Applying for this Visa

There are three steps involved in applying for the Occupational Trainee visa.

Step 1 - Organisation applies to be a sponsor

The organisation must complete an application for approval as an occupational trainee sponsor.
See: Step 1 - Organisation Applies to be a Sponsor

Step 2 - Sponsoring organisation nominates a position

The sponsor must nominate the occupational training and the person who will undertake the training.
See: Step 2 - Sponsoring Organisation Nominates a Position

Step 3 - Applicant applies for the visa

The applicant must apply for a visa to be allowed to undertake the occupational training in Australia.
See: Step 3 - Applicant Applies for the Visa

Renewing a visa

If while in Australia the occupational trainee applies for a further visa to extend their stay, they will need to complete a new application and attach appropriate evidence.  The trainee will need to be sponsored by an Australian organisation that has been approved as an occupational trainee sponsor.  The organisation must lodge a sponsorship and nomination (if required) if a valid sponsorship or nomination does not already exist. To renew a visa follow the applicable steps above.

Renewing sponsorship

A sponsor may be approved for up to three years.  In order to continue to employ people from overseas the sponsor will need to reapply before their sponsor approval ceases.  To renew a sponsorship follow the applicable steps above.

Transitional arrangements for sponsorship visa applications lodged before 14 September 2009

On 14 September 2009, changes came into effect regarding sponsorship requirements for temporary residence visas. Transitional arrangements are in place for visa and sponsorship applications lodged before 14 September.
See: Transitional Arrangements for Sponsorship and Visa Applications

More information

More information about the visa application process is available.
See: Information Form 1025i Making and processing visa applications ( 59KB PDF file)