14/08/2026
π¨ AUSTRALIA VISA UPDATE | MD 119 IS NOW IN EFFECT!
From 25 July 2026, Ministerial Direction 119 has replaced MD 105 and changed how skilled & employer-sponsored visas are prioritised.
π₯ Whatβs changed?
Onshore applicants get priority
π‘οΈ Law Enforcement & Defence = Top priority
ποΈ Construction, π₯ Healthcare & π©βπ« Teaching get major priority
Regional & Accredited Sponsor priority advantages are removed
Existing undecided applications can also be reassessed under the new queue
π Priority Order:
1οΈβ£ Onshore β Law Enforcement & Defence
2οΈβ£ Offshore β Law Enforcement & Defence
3οΈβ£ Onshore β Construction, Healthcare & Teaching
4οΈβ£ Onshore β Other skilled occupations
5οΈβ£ Offshore β Other skilled occupations
π Affected visas: 482, 186, 189, 190, 491, 494, 191, 887 & 888.
β οΈ Important: MD 119 changes processing priority, not visa eligibility or guaranteed processing times.
π Applying for an Australian skilled visa? Check how MD 119 may affect your application.
π +61 422 241 444
π https://aimconsultants.com.au/