Ministerial Direction 121 sets the processing priorities for certain Temporary Skilled visas, including the Skills in Demand 482 and related visas. Perth based migration practice, Anagram Australian Immigration Solutions Pty Ltd, explains what this updated order means for applicants and sponsoring employers -so you can plan with clarity and confidence. Blog
- Ministerial Direction 121 is in effect from September 19, 2026
- for considering and disposing certain temporary Skilled Visas
Priority 1 – Critical Sector Occupations
| Visa applications made by primary applicant for an occupation in construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources sectors, or an occupation related to Australia’s law enforcement or defence interests. |
Priority 2 – Specialists Skills Stream
| Applications for a Skills in Demand visa in which the primary applicant seeks to satisfy the criteria for the grant of a Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand) visa in the Specialist Skills Stream. |
Priority 3 – Onshore Applicants
| All other visa applications where the applicant is a primary applicant who is in Australia at the time the application is made. |
Priority 4 – Offshore Applicants
| Visa applications where the primary applicant is outside Australia at the time the application is made and whose application is not combined with another person’s application at any time: |
Priority 5 – All other Applications
| All other visa applications for a class GK Visa |
Secondary Applicants
| Visa applications that are combined with a primary applicant’s application are given the same priority as the primary applicant’s application. |
Please note the Ministerial Direction 119 which was mentioned in my earlier blog is revoked and Ministerial Direction 121 provides guidance on processing priorities of temporary skilled visas with effect from 19 September 2026
At Anagram Australian Immigration Solutions Pty Ltd, we partner with employers and individuals to deliver tailored workforce and migration solutions. We help businesses address workforce challenges through strategic workforce planning and employer sponsored migration pathways, while supporting individuals to make informed decisions about their migration future in Australia.
If you need clarity on how Direction 121 impacts your application or for workforce planning, reach out for tailored, strategic support from a Perth – based migration practice.
Learn more about Skills in Demand visas Employer Sponsored Visa