New Processing Times and Priorities Under Ministerial Direction 119

Ministerial Direction 119 came into effect on 25 July 2026, reshaping the processing priorities for a wide range of skilled nomination and visa applications. The Direction applies to all applications currently on hand, regardless of when they were lodged, and introduces a new hierarchy of processing priorities.

The Direction covers the following skilled and business visa subclasses:

• Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)
• Skilled Independent (subclass 189)
• Skilled Nominated (subclass 190)
• Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) (subclass 191)
• Skills in Demand (subclass 482)
• Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482)
• Skilled Regional (Provisional) (subclass 489)
• Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) (subclass 491)
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494)
• Skilled Regional (subclass 887)
• Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) (subclass 888)

MSkilled nomination and visa applications are processed in the following order of priority:

1. The first and highest priority is given to nomination and visa applications that support Australia's law enforcement or defence interests where the applicant is in Australia at the time of application.
2. The second priority is given to nomination and visa applications that support Australia's law enforcement or defence interests where the applicant is outside Australia at the time of application.
3. The third priority is given to nomination and visa applications relating to construction, healthcare, and teaching occupations where the applicant is in Australia at the time of application.
4. The fourth priority is given to all other nomination and visa applications where the applicant is in Australia at the time of application.
5. The fifth and final priority is given to all other nomination and visa applications where the applicant is outside Australia at the time of application.

The most significant changes in the processing priorities are that positions in regional areas no longer receive priority processing due to location, and applications lodged by Accredited Sponsors are no longer given priority.

For Subclass 186 Applications, the Department of Home Affairs are advising they are currently processing applications lodged in the following:

• June 2026 - Australian law enforcement or defence interests
• June 2025 - Healthcare and teaching occupations (onshore applicants); September 2024 - Construction occupations (onshore applicants)
• July 2024 - All other applications where the applicant was in Australia at the time of application
• July 2024 - All other applications where the applicant was outside Australia at the time of application.

Visa processing times are determined by the Australian Government and are influenced by a range of factors, including government priorities, the evolving objectives of the migration program, global and domestic circumstances, and Department resources. As a result, processing times can vary and may change over time.

We understand that waiting for a visa decision can be an anxious and frustrating experience, especially when processing priorities shift mid stream.

We work closely with our clients to help them navigate the constantly evolving migration landscape.

Book a consultation with one of experienced Registered Migration Agents today.

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case-specific information or advice, please get in touch with SCA Connect.