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Department of Home Affairs — news Major change

New Ministerial Directions: onshore skilled and family applicants now processed first

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Three new Ministerial Directions took effect on 25 July 2026, prioritising applications from people already in Australia across the Skilled and Family programs. Ministerial Direction 119 now sets the processing order for skilled visas, including 189, 190 and 491.

Key points

  • Ministerial Direction 119 replaced Direction 105 on 25 July 2026 and applies to all applications on hand.
  • It covers 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 482, 489, 491, 494, 887 and 888 visas. The 482 program is included for the first time.
  • Processing order: (1) law enforcement or defence, in Australia; (2) law enforcement or defence, outside Australia; (3) construction, healthcare and teaching occupations, in Australia; (4) all other applicants in Australia; (5) all other applicants outside Australia.
  • Location is based on where the applicant was when they applied.
  • Ministerial Direction 120 (also from 25 July 2026) covers 858 National Innovation visa applications.

Key dates

  • 25 July 2026Directions 119 and 120 took effect

What it could mean for applicants

If you applied from outside Australia in an occupation outside law enforcement, defence, construction, healthcare or teaching, your application sits in the lowest priority group. Processing order does not change who can be invited.

Read the original announcement

InviteRadar summary of an official announcement. Check the original source before making decisions. InviteRadar provides general information only. It is not migration advice and is not affiliated with the Australian Government. For advice about your circumstances, speak to a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.

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