What Is the Difference Between the 408 and 407 Visa in Australia?

Australia offers a wide range of temporary work visas for individuals looking to gain professional experience, engage in cultural exchange, or support essential sectors like healthcare and the arts. Two of the most misunderstood options are the Subclass 408 and Subclass 407 visas.

While both allow non-citizens to temporarily live and work in Australia, they serve different purposes, target different applicants, and come with unique conditions. Understanding the key differences between the 408 and 407 visas is essential for anyone planning to legally work or train in Australia under the protection of fair and inclusive immigration policy.

In this guide, we break down the purpose, eligibility, application process, and human-rights implications of each visa — empowering you to choose the path that aligns with your career, training, and ethical values.

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 What Is a 407 Training Visa?

The Training Visa Subclass 407 is designed for individuals who want to come to Australia for occupational training or professional development. It’s ideal for early-career professionals or skilled workers who need hands-on training in their field.

Key Features of the 407 Visa:

• Duration: Up to 2 years

• Purpose: Skill development or capacity building

• Sponsor required: Yes (must be an approved training sponsor)

• Paid work: Allowed only if it’s part of the training

• Stream types:

  • Occupational training for registration

  • Occupational training to improve skills

  • Professional development for overseas employers

Example:

A medical graduate from India wants to gain supervised training in an Australian hospital to register as a nurse — the 407 visa is perfect for this.

What Is a 408 Temporary Activity Visa?

The Temporary Activity Visa Subclass 408 allows individuals to participate in specific Australian events or activities. It’s incredibly diverse and covers everything from cultural exchange to COVID-19 critical work.

Key Features of the 408 Visa:

• Duration: Up to 2 years (depending on the stream)

• Purpose: Participation in approved programs or activities

• Sponsor required: Optional (depends on stream)

• Streams include:

  • Entertainment industry

  • Religious work

  • Research

  • Invited participants in events

  • COVID-19 pandemic support

  • Government-endorsed events

Key Differences Between Subclass 407 and 408 Visas

Choosing the Right Visa: 407 vs 408

When choosing between these two visas, ask yourself:

• Am I coming to Australia primarily to train or improve my career skills?
  → Apply for a 407 Training Visa.

•  Am I invited to participate in a short-term project, event, or fill an urgent workforce gap?
  → Consider the 408 Temporary Activity Visa.

Human Rights and Fair Work Protections

Both visas are governed by Australia’s strong labor and immigration standards. But it’s important to know your rights:

• Fair pay (where applicable)

• Safe working conditions

• Protection from exploitation

• Right to report abuse

• Access to healthcare in some cases

The Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) especially played a humanitarian role during the COVID-19 pandemic — helping essential workers stay legally employed when other visas expired. This reflects Australia’s commitment to dignity and fairness even during crises.

Similarly, the Training Visa (Subclass 407) promotes the right to education and professional growth — aligned with Article 23 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work…”

How to Apply for Each Visa

Apply for Subclass 407 Training Visa

1. Find a registered sponsor in your field.

2. Create a training plan.

3. Gather documents: ID, qualifications, insurance, sponsor letter.

4. Apply online through immi.homeaffairs.gov.au.

5. Wait for a decision (processing time: usually 3–6 months).

Apply for Training Visa (Subclass 407) – Immigration Buddy

Apply for Subclass 408 Activity Visa

1. Confirm the event/stream you qualify for.

2. Get an invitation/sponsor (if needed).

3. Collect documents: evidence of event, health insurance, ID.

4. Apply online via the official portal.

Apply for Temporary Activity Visa (Subclass 408) – Immigration Buddy

Final Thoughts

Both the Subclass 407 and Subclass 408 visas play crucial roles in welcoming foreign nationals to Australia — one through structured skill development and the other through short-term contributions in events or emergencies.

Choosing the right visa not only determines your career path but also ensures that your rights as a temporary worker are respected and protected.

Both visas reflect Australia’s commitment to global inclusion and human dignity:

• The 407 visa empowers international professionals by providing structured training that leads to skill growth and employment readiness.

• The 408 visa addresses real-time labor and cultural needs — whether in healthcare, entertainment, religious work, or during emergencies like COVID-19 — while ensuring people from all backgrounds have fair access to work and protection from exploitation.

Whichever visa you choose, it’s more than a legal document — it’s your gateway to:

• Real-world experience in a developed economy

• Exposure to multicultural work environments

• Career advancement and international recognition

• A safer, transparent, and rights-based immigration system

If you’re unsure which visa suits your goals, don’t take the risk of getting it wrong.

Talk to a Registered Migration Agent at Immigration Buddy
We’ll guide you through the process, from eligibility check to visa approval — ensuring your journey to Australia starts on the right foot.