Migration News

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced Ministerial Direction 120, replacing the previous Direction 112 (dated 6 December 2024), setting a new order for considering and disposing of Class BX visa applications, covering the National Innovation visa, and legacy Global Talent and Distinguished Talent visas and providing guidance on assessing “exceptional and outstanding achievement” for Subclass 858 visa applicants. The direction does not change the legislative requirements for a Class BX visa; applicants must still meet the criteria set out in the Migration Regulations 1994 to be granted a visa. It applies to: It does not apply to applications remitted by the AAT or ART for reconsideration, applications where the AAT/ART has substituted a new decision, applications that wouldn’t otherwise meet visa criteria, certain family unit applications, or matters before the ART. The order of the Priority is as follows: The Direction also provides guidance for decision makers assessing the exceptional and outstanding achievement criterion for Subclass 858 visas. Rather than treating listed factors as a checklist, decision makers must weigh the applicant’s circumstances as a whole. Relevant indicators may include: For applicants nominated by government agencies, a broader range of achievements may also be considered, including top-tier sports or arts awards, significant angel investment experience, promising entrepreneurial activity (particularly linked to state or territory start-up incubators), and exceptional community service or contributions. Click here: Ministerial Direction 120

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced Ministerial Direction 119, under section 499 of the Migration Act 1958, setting the new processing priorities for nomination and visa applications across a range of Skilled visa subclasses. The direction commenced from 25 July 2026 and replaces Ministerial Direction 105 and, for the first time, brings the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) program under a formal prioritisation framework, applying to all on-hand applications. Direction 119 applies to nomination applications for the following visa subclasses: It also applies to visa applications across a broader list of skilled visa classes, including subclasses 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 482 (TSS and SID), 489, 491, 494, 888 and 887. How Priority Is Determined Order of Processing Priority – For both nominations and visa applications, the Direction sets a five-tier priority order (highest to lowest) The Direction applies both to new applications and to applications made before its commencement that have not yet been finally determined. Click here: Ministerial Direction 119

The Department of Home Affairs has introduced Ministerial Direction 117 on 25 July 2026, replacing Ministerial Direction 102. It establishes new processing priorities for Family visa applications, while Ministerial Direction 103 continues to govern Family visa applications that are subject to capping and queueing. Ministerial Direction No. 117 gives highest priority to Family visa applications made while the primary applicant was in Australia, for a visa that can be granted while they remain in Australia. Lower priority applies to applications where the primary applicant is outside Australia at the time of application or must be outside Australia at the time of grant. Within these categories, applications are processed in the following order: Order of Processing Priority (Within Each Category) Capped and queued applications Direction 103 specifies that Contributory Parent, Parent, and Other Family (Carer, Remaining Relative and Aged Dependent Relative) visa applications which are subject to capping and queuing that are processed in queue date order. Priority processing in special circumstances Direction 117 allows an application to be prioritised where there are special circumstances of a compassionate nature and compelling reasons to depart from the standard order. Processing times vary depending on individual case circumstances. Applicants can refer to the Department’s Processing Times Guide for Child and Partner visa processing times, and the Partner Visa FAQs for information on seeking priority processing. Queue release dates for Parent and Other Family visas are also published separately on the Department’s website. For more information click here