The Subclass 402 Occupational Training visa has been closed to new applicants. It has been replaced by two visa subclasses: the Subclass 407 (Training visa) and the Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity visa).
The Subclass 407 visa covers occupational training or classroom-based professional development in Australia. Applicants must have an approved sponsor and nomination.
The Subclass 408 visa covers multiple streams for temporary activities in Australia, including government-endorsed events, specialist programmes, religious work, research activities, sporting and entertainment activities, superyacht crew, exchange arrangements, and domestic work for executives.
Who is this permit for?
This visa is for people who need to come to Australia for formal, structured workplace training, either sent by their employer overseas, or joining a recognised training program with an Australian host organisation.
The Subclass 402 is CLOSED to new applicants
Subclass 407: You have an approved sponsor and nomination for occupational training or classroom-based professional development
Subclass 408: You are participating in an eligible temporary activity stream
You meet Australian health and character requirements
You have adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay
Common reasons for rejection
Training arrangement not genuinely occupational: The Subclass 407 requires a structured occupational training programme, not general employment or work experience. If the arrangement is essentially work-for-hire dressed up as training, or if there is no genuine training component, the nomination will be refused.
Sponsor not approved or nomination not lodged: For the Subclass 407, the Australian organisation providing the training must hold current Standard Business Sponsor approval and must lodge a nomination. Attempting to apply without an approved sponsor or with an expired nomination results in automatic refusal.
Activity does not fit any Subclass 408 stream: The Subclass 408 covers specific activity categories, government-endorsed events, specialist programmes, religious work, research, sport, entertainment, superyacht crew, exchange arrangements and domestic work for executives. Activities that do not fit one of these categories are not eligible.
Health insurance not maintained: Both visa subclasses require valid health insurance for the entire duration of the stay in Australia. Failure to demonstrate adequate insurance at the time of application, or allowing it to lapse during the visa period, is a visa condition breach.
Health or character requirements not met: All applicants must satisfy Australia's health and character requirements. Health examinations and police clearances from relevant countries are required.
Applying under the closed Subclass 402: The Subclass 402 is closed to new applicants. Any application submitted under this subclass number will be refused. All training and temporary activity applications must now be made under the Subclass 407 or Subclass 408.
Application process
1. Important Notice
The Subclass 402 visa is closed to new applicants. Training and temporary activity applications are now made under the Subclass 407 or Subclass 408.
2. Determine Appropriate Visa
We assess whether the Subclass 407 (training) or Subclass 408 (temporary activity) is the correct visa for your circumstances and activity type.
3. Sponsor Approval & Nomination (407)
For the Subclass 407, your Australian training provider must be an approved sponsor and must nominate you for the training programme.
4. Stream Selection (408)
For the Subclass 408, the appropriate stream is identified based on your activity type, such as government-endorsed events, specialist programmes, religious work, or other eligible activities.
5. Document Preparation
Gather required documents including passport, activity or training programme details, sponsor nomination (if applicable), health insurance and financial evidence.
6. Visa Application Lodgement
We prepare and submit your visa application with all supporting documentation to the Department of Home Affairs.
7. Visa Decision
The Department processes your application and, once satisfied, grants your visa allowing you to travel to Australia.
Key considerations
The Subclass 402 visa is closed to new applicants. All new applications must be made under the Subclass 407 or Subclass 408.
Subclass 407 (Training visa): Processing takes 3 to 11 months. Covers occupational training or classroom-based professional development. Requires an approved sponsor and nomination.
Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity visa): Processing takes 1 to 3 months. Multiple streams are available with varying durations:
Australian Government Endorsed Events, up to 4 years.
Specialist Program, up to 12 months.
Religious Work, up to 2 years.
Research Activities, up to 2 years.
Invited Participant, up to 3 months.
Sporting Activities, up to 2 years.
Entertainment Activities, up to 2 years.
Superyacht Crew, up to 12 months.
Exchange Arrangements, up to 2 years.
Domestic Work for executives, up to 2 years.
These are temporary visas and do not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency.
You must maintain valid health insurance for the entire duration of your stay in Australia.
Costs
Costs vary depending on whether you apply under the Subclass 407 or Subclass 408, and the specific stream or training arrangement involved.
Subclass 407 Government Visa Fee: AUD 325+
Subclass 408 Government Visa Fee: AUD 325 - 415
Sponsor Nomination Fee (407): AUD 170 - 330
Health Insurance: AUD 500 - 1,200 per year
Health Examinations: AUD 300 - 500 per person
Police Clearances: AUD 50 - 200 per country
Professional Service Fees: Contact for quote
Exact costs depend on individual circumstances, visa subclass and stream. Government fees are subject to change.
Processing timeframes
Processing times vary depending on the visa subclass and stream chosen.
Subclass 407 (Training): 3 - 11 months
Subclass 408 (Temporary Activity): 1 - 3 months
Subclass 402 (former): Closed to new applicants
Job offer requirements
These visas are based on training arrangements or temporary activity participation rather than traditional employment.
The Subclass 407 requires a sponsoring organisation that provides structured occupational training. The Subclass 408 covers specific temporary activities with varying requirements depending on the stream.
New World Immigration can assist both sponsors and applicants in navigating the nomination and application process to ensure all requirements are met efficiently.
How to apply — step by step
1. Identify the correct visa subclass
Determine whether your purpose in Australia is structured occupational training (Subclass 407) or participation in a defined temporary activity (Subclass 408). If applying under the 408, identify the specific stream that covers your activity.
2. Secure an approved sponsor (Subclass 407)
For the Subclass 407, your Australian training organisation must hold Standard Business Sponsor status. If they are not already approved, they must apply first. The training plan must be structured, documented and genuinely occupational in nature.
3. Confirm stream eligibility (Subclass 408)
For the Subclass 408, confirm which stream covers your activity. Government-endorsed events, specialist programmes, religious work, research, sport, entertainment, superyacht crew, exchange arrangements and domestic work are the available categories. Gather documentary evidence of the activity and your role.
4. Obtain health insurance
Arrange adequate health insurance that covers the entire proposed duration of your stay in Australia. This must be in place before lodging your application.
5. Complete health examinations and police clearances
Undergo health examinations with an approved panel physician if required for your activity type. Obtain police clearances from all countries where you have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
6. Lodge the visa application
Submit the application through ImmiAccount with all required documentation, training or activity details, sponsor nomination (if applicable), health insurance evidence, health and character documents and identity records.
7. Comply with visa conditions
Once the visa is granted, ensure you remain in the approved training arrangement or activity stream, maintain your health insurance throughout your stay, and do not exceed the visa's permitted work or study rights.
Quick tips
The Subclass 402 is closed. Do not apply under this number, it will be refused. Use 407 or 408 depending on your activity.
The Subclass 408 covers a broader range of activities than many people realise, including government-endorsed research and specialist programmes that may not obviously seem like visa-eligible activities.
For the 407, the training must have genuine educational or professional development value. If the arrangement looks like regular employment, it will not be approved.
Health insurance is a hard requirement for both subclasses. Budget for this cost as part of your overall visa planning.
Neither the 407 nor the 408 provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. If your longer-term goal is Australian permanent residency, discuss alternative visa strategies with our team.
Subclass 408 processing (1 to 3 months) is significantly faster than Subclass 407 (3 to 11 months). Plan accordingly.
If your activity spans multiple streams under the 408, identify the primary stream and ensure your application is lodged under that category.
Documents needed
Valid passport for all applicants
Approved sponsor nomination (Subclass 407 only)
Training programme details and schedule (Subclass 407)
Documentation confirming activity type and eligibility (Subclass 408)
Proof of adequate health insurance for the entire stay
Police clearances from every country of residence (12+ months in past 10 years)
Health examination results (if required for your activity type)
Financial evidence of ability to support yourself during the stay
Birth certificate
Marriage certificate or de facto relationship evidence (if including family)
Frequently asked questions
Can I still apply for the Subclass 402 visa?
No. The Subclass 402 visa is closed to new applicants. Training and temporary activity applications are now made under the Subclass 407 or Subclass 408.
What is the difference between the 407 and 408 visas?
The Subclass 407 is specifically for occupational training or classroom-based professional development and requires an approved sponsor and nomination. The Subclass 408 covers a broader range of temporary activities across multiple streams, including government-endorsed events, specialist programmes, sporting activities, and more.
How long can I stay in Australia on these visas?
The duration depends on the visa subclass and stream. Subclass 407 durations align with the training programme. Subclass 408 durations vary by stream, ranging from up to 3 months (Invited Participant) to up to 4 years (Government Endorsed Events).
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you may be able to include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children in your application. Additional fees and requirements apply for each family member.
Can these visas lead to permanent residency?
These are temporary visas and do not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency. However, experience gained during your stay may support future visa applications through other pathways.
Get expert help
If you have been offered a training opportunity or temporary activity in Australia, the first step is to determine whether the Subclass 407 or Subclass 408 is the appropriate visa for your circumstances.
Our team can guide you through the application process and ensure all requirements are met efficiently.