Author: Caitlin Huynh – Immigration Lawyer
Australian Border Force (ABF) has launched a national compliance operation targeting the misuse of the Training visa (subclass 407) visa program. The four-month operation is focused on identifying employers using training arrangements that do not meet the purpose of the visa and addressing practices that may exploit migrant workers.
Led by the Department of Home Affairs Sponsor Monitoring Unit, the operation has already uncovered concerns about the quality of some training arrangements. Early findings indicate that some trainees may be undertaking duties unrelated to their approved training activities, raising concerns about compliance with sponsorship obligations.
The operation comes at a time of increased assessment activity within the program. Department of Home Affairs data shows that approximately 55 per cent of Training visa (subclass 407) applications lodged during the 2025 – 26 financial year to 30 April 2026 were either refused or withdrawn before a decision was made.
Why has the operation commenced
The subclass 407 visa is designed to support structured workplace-based training and professional development. The program allows participants to develop occupational skills, gain practical experience and enhance their professional capabilities in their chosen field.
Australian Border Force has identified concerns that some employers may be using the program to fill workforce needs rather than deliver genuine training outcomes. As a result, the Department has increased monitoring activities to verify that approved training arrangements are being delivered as intended and that sponsors are meeting their obligations.
The operation also forms part of broader efforts to protect migrant workers and maintain confidence in Australia’s employer-sponsored visa programs.
Early compliance findings
In the first month of the operation, Australian Border Force officers conducted more than 100 site visits across six states and territories.
Inspections took place in locations including Darwin, Townsville, Gayndah, the Gold Coast, Hervey Bay, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Ballarat, Canberra, Manjimup, Yallingup and the Margaret River region.
Early compliance concerns identified by the Australian Border Force included:
- Employers failing to maintain genuine training plans
- Trainees undertaking duties unrelated to approved training activities
- Evidence that some arrangements may have been used as employment rather than structured occupational training
The operation is continuing across Australia, with more than 200 workplace inspections scheduled, including a significant number in regional locations.
What sponsors should expect?
Australian Border Force officers will conduct workplace inspections to verify that approved training arrangements are genuine and sponsors are meeting their obligations.
During compliance visits, officers may:
- Review approved training plans and supporting documentation
- Interview employers, supervisors and trainees
- Assess whether workplace activities align with approved training objectives
- Examine employment arrangements and workplace conditions
- Verify compliance with sponsorship obligations
The operation is being conducted in partnership with the Fair Work Ombudsman. As a result, businesses may be subject to both immigration and workplace compliance assessments.
Risks for non-compliant sponsors
Businesses that fail to meet sponsorship obligations may face significant consequences under Australia’s migration framework.
Potential outcomes include:
- Sponsorship sanctions
- Cancellation of sponsorship approval
- Civil penalties and infringement notices
- Restrictions on future sponsorship activities
- Referral to other government agencies for further investigation
The Department has also reiterated that exploiting visa holders, including those undertaking unpaid training, is a serious criminal offence. Depending on the circumstances, penalties may include substantial fines and imprisonment.
What employers should do now?
Employers sponsoring trainees should assess whether their training arrangements continue to meet program requirements.
Areas to review include:
- Whether training activities are being delivered and documented as approved
- Whether workplace duties align with approved training activities
- Whether supervisors are actively delivering the required training
- Whether records demonstrate compliance with sponsorship obligations
- Whether training outcomes can be clearly demonstrated
Proactive reviews can help businesses identify potential issues before they become compliance concerns.
How Absolute Immigration Legal supports employers
Training visa (subclass 407) sponsors must ensure training arrangements, documentation and workplace activities align with program requirements. Professional advice can assist employers to assess compliance obligations, review training frameworks and respond to regulatory scrutiny.
For tailored guidance regarding Training visa (subclass 407) sponsorship obligations and compliance requirements, contact our lawyers at admin@absoluteimmigrationlegal.com.