Ministerial Direction 100 and streamlined visa processing

To assist in further streamlining visa processing, Ministerial Direction 100 came into effect on 28 October 2022 which sets out the order of priority applied by the Department of Home Affairs (Department) (and the Administrative Appeals Tribunal) in processing of skilled nomination and visa applications (and related review applications). Broadly speaking, priority is given to those in the healthcare or teaching sector, sponsors with Accredited Status, those being nominated in regional areas, and certain passport holders.

This direction removes the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) implemented in September 2020.

Processing priority for employer sponsored nomination applications

The following order of priority will apply to employer-sponsored nomination applications:

1. nomination applications in relation to a healthcare or teaching occupation
2. nomination applications lodged by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status
3. nomination applications in relation to an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area and
4. all other nomination applications.

Within the above categories:

1. priority is given to nomination applications in relation to provisional or permanent visas where applicants are located outside of Australia at the time of application
2. priority is given to applicants who are the holders of eligible passports.

Processing priority for certain skilled visa applications

The following order of priority will apply to certain skilled visa applications:

1. visa applications in relation to a healthcare or teaching occupation
2. employer sponsored visa applications lodged by an Approved sponsor with Accredited Status
3. visa applications in relation to an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area
4. permanent and provisional visa applications that count towards the migraton program (excluding the Subclass 188 visa) and
5. all other visas.

Within the above categories:

1. priority is given to nomination applications in relation to provisional or permanent visas where applicants are located outside of Australia at the time of application and
2. priority is given to applicants who are the holders of eligible passports.

What are the relevant definitions?

Any questions?

The Direction will apply to all skilled applications that have been lodged but not finally determined by the Department of Home Affairs, as well as future applications. If you want to discuss how to gear your migration aims to take advantage of priority processing (for example, obtaining Accredited Sponsorship for sponsoring employers) feel free to contact us by email at [email protected] or phone +61 3 9016 0484 to obtain further guidance.

This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Please consult an immigration professional for up to date information.