Australia’s skilled migration program has undergone an important update with the introduction of Ministerial Direction No. 105, which sets out a new order of priority for processing skilled visa applications — including the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa.
If you are an employer looking to sponsor a skilled worker, or you’re a visa applicant in the middle of the process, these changes may affect how quickly your application is assessed.
In this article, we break down what’s changed, who benefits, and what you should do next.
What Has Changed?
The Department of Home Affairs has updated how skilled visas are processed to better support Australia’s economic and labour market needs. Instead of assessing applications strictly in the order they are lodged, Home Affairs now follows a priority processing hierarchy.
This means some visa applications will be processed faster than others based on the type of visa, occupation, and sponsor.
New Skilled Visa Processing Order
Here is the updated priority list under the new directive:
1️⃣ Employer-Sponsored Visas in Designated Regional Areas
This is the highest priority category and includes the Subclass 186 visa when the nominated position is located in a regional area.
Regional employers and applicants may see significantly improved processing times.
2️⃣ Healthcare and Teaching Occupations
Applications involving critical sectors such as nurses, doctors, aged care professionals, and teachers are next in line.
3️⃣ Employer-Sponsored Visas with Accredited Sponsors
Businesses with Accredited Status benefit from priority processing, creating a faster and more streamlined pathway for skilled workers.
4️⃣ Permanent and Provisional Skilled Visas
This includes other permanent migration pathways that contribute to Australia's migration program planning numbers — excluding certain business and investor visas.
5️⃣ All Other Skilled Visa Applications
Applications that do not fall into the above categories will be processed afterward.
What This Means for 186 Visa Applicants
The impact of these changes depends on your circumstances:
✔ If your employer is in a regional area
Your 186 visa application may now be processed significantly faster, as regional employer-sponsored roles sit at the very top of the priority list.
✔ If your employer is an Accredited Sponsor
You may also benefit from faster processing times — even if the job is not located in a regional area.
✔ If your occupation is in healthcare or teaching
Your occupation benefits from priority assessment across multiple visa subclasses.
✔ If none of the above apply
Your application is still processed, but it may not be prioritised when compared to other categories.
Why Has Home Affairs Introduced These Priorities?
The new directive aims to:
- Address critical workforce shortages
- Support regional development
- Strengthen Australia’s skilled migration pipeline
- Improve processing efficiency and predictability
By prioritising employer-sponsored roles and essential services, the government aims to match skilled workers with urgent labour market needs more quickly.
How You Can Improve Your Processing Outlook
If you are an employer or visa applicant, consider the following:
1. Check whether your role is located in a designated regional area
If so, your application is automatically in the highest priority group.
2. Employers: Consider applying for Accredited Sponsor status
Accreditation can significantly speed up both nominations and visa applications.
3. Ensure your application is decision-ready
Incomplete or inconsistent applications can delay processing — even in priority categories.
4. Seek professional guidance early
Understanding where your application falls in the priority list is essential for planning timelines and managing employment transitions.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping partners, businesses, and professionals navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 186 Permanent Residency Visa application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15-minute discussion with our team if you have further questions.
Written by Ines Jusufspahic, LPN: 5511366
This article does not constitute legal/financial advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional