specific Considerations & Restrictions

Certain occupations require additional scrutiny or fulfil particular regulatory obligations:

Regulated Health Professions: Trainees pursuing medical, nursing, or allied health occupations must demonstrate that their training aligns with Australian regulatory bodies (AHPRA, NIBA, etc.). Training programs must be supervised by registered practitioners. Processing timelines may extend to 90 days for health-related 407 applications.

Aviation & Aerospace: Aircraft pilot training requires Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approval. Applications typically take 60-90 days. Trainees must meet strict medical fitness standards (cost approximately AUD $500-800).

Trades & Apprenticeships: Tradespeople pursuing 407 training must complete formal apprenticeships registered with state training authorities. Training agreements must align with qualification frameworks. This streamlines approvals but requires coordination with vocational education regulators.

Information Technology & Cybersecurity: Organisations sponsoring IT professionals for cybersecurity training should ensure compliance with any government security clearance requirements, depending on the training context.

Consulting with qualified migration agents familiar with occupation-specific regulations prevents costly compliance failures.

Key Takeaways

  • The 407 Training Visa accepts virtually all occupations except restricted professions (law, medicine, nursing, aviation pilots)
  • Processing time averages 28 days for trainee applications; 42-84 days total from employer sponsorship to visa grant
  • Total application costs typically range AUD $980-1,430 per trainee (2026 pricing)
  • Employers must provide structured training programs and comply with Australian minimum wage requirements (AUD $24.10/hour from July 2026)
  • No occupation list restrictions apply, enabling training across diverse industries and skill levels
  • Health, character, and English language requirements apply to all trainees
  • Expert migration advice reduces application rejection risk and accelerates approvals

Ready to launch your 407 training program? Widen Migration Experts specialises in seamless 407 visa applications across all eligible occupations. With MARA-registered agent Keshab Chapagain leading your case, you’ll benefit from 8+ years of migration expertise and intimate knowledge of Department of Home Affairs requirements.

Need a 407 training plan? We have a 100% approval rate since 2018. From $1,100+GST with 5-7 day turnaround. Visit widen.com.au/407-training-plan or call 02 8188 1887.