Ministerial Directions 117, 119 and 120 Explained: Australia's Visa Processing Priority Changes in 2026
(25 July 2026)
The Australian Government has introduced three important Ministerial Directions that change how the Department of Home Affairs prioritises visa applications. Ministerial Directions 117, 119 and 120 affect the order in which many visa applications are processed, although they do not change the legal eligibility requirements for obtaining a visa.
If you are applying for a Partner visa, Skilled visa or Student visa, understanding these changes can help you manage expectations and make informed decisions about your migration strategy.
What is a Ministerial Direction?
A Ministerial Direction is a legal instrument issued by the Minister for Home Affairs under the Migration Act 1958. It instructs visa decision-makers on the order in which certain visa applications should be considered.
Importantly, a Ministerial Direction does not determine whether a visa will be granted. Instead, it determines which applications are processed first
Ministerial Direction 117 Explained – Partner Visa Processing Priority 2026
One of the most significant changes for couples is the introduction of Ministerial Direction 117, which establishes new processing priorities for Partner visa applications.
Key Changes
- Greater processing priority for many onshore Partner visa applicants.
- Offshore applications may experience longer waiting periods unless they fall within a higher priority category.
- Supports couples who are already living together in Australia while managing increasing application volumes.
What Does This Mean for Partner Visa Applicants?
If you and your Australian partner are already living together in Australia, your application may receive priority over comparable offshore applications.
For couples considering whether to apply onshore or offshore, obtaining migration advice before lodging an application has become even more important.
Ministerial Direction 119 Explained – Australia Skilled Visa Priority Changes
Ministerial Direction 119 replaces the previous Direction 105 and introduces a new national priority framework for processing skilled migration and employer-sponsored visa applications.
The Direction aligns visa processing with Australia's workforce shortages and economic priorities.
Skilled Visa Processing Priority Order
Applications are generally processed in the following order:
1. National Security Priorities
Applications supporting Australia's defence and law enforcement interests.
2. Onshore Priority Occupations
Applicants already in Australia working in critical sectors including:
- Healthcare
- Education and Teaching
- Construction
3. Other Onshore Skilled Applicants
Applications from skilled workers already living in Australia.
4. Offshore Priority Occupations
Applicants outside Australia working in priority occupations.
5. Other Offshore Skilled Applicants
All remaining offshore skilled migration applications.
What Does Ministerial Direction 119 Mean?
This Direction clearly favours applicants who are already in Australia.
Many employer-sponsored and skilled migration applicants who are onshore may experience faster processing than offshore applicants with similar qualifications.
For employers, this may assist with filling critical workforce shortages more quickly.
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Ministerial Direction 120 Explained – Student Visa Processing Changes
Ministerial Direction 120 updates the processing framework for Student visas.
The Direction forms part of the Australian Government's broader strategy to manage international student numbers while supporting quality education providers.
Key Features
- Processing priorities linked to education provider allocations.
- Supports sustainable growth in Australia's international education sector.
- Encourages a balanced distribution of international students across education providers.
- Continues support for regional education opportunities.
What Does This Mean for Student Visa Applicants?
Processing times may vary depending on your education provider and its allocation under the Government's planning framework.
Students should:
- Lodge complete applications as early as possible.
- Ensure all supporting documents are provided.
- Avoid unnecessary delays by responding promptly to Department requests.