Australia has updated its Skilled Visa Processing Priorities, clarifying how skilled visa applications are being assessed.
Government processing is being prioritised for:
- Employer-sponsored visas for regional work
- Applications by accredited sponsors
- Select occupations in healthcare and teaching
Interstaff examines these trends in greater detail.
How the government establishes visa processing priorities
Ministerial Direction 105 allows the government to issue instructions to Home Affairs on how skilled visas should be prioritised, typically taking into account regional needs, sponsorship status and critical sectors.
In March 2026, skilled visa priorities under Ministerial Direction 105 were reset to the below order of priority:
