The Department of Home Affairs has introduced Ministerial Direction 119, effective from 25 July 2026. This Direction sets a new priority order for processing skilled visa applications and employer nominations. It applies to all new applications and also to applications already lodged but not yet decided.

The Government aims to support Australia’s labour market by prioritising skilled workers in law enforcement, defence, healthcare, teaching, and construction.

Key changes under DIRECTION 119

The new priority system is based on two main factors:

  1. The occupation of the applicant
  2. Whether the applicant is inside or outside Australia at the time of application

Priority order (from highest to lowest)

  1. Applicants in Australia applying for law enforcement or defence occupations
  2. Applicants outside Australia applying for law enforcement or defence occupations
  3. Applicants in Australia applying for healthcare, teaching, or construction occupations
  4. All other applicants in Australia
  5. All other applicants outside Australia

Family members included in a combined application receive the same priority as the primary applicant.

Visas affected by DIRECTION 119

Direction 119 applies to a wide range of skilled visas, including:

  • Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
  • Subclass 187 – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme
  • Subclass 482 – Skills in Demand / Temporary Skill Shortage
  • Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent
  • Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated
  • Subclass 191 – Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional)
  • Subclass 489, 491, 494 – Skilled Regional visas
  • Subclass 887 – Skilled Regional
  • Subclass 888 – Business Innovation & Investment (Permanent)

What this means for you

If you are in Australia (onshore), you now have higher priority, especially if your occupation is in a critical sector.

If you are outside Australia (offshore), your application may take longer unless you work in defence, law enforcement, healthcare, teaching, or construction.

For employers

Direction 119 affects planning for start dates, international recruitment, and sponsorship timelines. Previous advantages such as Accredited Sponsorship or regional priority no longer influence processing order.

Recommendations

  • Check if your occupation is part of the priority sectors.
  • If possible, consider lodging your application from within Australia.
  • Expect longer processing times for offshore applications or non‑priority occupations.
  • Review your workforce planning if you are sponsoring overseas workers.