Migration Solutions

New Skilled Visa Processing Priorities

From 19 September 2026, Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 replaced Ministerial Direction 119 and changed the order in which certain skilled visa applications are processed.

Ministerial Direction 121

Applies to subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa applications.

Processing priority is generally:

• Priority sectors including construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, as well as specified law enforcement and defence interests

• Specialist Skills stream applications

• Other applicants who were in Australia when they applied

• Certain offshore applicants who applied without another person included in the application

• All remaining applications

Ministerial Direction 122

Applies to a range of permanent and provisional skilled visas, including subclasses 186, 189, 190, 191, 491 and 494.

Processing priority is generally:

• Priority sectors including construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, as well as specified law enforcement and defence interests

• Other applicants who were in Australia when they applied

• Certain offshore applicants who applied without another person included in the application

• All remaining applications

Important: These Directions determine the order of processing. They do not change the underlying visa eligibility requirements or guarantee a particular processing timeframe or visa outcome.

If you have a current or planned skilled visa application, the new priority settings may be relevant to your circumstances.

Contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 for advice about your individual circumstances.

A recent visa case demonstrates why obtaining the right advice at the right time can make a significant difference.

We recently received an S57 notification from the Department of Home Affairs regarding a baby born in Australia who had experienced health issues and had initially been assessed as not meeting the relevant health requirement.

However, significant changes to Public Interest Criterion 4007 came into effect in October 2024. These changes were particularly relevant to the circumstances of this case, as they introduced specific provisions for minor visa applicants born and ordinarily resident in Australia.

The changes did not appear to have been taken into account in the initial assessment.

We prepared and lodged a detailed submission addressing the legislative changes and explaining how they applied to the circumstances of the baby’s case.

The outcome?

The visa was granted within a few days of our submission.

This case is a good reminder that receiving an S57 notification or facing a health related visa concern does not necessarily mean there are no options.

The applicable legislation and the individual circumstances of the case need to be carefully considered.

If you or someone you know has received an S57 notification, is facing a health related visa concern, or has been affected by PIC 4007, it is important to obtain professional advice before assuming that the matter cannot be resolved.

Contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to book a consultation with one of our experienced migration professionals.

Planning for Skilled Migration in Australia?

Many state nomination programs currently have limited availability or are temporarily closed.

If you are considering a Skilled Nominated (subclass 190) or Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) visa, now is the time to prepare rather than wait for programs to reopen.

State nomination programs can open with limited places and occupation-specific requirements. Being prepared in advance can place you in a much stronger position when opportunities become available.

Before the next program intake, consider preparing:

Skills assessment
English language test results
Employment evidence
Supporting documentation
GSM points calculation and an eligibility assessment for the 189, 190 and 491 visa pathways
State and territory nomination requirements
Temporary Graduate visa expiry date and any available extension options

One of the most common mistakes we see is waiting until a state nomination program opens before starting the preparation process.

By then, you may discover that your English test results have expired, your skills assessment is not yet ready or needs to be renewed, additional documents are required, or more work experience is needed to strengthen your application.

Getting prepared early can help you avoid unnecessary delays and maximise your opportunities.

If you are an international student or graduate in Australia planning your pathway to skilled migration, we can assess your circumstances and discuss the options available to you.

Contact us on 08 8210 9800 to book a consultation with one of our migration experts.

The Australian Government has cancelled new international student enrolments in the Graduate Diploma of Management (Learning) after identifying widespread misuse of the course and high visa refusal rates.

While current students can continue their studies, education providers and agents are no longer permitted to recruit new students into this qualification.

This decision forms part of broader integrity reforms designed to strengthen Australia’s international education system and ensure genuine students are protected.

If you’re enrolled in this course or believe this change may affect your study or visa pathway, Migration Solutions can provide clear, personalised advice on your options moving forward. Our team of experts is here to support you through every step.

Contact us on 08 8210 9800 to book a consultation with one of our migration experts.

Big news for skilled migrants considering the Northern Territory!

The NT Government has increased its 2026–27 skilled migration allocation to 1,850 nominations, a rise of 200 places from last year, with a significant uplift to the 491 visa program. The nomination portal is now open, and updated eligibility criteria apply to both onshore and selected offshore streams.

This increase means more opportunities for skilled workers, graduates, and families looking to secure a pathway to Australia through the NT.

If you want to make the most of these changes, speak with the experts at Migration Solutions. Our team can assess your situation, explain your options clearly, and guide you through the process with confidence.

If you have any questions about the program or your eligibility, the team at Migration Solutions is here to help.

Contact us today on 08 8210 9800 to book an appointment with one of our experienced migration experts.

The Australian Government is moving towards a more targeted migration program, with a strong focus on curbing migration numbers, addressing skills shortages and strengthening visa integrity.

With recent and upcoming changes, visa pathways are becoming more competitive and, in some cases, more difficult to navigate. Stricter settings and increased scrutiny are affecting students, Working Holiday visa holders, skilled migrants and family visa applicants.

The Government is also progressing plans to overhaul Australia’s migration program, making it more important than ever to understand your options and plan ahead.

Are you in one of these situations?

* Have an employer willing to sponsor you but don’t know where to start? We can help you understand the employer-sponsored visa options and requirements.

* Are you waiting for State Government nomination programs to open? Start preparing now so you are ready when nomination opportunities become available.

* Completing your studies and not sure what visa comes next? Get advice about your next visa option and how to plan your stay in Australia.

* Are you on a Working Holiday visa and unsure about your longer-term options? Speak to our Migration Experts before your current visa pathway comes to an end.

* Are you in a relationship with an Australian citizen or permanent resident and unsure where to start with a partner visa? We can help you understand the process and your options.

With migration settings changing, waiting until the last minute could limit your options.

Contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 and speak with our Migration Experts.

Important Update: VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessment Fees

From 9 September 2026, application fees for VETASSESS Professional Skills Assessments will increase in line with movements in inflation.

The increase also applies to:

• Priority Processing (PP)
• Skills Assessment Support (SAS)
• Chinese Qualification Verification (CQV)
• All Non-migration Skills Assessments
• Administration fees

The fee increase does not apply to assessments for trade occupations.

Please note that applications received before 9 September 2026 will be charged at the current rates.

If you need assistance with your skills assessment or planning your migration pathway, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Tasmania Skilled Migration Program Update – 2026–27

The Tasmania Skilled Migration State Nomination Program opens for new Registrations of Interest (ROIs) on 17 August 2026.

There are 2,050 nomination places available this program year:
• 1,250 places for Subclass 190
• 800 places for Subclass 491

Importantly, no invitations will be issued for the Subclass 491 Overseas Skilled Occupation Profiles - Invitation Only Pathway in 2026–27. The Australian Government is prioritising visa processing for applicants already in Australia, making this an excellent opportunity for onshore applicants to take the next step towards permanent residency.

If you submitted an ROI within the last six months, you may wish to withdraw it and lodge a new ROI, as the updated priority attribute ranking criteria may significantly improve your chances of receiving an invitation. You can also compare your score under the old and new priority settings before submitting a new ROI.

If you would like to assess your eligibility or discuss how these changes may affect your migration plans, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Ministerial Direction 117 – New Processing Priorities for Family and Partner visa applications

The Australian Government has introduced this Direction, altering the way in which family visa applications are processed.

Priority is now given to onshore applicants over offshore applicants.

An applicant’s location and place of grant now shape priority before the usual family order is applied. Onshore applicants who can be granted a visa onshore are prioritised ahead of offshore applicants or applicants who must be offshore at time of grant.

This applies to visa applications already lodged and to new applications.

The new processing priority is:

1) Minister-substituted ART decisions
2) Partner and child applications
3) Orphan relative applications
4) Contributory parent categories
5) Carer applications
6) Parent, aged parent, remaining relative and aged dependent relative

If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect your migration plans or visa application, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.

Ministerial Direction 119 – New Processing Priorities for Skilled Visa Applications (Effective 25 July 2026).

Nomination and visa applications for certain skilled visas are processed according to Government policy priorities outlined in Ministerial Direction 119, which came into effect on 25 July 2026.

Processing priority is based on both the applicant's occupation and whether they are in Australia or overseas at the time of application.

Highest priority is given to applications supporting Australia's law enforcement and defence interests, followed by occupations in construction, healthcare, and teaching.

Applicants who are in Australia generally receive higher processing priority than those applying from overseas.

If you would like to discuss how these changes may affect your migration plans or visa application, contact Migration Solutions on 08 8210 9800 to arrange a consultation with one of our experts.