TL;DR

Are you planning to migrate to Australia for work, study, or permanent residency, but are uncertain about which visa pathways give you an edge? Understanding Skilled Visa Processing Priorities (SVPP) is crucial, especially since the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL) was discontinued in 2022. The Australian government actively prioritises skilled migration to address critical labour shortages, ensuring that talented professionals can contribute to Australia’s economy with streamlined visa processing.

1 July 2025 onwards, the government will increase skilled visa income thresholds by 4.6%, emphasising the importance of attracting highly skilled professionals while ensuring fair compensation standards. For aspiring migrants, knowing how to align your occupation with Australia’s migration priorities can give you a competitive edge in securing visas for high-demand occupations.

In this guide, we’ll break down the current skilled visa processing priorities, how they impact your application, and the best steps you can take to plan your migration journey to Australia.

Please Note: This article serves as a general guide to help you understand the topic, with information accurate as of the publication date. We recommend consulting a registered migration agent or check The Department of Home Affairs for precise, up-to-date guidance tailored to your specific circumstances.

What are the Skilled Visa Processing Priorities?

Many visa applicants may wonder why some people receive the same visa type much faster than others. This is because the Australian Government processes skilled visa applications (including employer-sponsored visas) based on the priority order set out in Ministerial Direction No. 105.

Ministerial Direction No. 105 was introduced to help align Australia’s skilled migration program with the country’s economic needs. Its purpose is to address skills shortages and ensure that the visa system contributes effectively to Australia’s workforce, targeting areas that will foster economic growth.

Here are the primary goals of Ministerial Direction No. 105 listed concisely:

  1. Address skills shortages in critical sectors of the Australian economy.
  2. Align the skilled migration program with Australia’s current and future labour market needs.
  3. Maximise economic growth by ensuring skilled migration supports the national workforce.
  4. Support regional development by prioritising skilled workers willing to settle in designated regional areas.
  5. Ensure efficient visa processing by prioritising certain visa categories and occupations based on national demand.

By prioritising specific visa categories or occupations, Ministerial Direction No. 105 addresses critical skill shortages in key sectors. For instance, when there is an urgent need for healthcare workers or teachers, the government prioritises visa applications for these professions, helping fill vital gaps in these sectors. Moreover, the direction supports regional development, giving priority to skilled workers who are willing to settle in regions where there is a high demand for labour.

Knowing what Skilled Visa Processing Priorities is helps, but the real question for many applicants is: what is its order of priority? Let’s explore that next.

What is the order of priority outlined in Ministerial Direction No. 105?

Skilled visa applications are processed based on the following priority order:

  1. Employer-Sponsored Visas for Designated Regional Areas: Applications for occupations to be performed in designated regional areas receive the highest priority.
  2. Healthcare and Teaching Occupations: Visa applications for positions in critical sectors such as healthcare and teaching are prioritised. Key ANZSCO categories include:
    1. Health Professionals (ANZSCO Sub-major Group 25)
    2. School Teachers (ANZSCO Minor Group 241)
    3. Health and Welfare Support Workers (ANZSCO Minor Group 411)
    4. Child Care Centre Managers (ANZSCO Unit Group 1341)
    5. Medical Scientists (ANZSCO Unit Group 2346)
    6. Counsellors (ANZSCO Unit Group 2721)
    7. Psychologists (ANZSCO Unit Group 2723)
    8. Social Workers (ANZSCO Unit Group 2725)
    9. Medical Technicians (ANZSCO Unit Group 3112)
    10. Specific roles such as School Principal (ANZSCO 134311), Child Care Worker (ANZSCO 421111), Aged or Disabled Carer (ANZSCO 423111), Nursing Support Worker (ANZSCO 423312), and Personal Care Assistant (ANZSCO 423313) are also prioritised.
  3. Employer-Sponsored Visas with Accredited Sponsors: Applications where the applicant is nominated by an Approved Sponsor with Accredited Status are processed next.
  4. Permanent and Provisional Visas (Migration Program): Visa applications that contribute to the migration program (excluding Subclass 188 visas for Business Innovation and Investment) are prioritised next.
  5. All Other Visa Applications: Remaining visa applications are processed in order of lodgement date. Applications in lower priority categories may experience extended processing times beyond the standard timeframe

Eligible Visas for Prioritised Occupations

If you hold qualifications to work in an eligible skilled occupation in Australia and meet all other visa requirements, you may be eligible to apply for several skilled and employer-sponsored visas. These include:

  1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
  2. Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) visa (subclass 187) – Temporary Residence Transition Stream
  3. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189) – Points-tested stream
  4. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
  5. Training visa (subclass 407)
  6. Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills Stream
  7. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485)
  8. Skilled Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 489)
  9. Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
  10. Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)

Each visa program has specific requirements, and the combined list of eligible occupations specifies:

  1. ANZSCO code: Defines the skill level of each occupation and the qualifications or experience needed.
  2. Caveats: Certain occupations may have exclusions under specific visa streams, such as ENS – Direct Entry or Skills in Demand visas.
  3. List classification: Indicates whether the occupation is part of the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL), Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), Short-term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), or Regional Occupation List (ROL).
  4. Assessing authority: Identifies the authority responsible for evaluating your skills and qualifications.

It’s important to note:

  1. Temporary Residence Transition streams in subclasses 186 and 187 do not rely on the occupation list. Eligibility is based on the occupation from your most recently held temporary skilled visa.
  2. Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) has multiple streams. For the Post-Vocational Education Work stream, ensure you meet the criteria set by the relevant skills assessment authority.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, applicants should refer to the legislative instruments governing each visa program.

So, how do you know if your occupation qualifies for SOL? Here’s a simple step-by-step approach.

How to Check If Your Occupation Qualifies for Skilled Visa Priorities?

To take full advantage of the skilled visa processing priorities, it’s essential to confirm whether your occupation aligns with Australia’s current priority occupation lists. Here’s how you can check if your occupation qualifies:

  1. Consult Official Australian Government Resources: Always refer to the official Australian Government websites to ensure you have the most up-to-date information on skilled visa priorities.
    1. Home Affairs – Skilled Occupation Lists
    2. Department of Education, Skills and Employment

    These resources will give you access to the Skilled Occupation List (SOL) and Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), which are regularly updated to reflect the national demand for skilled workers.

  2. Check the ANZSCO Code for Your Occupation: Every occupation listed in the skilled migration system is identified by an ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) code. To verify if your occupation qualifies:
    1. Match your job title with the appropriate ANZSCO code.
    2. Compare this code against the priority lists to confirm whether your occupation is eligible for priority processing.
  3. Review Eligibility Requirements for Your Visa: Different visa subclasses have different eligibility requirements, and some prioritise specific occupations for faster processing. If your occupation is on one of the priority lists, check which visa categories it applies to, such as:
    1. Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
    2. Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
    3. Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)

    Each of these visa programs may prioritise occupations based on Australia’s labour market needs.

  4. Understand Professional Requirements and Licensing: In addition to the occupation itself, you must meet professional qualifications and licensing requirements to qualify for priority processing. For example, healthcare workers may need to be registered with an Australian professional body, while engineers may need to have their qualifications assessed by Engineers Australia.
  5. Consult a Migration Agent or Expert: If you’re unsure about the eligibility of your occupation or how to navigate Australia’s migration pathways, consulting a registered migration agent can provide personalised guidance. They can help ensure that your occupation and skills meet the required criteria for priority processing.

Beyond eligibility, applicants should consider practical strategies to strengthen their chances if pursuing a Skilled Visa Processing Priorities occupation.

Final Thoughts

The Skilled Visa Processing Priorities are significant for anyone planning to migrate to Australia for education, work, or PR. Understanding Skilled Visa Processing Priorities can help you:

  1. Identify occupations in high demand.
  2. Maximise your chances for faster visa processing.
  3. Strategically plan your study or career path to align with Australia’s labour market needs.

If you’re considering migration to Australia and want expert guidance on navigating skilled visas, or skill assessments, Knowbal Migration and Education is here to help. With tailored advice and step-by-step support, Knowbal ensures your Australian migration journey is smooth, informed, and successful.

Ready to take the next step? Contact Knowbal today and plan your migration strategy with confidence.

FAQs

1. How do skilled visa processing priorities affect my chances of getting a visa?

Skilled visa processing priorities can significantly speed up your application if your occupation is in high demand. Occupations on priority lists often face faster assessments, reducing wait times and increasing approval chances.

2. Can I apply for a skilled visa if my occupation isn’t on the priority list?

Yes, you can still apply for a skilled visa. However, you may not benefit from expedited processing, and your application might take longer to process.

3. Are employer-sponsored visas also impacted by skilled visa processing priorities?

Yes, employer-sponsored visas (such as Subclass 482) are impacted. If your occupation is on the priority list, your employer’s sponsorship process may be faster.

4. How often are the skilled visa processing priorities updated?

Skilled visa processing priorities are updated periodically based on Australia’s labour market needs and migration trends. Check the official website regularly for updates.

5. Can I apply for a skilled visa if I’m already in Australia on a student visa?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria and your occupation is in demand, you can apply for a skilled visa while already in Australia. Ensure your qualifications and work experience are assessed by the relevant authorities.

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