Australia has changed the processing priority system for certain skilled visa applications, with the new arrangements taking effect from July 25, 2026.
The new Ministerial Direction 119 replaces Ministerial Direction 105 and applies to relevant skilled visa nomination and visa applications, including applications already lodged.
The updated priority system also includes Skills in Demand Subclass 482 visa applications, which were not covered under the previous arrangements.
The highest priority will be given to occupations critical to Australia’s security and law enforcement needs, while construction, healthcare and teaching occupations will also receive priority.
Applicants who were in Australia when they lodged their visa applications will generally receive higher processing priority than those who applied from overseas.
However, the changes do not guarantee visa approval or introduce new eligibility requirements, but only determine the order in which applications are processed, based on the applicant’s occupation and whether they were in Australia or overseas at the time of application.
