Skilled Visa - Processing Priorities

​​A new Ministerial Direction for prioritising skilled visa applications came into effect on 28 October 2022.

The Department has ceased the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) and critical sectors. Priority is given to visa applications where the primary applicant is located outside Australia when the visa application is made.​

Skilled visa applications are processed in the following order of priority:​

1. Visa applications for a healthcare or teaching occupation.
2. Visa applications where an Accredited Approved sponsor nominates the applicant.
3. Visa applications about an occupation to be carried out in a designated regional area.
4. Visa applications that count towards the migration program, excluding the Subclass 188A visa.
5. All other visa applications.