Training visa (subclass 407) - Agent Training Manual

1. Overview

Know these facts cold before the first client conversation - they are also what the exam below tests. No (temporary) - a structured-training visa, not a direct PR pathway.

Visa typeTemporary (up to 2 yrs)

LodgementOnshore or offshore

StayUp to 2 years

Work rightsOnly the approved training activities

Study rightsAs part of the training program

Government charge~$415

Processing time~1-3 months

2. Process flow

The handling sequence for a 407 file, from first consultation to decision. Each step assumes the one before it is genuinely finished - not "mostly done".

Sponsor and training plan
An approved temporary-activities sponsor and a structured, workplace-based occupational training plan - hours, supervision, milestones. A plan that reads like ordinary work is the main refusal risk.
Nomination
The sponsor nominates the training program and the trainee.
Visa application
Evidence the applicant's existing skills or study that the training builds on, plus functional English.
Decision and briefing
Brief that only the approved training activities are permitted - it is not a general work visa.

3. Eligibility checklist

Every box must be confirmable with evidence, not the client's say-so, before you advise that the 407 is viable.

An approved temporary activities sponsor or eligible nominatorA structured workplace-based training planRelevant skills/qualifications for the trainingFunctional English; health and character

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4. Document checklist

The lodgement pack. Aim for decision-ready: a case officer should be able to grant without asking for anything further.

Valid passport biodata page for every applicant - check expiry against expected processing timeCertified identity documents: birth certificate, national ID, any change-of-name evidencePolice certificates for every country the client lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years (since turning 16)Health examinations with an approved panel physician when requested (record the HAP ID)Form 956 appointing you as the registered agent, signed before you deal with the DepartmentThe structured occupational training plan (hours, supervision, milestones)Sponsor approval and nomination referencesEvidence of the applicant's existing skills or study the training builds on

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5. Cost checklist

Quote the full stack, in writing, before the client signs. Surprise costs are the fastest way to lose a client's trust (and earn a complaint).

Item	Indicative amount
Base visa application charge (2025-26, indicative)	~$415
Skilling Australians Fund levy (paid by the employer, not the client)	482: $1,200-1,800/yr; 186/494: $3,000-5,000 one-off
Nomination fee (employer)	~$330-540
Skills assessment where required	~$500-1,600
English test	~$400-460
Health examinations (per person)	~$300-500
Your professional fee	Per your agency's schedule - quote in writing before Form 956
Rule of thumb	Government charges usually change every 1 July - re-quote any file that lodges after 30 June

6. Qualification checklist

Run this in the first consultation, before taking a retainer. It screens the client, not the visa: history, hard stops and honesty come first.

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7. Case studies - eligible cases

Illustrative composites showing what a grantable 407 file looks like in practice.

Grant: Wei from Kenya

Background: Wei, a chef from Kenya. People doing workplace-based occupational training to improve skills for their job, study or field.
Why it qualified: (1) An approved temporary activities sponsor or eligible nominator. (2) A structured workplace-based training plan. (3) Relevant skills/qualifications for the training.
What made the file strong: The agent tested the weakest criterion first and fixed it before lodging, not after a natural-justice letter.
Outcome: Granted within the indicative processing window (~1-3 months).

Grant: Elif from Malaysia

Background: Elif, an ICT business analyst from Malaysia. People doing workplace-based occupational training to improve skills for their job, study or field.
Why it qualified: (1) An approved temporary activities sponsor or eligible nominator. (2) A structured workplace-based training plan. (3) Relevant skills/qualifications for the training.
What made the file strong: Dates, names and figures matched across every document - no internal inconsistencies to trigger checks.
Outcome: Granted within the indicative processing window (~1-3 months).

8. Case studies - refusal cases

The same visa, handled badly. Every one of these failure modes is screenable at the first consultation.

Refusal: Kwame from Nigeria

Background: Kwame, a diesel motor mechanic from Nigeria, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 407.
What went wrong: Training plan not genuine or not 'occupational training'
Outcome: The case officer decided on the papers without a further request - the file had to stand on its own, and it could not.
Lesson for the agent: Screen for this at the first consultation, before money changes hands. It is cheaper to delay a lodgement than to fight a refusal.

Refusal: Mariana from Indonesia

Background: Mariana, a construction project manager from Indonesia, engaged an agent late and pushed for a fast lodgement of the 407.
What went wrong: Sponsor/nomination not approved
Outcome: The refusal went to review: another year, more cost, and no certainty the outcome changes.
Lesson for the agent: Put this issue on the document checklist on day one and refuse to lodge until it is closed out.

9. Self-exam

10 questions drawn from this manual. Pass mark 80%. Answers are graded on the server and your result is recorded against your agent profile - retakes are unlimited and your best score is kept. Log in to the agent portal first so your result is saved to My trainings.

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