February 5, 2026
For many skilled professionals, the Subclass 407 Training Visa is a fantastic way to get a foot in the door of the Australian workforce. However, the 407 is a temporary solution designed for professional development. To secure a long-term future and a path to permanent residency, the logical next step is the transition from 407 to 482 visa (the new Skills in Demand visa).
At Visa Store Australia, we specialize in building these bridges. We’ve helped countless trainees move from their training plans into full-time, sponsored roles.
In this guide, we’ll explain the 407 visa to 482 requirements, the costs involved, and how to time your move to ensure you don’t lose a single day of your journey toward PR.
1. The Bridge Strategy: Why Move to the 482?
The 407 visa is restricted—you are there to learn, not just to work.
The 482 visa, however, is a full work visa. It offers higher pay, more flexibility, and most importantly, it officially starts your 2-year countdown to permanent residency.
If you have been performing well during your training, your employer is likely keen to keep you. Moving to the 482 is the best way to turn a training opportunity into a career reality.
2. The 2-Year Experience Hurdle: Does 407 Time Count?
The #1 question we get is: “Does my work on a 407 visa count as experience for the 482?”
The answer is: Yes, but with a catch.
To qualify for the 482 visa, you generally need two years of full-time work experience in your occupation.
The Department of Home Affairs can count the time you spent on your 407 visa, provided the work was performed at the required skill level and was not purely classroom-based training.
At Visa Store, we can help you audit your 407 training logs and reference letters to ensure the Department sees your training as relevant work experience.
3. Employer Requirements: Shifting the Sponsorship
Your employer also has some homework to do.
To move you from a 407 to a 482, they must shift from being a Temporary Activities Sponsor to a Standard Business Sponsor” (SBS.
- The SBS License: If your boss doesn’t already have an SBS license, they will need to apply for one.
- The Nomination They will need to lodge a new nomination for your 482 role, which includes the Labour Market Testing (LMT) – you can learn more about it in our other guide here.
- The SAF Levy: Your employer will need to pay the Skilling Australians Fund (SAF) levy for the 482 visa, which is a different calculation than the 407 fees.
4. Requirements Checklist: 407 to 482
To successfully apply for a 482 while on a 407 visa, you must meet the following:
- Occupation Check: Your role must be on the relevant Skills in Demand occupation list.
- English Language: You will likely need to sit a new English test (PTE or IELTS) to meet the higher 482 standards.
- Skills Assessment: Depending on your occupation, you may need a formal skills assessment if you didn’t have one for your 407.
5. The Financial Breakdown: Cost of Moving
The cost of moving from 407 to 482 is an investment in your future. While the employer handles the sponsorship and nomination fees, the applicant usually covers the visa charge.
- Visa Application Charge (VAC): Expect to pay approximately $3,035 for the main applicant.
- Family Members: Adding a partner or children will increase the cost – see our sponsorship visa cost guide for a full breakdown.
- Health & Police Checks: You may need updated medical exams if your previous ones are more than 12 months old.
6. Timing and Bridging Visas
Q: Can I apply for a 482 while on a 407 visa?
A: Absolutely. In fact, timing is everything. If you lodge your 482 application before your 407 expires, you will move onto a Bridging Visa A (BVA). This allows you to keep working for your sponsor with full work rights while the Department processes your new visa.
Expert Tip: If you need to travel during this transition, you’ll need a Bridging Visa B (BVB). Don’t leave the country without one, or you might find yourself stuck outside Australia!
Ready to Upgrade Your Career?
Transitioning from a training visa to a full work visa is a major milestone. It signals to the government—and your employer—that you are a vital part of the Australian workforce.
At Visa Store Australia, we provide a transition audit specifically for 407 holders. We’ll review your experience, check your employer’s eligibility, and give you a clear green light on when to lodge.
Move from Trainee to Essential Staff – visit our contact page to book your 407 to 482 transition audit with one of our registered migration agents.
ALSO READ:
A guide to sponsoring employees for Australian PR visa
How to transition from 482 visa to PR visa
How to sponsor an employee for a work visa
