01/09/2026
If you are an employer waiting on a nomination, the queue you are in has been re-ordered.
Ministerial Direction 119 sets the order in which the Department picks up skilled applications for processing. It does not change who is eligible and it does not touch the occupation lists. What it changes is which files get looked at first.
The order runs law enforcement and defence occupations at the top. Then onshore workers in healthcare, teaching and construction, including housing-related trades. Then other onshore applicants. Then everyone offshore.
For an employer that has one practical consequence, and it is worth understanding before you decide who to nominate. An onshore candidate will generally sit ahead of a comparable offshore candidate in the queue. Same role, same evidence, and the offshore one sits further back. It applies across the visas you are most likely using already, which is 186, 482, 494, 189, 190 and 491.
One caveat.
Direction 119 does not guarantee faster processing. It affects where you sit in the order and nothing past that. If you are planning a start date on the strength of it, plan it loosely.
If you are waiting on a nomination or a skilled visa and want to know where your matter actually sits, get in touch.
Australian Migration Co — Registered Migration Agent Adam (Gurkan) Kocoglu (MARN 2418576) | Turkish & English | Perth, Western Australia
✉[email protected]
☎(08) 6555 7037
📞WhatsApp: +61 475 218 414
MARN 2418576
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this post is general in nature and does not constitute migration advice. It does not take into account your personal circumstances and should not be relied upon as guidance for your visa application. Migration laws and policies change frequently. For personalised and accurate advice, please book a consultation with a Registered Migration Agent (MARN 2418576) at Australian Migration Co. We do not guarantee visa outcomes. This video is edited by AI