In recent times, the number of Subclass 407 Training visa nomination applications being refused has increased significantly. Since July 2026, approximately 6,500 out of 8,000 nomination applications have been refused, equivalent to a refusal rate of more than 80%. Given this situation, if the 407 pathway is becoming more difficult or is no longer suitable for your circumstances, proactively considering alternative visa options may be a necessary step in building a more sustainable pathway towards permanent residency in Australia.
Below are three main pathway groups you may consider.
1. General Skilled Migration – GSM
If you are able to complete a Skills Assessment and meet at least the Competent English requirement, you may submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) and pursue the Subclass 189, 190 or 491 visa accordingly.
In some cases, meeting a minimum employment requirement of 20 hours per week may be sufficient to pursue the Subclass 189 visa or Subclass 190/491 pathways in certain states such as NSW, Queensland, Victoria, etc. After submitting an EOI, you may continue to lodge an ROI or a state nomination application in accordance with the requirements of each state and wait for an invitation from The Australian Department of Home Affairs or the relevant state or territory government.
Both onshore and offshore applicants can submit an EOI.
Depending on the visa, your pathway towards permanent residency may follow one of the following options:
- Subclass 189 visa: Submit an EOI for Subclass 189 → Receive an invitation to apply for the visa from DHA → Lodge the Subclass 189 visa application
- Subclass 190/491 visa:
- Submit an EOI for Subclass 190/491 → Submit an ROI as required by the state/territory → Receive an invitation from the state → Lodge a state nomination application → State nomination application approved → Lodge the Subclass 190/491 visa application
- Submit an EOI for Subclass 190/491 → Lodge a state nomination application → State nomination application approved → Lodge the Subclass 190/491 visa application
- Submit an EOI for Subclass 190/491 → Receive an invitation from the state → Lodge a state nomination application → State nomination application approved → Lodge the Subclass 190/491 visa application
If granted a Subclass 491, applicants may continue from the Subclass 491 visa to the Subclass 191 visa (PR) once they meet the relevant requirements.
2. Employer-Sponsored Pathways
Another option is to pursue an Employer-Sponsored pathway, which may be suitable for applicants who have relevant work experience and are able to find an employer willing to sponsor them.
You may consider the following pathways under the Employer-Sponsored category:
- Apply for a Subclass 482 visa and progress to a Subclass 186 TRT/DE visa: If the applicant has relevant work experience, the occupation is on an appropriate occupation list, and the employer agrees to provide sponsorship.
- Apply directly for the Subclass 186 Direct Entry visa: If the applicant has at least 3 years of full-time work experience, can complete a Skills Assessment for an occupation on the CSOL, and has an employer willing to provide sponsorship.
In addition, you may apply under the Regional Employer-Sponsored pathway through the Subclass 494 visa and progress to permanent residency through the Subclass 191 visa: if you can find a sponsoring employer in a regional area. Under this pathway, the applicant must have an occupation on an appropriate occupation list, be able to complete a Skills Assessment to apply for the Subclass 494 visa, and live and work in a regional area. After holding the Subclass 494 visa and accumulating 3 years of full-time employment, the applicant may continue to apply for the Subclass 191 visa to work towards PR.
3. Partner Visa Pathway
If the GSM or Employer-Sponsored pathways are not suitable for you, and you have a partner who is an Australian citizen or Australian permanent resident, and your partner wishes to sponsor you so that you can live together long term in Australia, you may consider the Partner Visa pathway.
If you are in Australia, you may apply for the Subclass 820/801 visa. If you are in Vietnam or another country, you may apply for the Subclass 309/100 visa.
- 820/801 if you are onshore
- 309/100 if you are offshore
The above are visa options you may consider to pursue permanent residency in Australia instead of continuing to focus only on the Subclass 407 visa. However, to choose a suitable pathway, you need to consider the eligibility requirements of each visa category. If you are unsure which visa pathway may be suitable for you, contact Skill Direct for professional assistance.
