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Where does your skilled visa sit in the queue? Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 explained

Visa guide · 2026-09-21 · 3 min read

Skilled visa applications are not decided in the order they arrive. Since 19 September 2026, two Ministerial Directions, MD 121 and MD 122, set the order, and they replace the arrangement under MD 119. Where you work, where you were when you lodged and whether you applied alone all affect how quickly a decision may come.

The temporary visa order under MD 121

This direction covers the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and the retired Temporary Skill Shortage visa. Applications are ranked in this order:

1. Priority sectors: construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, plus anything linked to defence or law enforcement.
2. Specialist Skills stream applicants under the Skills in Demand visa.
3. Applicants who were already in Australia when they lodged.
4. Solo applicants, not combined with a partner or family application, who lodged from outside Australia.
5. Everyone else.

The provisional and permanent order under MD 122

MD 122 covers a longer list of subclasses, including Skilled Independent (189), Skilled Nominated (190), Employer Nomination Scheme (186), the regional provisional visas (491, 494 and 489) and permanent options such as 191 and 887. The ranking is shorter:

What this means in practice

If your occupation sits in a priority sector, your application should move faster than it would have under MD 119. Applying from within Australia lifts you above most overseas applicants. A combined application lodged from overseas sits lowest, so plan for a longer wait if that describes you. For occupation context, read why construction is short of skilled people and how slower processing affects nurses and teachers.

Older directions still apply

Two earlier directions continue outside MD 121 and MD 122. MD 114 covers the closed Business Innovation and Investment (188) and Business Talent (132) visas. MD 120, effective 25 July 2026, covers Class BX (858) visas, including the National Innovation visa and the closed Distinguished Talent and Global Talent programs.

Treat processing times as a guide

The Department of Home Affairs processing time tool reflects how long recently finalised applications took. It does not predict your case and does not check your details, so use it as a benchmark only. You can review the tool and the directions on the Department of Home Affairs website.

Common mistakes

• Expecting every application to be processed in lodgement order.
• Lodging a combined family application from overseas without allowing extra time.
• Treating the processing time tool as a promise.
• Submitting with missing documents, which can lose a fast-track position. A clear CV from Build AI CV helps keep your evidence of experience tidy.

Questions newcomers ask about processing priority

Does MD 121 apply to the 482 visa?

Yes, it covers the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa and the retired Temporary Skill Shortage visa.

Which sectors come first?

Construction, healthcare, teaching, agriculture, aquaculture, fishing and resources, plus defence and law enforcement links.

Does lodging from inside Australia help?

Yes. Onshore applicants rank above most solo and combined applicants who lodged from overseas.

Which directions cover other visas?

MD 114 and MD 120 continue to apply for the programs listed above.

Where do I look for current roles?

Open the jobs page and match your skills to employers.

What to remember before you lodge

Priority now depends on your sector and how and where you lodge. Check the direction that covers your subclass, lodge a complete application and plan for a longer wait if you rank low.

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