This update covers two important developments for Australian visa applicants and employers: changes to the Training (Subclass 407) visa and expanded biometrics collection in India.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The Training visa changes may significantly affect how employers plan and manage Training visa arrangements for individuals already in Australia. From 12 November 2026, affected applicants will need to depart Australia before their Subclass 407 visa application can be lodged and must remain offshore until the visa is granted.
For India-based visa applicants, the expanded biometric regime introduces an additional post-lodgement step that should be factored into the visa process.
Training (Subclass 407) visa applications to require offshore lodgement
The legislative update indicates that the Minister may specify, by legislative instrument, that certain visa applicants may be exempt from the offshore application and grant requirements. However, no specific exemptions have been released at this time.
The changes will apply to Subclass 407 visa applications made on or after 12 November 2026.
The Government has indicated that this further reform is intended to curb the use of successive temporary visa applications to extend a person's stay in Australia and builds on earlier Subclass 407 reforms introduced throughout the year.
Australia expands biometric collection requirements for applicants in India
Effective 26 October 2026, certain visa applicants in India, including Subclass 400 and 482 visa applicants, may now be required to provide biometric information post visa lodgement. The Department could advise applicants after lodgement if this requirement applies. Although 482 visa applications do not typically require biometrics, the Department does have the discretion to make this request.
The new biometric collection requirements will apply only to new visa applications lodged from 26 October 2026 and will not affect applications that have already been submitted. Visa processing times are not expected to be affected, provided applicants promptly complete any biometric requirements, as the Department may not finalize the visa application until biometric collection is completed.
KPMG INSIGHTS
Employers and mobility teams might wish to consider the following actions:
- Employers could identify upcoming Training (Subclass 407) visa cases that may be affected by the changes taking effect on 12 November 2026.
- Employers may review relevant travel arrangements, training schedules, and project timelines to account for any required offshore period.
- Employers could plan Training visa arrangements earlier, particularly when an individual is already in Australia on another temporary visa.
- Applicants in India may monitor correspondence from the Department of Home Affairs and promptly complete any requested biometric collection.
- Applicants in India may wish to allow additional time in the visa process for any biometric collection requested after lodgement.
If readers have any questions or concerns about this update and potential impacts, they should consult with a member of the KPMG Australian immigration team (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Australian High Commission, “Australia expands biometric collection requirements for visa applicants in India.”
Contacts
More Information
Explore all GMS Flash Alert Topics
Explore GMS Flash Alert Newsletters & Trackers
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Australia.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2026 KPMG, an Australian partnership and a member firm of the KPMG global organisation of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Limited, a private English company limited by guarantee. All rights reserved.