Window into the migration world; Changing priorities – 03 Aug 2026
TL; DR – changes to processing priority mean onshore applicants will now usually be decided faster than offshore. Two key tiers are getting the highest ranking above other applications. First tier is defence and law enforcement (on and offshore) then the second tier is onshore teaching, healthcare and construction.
In my view the single biggest risk for anyone seeking visa advice through social media is ‘my mate’.
‘My mate’ has always had their visas approved even when they have been in jail. They self sponsored even though they didn’t have any qualifications. They got a second working holiday visa without ever leaving Bondi.
Even assuming that ‘my mate’ exists (spoiler alert, they often don’t and are just a way to win an internet argument) they may have very limited relevance to you and your circumstances. Partly that is because every case is genuinely different. ‘My mate’ may have had his visa approved after spending time in jail, but perhaps they served a 30 day term many years ago and are being compared to someone who has just completed a 3 year sentence for domestic violence. Or they self sponsored on an Investor visa that is no longer open, or they got to stay in Bondi because they have a passport with exemptions that you don’t have.
Just because ‘my mate’ got through doesn’t mean that someone else will.
The other big risk is that migration law, visa eligibility and Government Policy all change over time. What worked last year for ‘my mate’ may not even be an option this year (the change in the SC407 law being a great example, link).
This was brought home last week when a new set of Ministerial Directions were quietly released that could have quite profound impacts on how long people wait for visas.
While three Directions were released the one that has the most relevance for my clients is Ministerial Direction 119 (link). This has a fairly radical reshaping of what order visas get processed in and what type of applicants get decided first.
The top priorities are defence and law enforcement. After that it is:
1. Onshore application in healthcare, teaching or construction
2. Other onshore applicants
3. Offshore applications
This is a bit like rain in the summer. Farmers or bush firefighters generally like rain because it suits them. The rest of us aren’t so keen. Like summer rain these visa changes will really help a small set of people – onshore applicants in the priority occupations. For everyone else they may mean a longer wait and slower processing.
And, again like rain, you can’t stop these changes, but you can be prepared. Some practical tips:
Plan ahead so that you can lodge an application onshore rather than offshore. Specifically for people on Working Holiday Visas, start thinking about your visa strategy when you still have a couple of years left, not when you are already half way through your final year
If you have two eligible people in a couple then the person with the priority role should be the applicant. For example, if you have an accountant in a relationship with a teacher it should be the teacher who applies
Get your application right from the start, upload all of your documents and make sure they are correct and legible. One of the biggest drivers of delays in processing is when Immi need to ask for more information, you may have had to wait a long time for them to look at your file so make it as easy as possible for them to give you a decision first time around
And some other thoughts:
This is about visa processing, not invitations. So it will determine how long you wait for a decision after applying for a SC189, not how long you wait for a SC189 invite
You can expect some consistency of policy though. If healthcare, teaching and construction are the priorities for visa processing I’d be surprised if they aren’t the practical priorities for points tested invites as well
This doesn’t impact family visas (Partner and Parent, for example). They are under a separate Direction
And nomination transfers are explicitly outside this hierarchy. Traditionally they have come through quickly, but we will have to wait and see how this change plays out for them
As always this change is great news for some people and bad news for others. If you would like to have a detailed discussion about your own visa prospects and options please feel free to contact the office on hello@mcdonaghmigrations.com.au.
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This is generic information and should not be relied on as specific migration advice. Information correct at time of going to press but may have changed subsequently.
If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances please feel free to get in touch through hello@mcdonaghmigrations.com.au
Andrew McDonagh | Registered Migration Agent | MARN 2418484