Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services is committed to providing accurate and timely updates to visa holders and applicants. We have observed a notable trend affecting the Subclass 407 Training visa program and wish to bring this to the attention of current and prospective applicants.
Recent Developments
Following the closure of the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa (Subclass 408), there has been a significant increase in applications for the Subclass 407 Training visa. According to data from the Department of Home Affairs, there has been a 360 percent increase in lodgements in the 2024–25 financial year to 28 February 2025, when compared to the same period in the previous financial year.
Despite this surge in applications, there is currently a very high refusal rate for both nominations and visa applications under this subclass.
Common Reasons for Refusal
Although the Department of Home Affairs assesses each application on its individual merits, the following issues have frequently resulted in refusals:
Training plans that do not demonstrate a genuine, structured program aligned with the applicant’s occupation or field of study.
A lack of evidence that the training opportunity is tailored to the applicant’s skills and experience.
Insufficient documentation from the sponsor or training organisation.
Concerns that the visa is being used as a substitute for employment rather than for legitimate training purposes.
Recommendations for Applicants
Visa applicants are advised to take the following into consideration when preparing or assessing their Subclass 407 Training visa application:
Ensure that the training plan is occupation-specific, structured, and clearly linked to the applicant’s qualifications or experience.
Provide comprehensive evidence to support both the nomination and visa application, including detailed information about the sponsor’s ability to deliver the training.
Avoid submitting generic or templated documentation that may not satisfy visa criteria.
Seek professional advice from a registered migration agent to ensure all eligibility and evidentiary requirements are met.
Be aware of current processing risks and manage expectations accordingly.
Commitment to Informed Migration Advice
Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services remain informed through reliable, publicly available sources, including:
The Department of Home Affairs
Federal migration legislation and policy updates
Professional discussions and government-published data relevant to visa trends
Book a Consultation
If you are considering lodging a Subclass 407 Training visa application, or have a pending application and would like tailored advice based on your individual circumstances, we encourage you to book a consultation with one of our registered migration agents.
At Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services, we provide clear, honest, and practical advice to help you understand your options and strengthen your application. Book a consultation today!
