1. Australia Updates Visa Processing Priorities from 19 September 2026

The Australian Government continues to adjust its migration policies to address workforce shortages in key sectors of the economy. One of the most notable changes is the introduction of two new ministerial directions: Ministerial Direction 121 (MD121) and Ministerial Direction 122 (MD122), effective from 19 September 2026.

According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs, these two directions replace the previous visa processing priority arrangements under Ministerial Direction 119 for the visa subclasses covered by the new policy.

One of the key changes is the introduction of two separate processing priority frameworks:

• Ministerial Direction 121: Applies to the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482), a temporary skilled work visa.

• Ministerial Direction 122: Applies to certain temporary and permanent skilled visa subclasses, including Subclasses 186, 189, 190, 191, 491 and 494, among others.

Under the new framework, applications relating to occupations in Australia's designated priority sectors will receive the highest processing priority. Other factors, including the applicant's location at the time of lodgement and the type of visa application, may also influence processing order.

These changes affect not only people preparing to lodge their visa applications but also applicants whose applications were submitted before 19 September 2026 and have not yet received a final decision.

For Vietnamese workers seeking employment opportunities in Australia, understanding these changes is important when choosing an occupation and planning an appropriate migration pathway.

2. Ministerial Direction 121: Subclass 482 Visa Processing Priorities

Ministerial Direction 121 establishes the processing priorities for applications under the Skills in Demand (SID) visa program – Subclass 482, one of Australia's temporary employer-sponsored skilled work visas.

Under the new direction, applications are divided into five priority groups, ranked from highest to lowest.

Priority Group 1: Occupations in Australia's Priority Sectors

This is the highest processing priority. It applies to nominated positions within the following sectors:

• Construction.

• Healthcare.

• Teaching.

• Agriculture.

• Aquaculture.

• Fishing.

• Resources.

• Australia's law enforcement interests.

• Australia's defence interests.

Importantly, this priority group applies to applicants both inside and outside Australia.

This means that workers currently living in Vietnam may still qualify for the highest processing priority if their nominated positions fall within the relevant occupational scope of the direction.

However, not every occupation within these industries automatically receives priority. Eligibility must be assessed based on the specific occupation, occupation code and definitions set out in Ministerial Direction 121.

Priority Group 2: Specialist Skills Stream – Subclass 482

The second priority group covers applications under the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand Subclass 482 visa program.

This stream is designed for highly skilled workers who meet the relevant skills and income requirements.

The priority given to this group reflects Australia's intention to attract highly specialised professionals who can fill positions in demand within the Australian labour market.

Workers should note that qualifying for the Specialist Skills stream does not mean they are exempt from visa requirements. Applications must still meet all relevant occupational, salary, employer sponsorship and other eligibility criteria.

Priority Group 3: Applicants Who Are in Australia at the Time of Lodgement

The third priority group applies to applicants who are physically present in Australia when they lodge their visa applications.

This is an important factor in determining the processing order of applications that do not fall within the first two priority groups.

It is important to note that an applicant's location is assessed at the time of lodgement, not when they begin preparing their documents or receive an employment offer.

Priority Group 4: Applicants Outside Australia with Standalone Applications

The fourth priority group applies to applicants who are outside Australia when they lodge their applications and whose applications have not been combined with another person's visa application at any time.

For example, a worker living in Vietnam who submits an independent Subclass 482 application without combining it with another person's application may fall into this group, provided they do not qualify for a higher priority category.

Priority Group 5: All Other Applications

This is the lowest processing priority under Ministerial Direction 121.

It includes applications that do not meet the requirements of the four higher-priority groups.

Therefore, the processing order for Subclass 482 applications under Direction 121 depends not only on where the applicant is located but also on the nominated occupation and the visa stream selected.

3. Ministerial Direction 122: Processing Priorities for Temporary and Permanent Skilled Visas

Unlike Direction 121, Ministerial Direction 122 focuses on certain temporary and permanent skilled visa categories.

The visa subclasses covered include:

Under the new direction, applications are divided into four priority groups.

Priority Group 1: Occupations in Australia's Priority Sectors

This is the highest priority group, similar to the first priority group under Direction 121.

The specified sectors include:

• Construction.

• Healthcare.

• Teaching.

• Agriculture.

• Aquaculture.

• Fishing.

• Resources.

• Australia's law enforcement and defence interests.

Importantly, workers may qualify for this priority group whether they are currently in Australia or overseas, provided their nominated positions fall within the scope of the direction.

For people currently living in Vietnam and planning to work in Australia, this is an important consideration when exploring skilled visa programs.

Priority Group 2: Applicants Who Are in Australia at the Time of Lodgement

The second priority group applies to primary applicants who are physically present in Australia when they lodge their visa applications.

For applications that do not qualify for the highest occupational priority group, the applicant's location becomes an important factor in determining processing order.

This creates a distinction between applicants living in Australia and those applying from overseas.

Priority Group 3: Applicants Outside Australia with Standalone Applications

The third priority group applies to primary applicants who are outside Australia when they lodge their applications and whose applications have not been combined with another person's application at any time.

This group may include Vietnamese workers currently living in Vietnam, provided they meet the relevant requirements.

Priority Group 4: All Other Applications

Applications that do not meet the requirements of the first three priority groups will be placed in the final category.

Overall, Direction 122 focuses on two key factors: whether the nominated occupation falls within Australia's priority sectors and where the primary applicant is located at the time of lodgement.

4. Comparison Between Ministerial Direction 121 and Ministerial Direction 122

Although both directions came into effect on 19 September 2026, they cover different visa categories and have different processing priority structures.

Both directions place occupations in Australia's key priority sectors at the top of the processing order.

However, Direction 121 includes a separate priority group for the Specialist Skills stream under Subclass 482. Direction 122 does not have this separate category and instead focuses on occupational priorities and the applicant's location.

5. Which Occupations Receive Priority Under Australia's New Visa Processing Framework?

One important point workers should understand is that working in an industry listed as a priority sector does not automatically mean an application will receive priority processing.

The Australian Department of Home Affairs determines processing priority based on the nominated occupation and the specific occupational scope within each sector.

Some relevant examples include:

Construction:

• Electricians.

• Welders and structural steel workers.

• Construction managers.

• Civil engineers.

• Eligible construction workers and technicians.

Healthcare:

• Doctors and medical professionals.

• Nurses and healthcare support professionals.

• Aged care workers.

• Disability support workers.

• Psychologists and eligible social work professionals.

Teaching:

• Primary and secondary school teachers.

• Early childhood teachers.

• University lecturers.

• Vocational education and training teachers.

• Childcare centre managers.

Resources:

• Mining engineers.

• Geologists.

• Mining workers.

• Mechanics and technicians supporting eligible resource-sector operations.

Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fishing:

• Crop cultivation and harvesting workers.

• Livestock workers.

• Aquaculture workers.

• Fishing and seafood processing workers.

• Other eligible agricultural production positions.

For law enforcement and defence, only positions that meet the specific definitions outlined in the relevant direction may qualify for priority processing.

Therefore, before choosing an occupation or preparing a visa application, workers should verify the relevant occupation code and job description rather than relying solely on the general industry category.

6. How Will the New Policy Affect Vietnamese Workers?

The introduction of Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 brings several important considerations for Vietnamese citizens planning to work in Australia.

Workers Living in Vietnam Can Still Qualify for Priority Processing

One of the most important points is that applicants do not necessarily need to be living in Australia to qualify for the highest processing priority.

If their nominated occupation falls within a designated priority sector, their application may be placed in the first priority group even if they are currently living in Vietnam.

This creates an opportunity for Vietnamese workers with relevant qualifications and professional experience to explore suitable Australian employment pathways.

Highly Skilled Workers May Have an Advantage Under the Subclass 482 Program

For Subclass 482 applications, the Specialist Skills stream is ranked as the second priority group.

This reflects Australia's continued interest in attracting highly skilled professionals who can meet the recruitment needs of Australian employers.

However, workers must still check the applicable income thresholds, occupational requirements and other eligibility criteria for this visa stream.

Applications Lodged Before 19 September 2026 May Also Be Affected

An important point is that the new policy does not only apply to applications lodged from 19 September 2026 onwards.

Applications lodged before this date that have not yet received a final decision will also be assessed according to the updated processing priorities.

This means the processing position of some pending applications may change depending on the nominated occupation and the applicant's circumstances at the time of lodgement.

Planning a Long-Term Visa Pathway Is Important

Processing priority is only one of the factors workers should consider when choosing an Australian migration program.

Applicants should also assess their professional qualifications, work experience, English language proficiency and employment opportunities in Australia.

Choosing an appropriate visa subclass from the beginning can help create a clearer and more practical application plan.

7. Do Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 Guarantee Faster Visa Approval?

This is one of the most common questions among people following Australia's new immigration policy.

It is important to distinguish between two concepts: priority processing and visa approval eligibility.

Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 determine the order in which the Department of Home Affairs considers applications within the relevant visa categories.

This does not mean that applicants in higher priority groups will automatically receive a visa or that their applications will be finalised within a guaranteed timeframe.

Applications must still satisfy all relevant requirements of the chosen visa program.

Actual processing times may depend on several factors, including:

• Whether the application contains all required documents and accurate information.

• Whether the applicant meets the qualification and work experience requirements.

• Whether the sponsoring employer meets the relevant legal requirements.

• Health examination and character assessment results.

• Requests for additional information from the Department of Home Affairs.

• The number of applications awaiting assessment and the processing capacity of the immigration authorities.

Therefore, workers should not assume that being employed in a priority occupation guarantees visa approval or a fixed processing timeframe.

8. What Should Vietnamese Workers Prepare When Exploring Employment Opportunities in Australia?

Given the changes to visa processing priorities, workers should take a proactive approach and prepare their plans early.

Step 1: Identify a Suitable Occupation

Research occupations in demand in Australia, particularly those within the priority sectors under Ministerial Directions 121 and 122.

It is important to compare the actual job duties with the occupation lists and definitions specified in the relevant immigration policy.

Step 2: Assess Your Qualifications and Work Experience

Review your educational qualifications, professional certificates, work experience and ability to meet the requirements of the intended position.

For occupations requiring a skills assessment, research the relevant assessing authority and applicable assessment criteria.

Step 3: Improve Your English Language Skills

English proficiency is an important requirement for many skilled work visa programs.

Applicants should identify the English language requirements of their intended visa pathway and develop an appropriate study plan.

Step 4: Explore Employer Sponsorship Opportunities

For visa programs that require employer sponsorship, finding a suitable Australian employer is an important step.

Workers should research the employer, available position, job description and employment conditions.

They should also verify the employer's legitimacy and carefully review all relevant agreements.

Step 5: Develop a Long-Term Employment and Migration Pathway

Depending on their qualifications and personal circumstances, workers may explore different visa programs, including:

• Subclass 482: Temporary employer-sponsored skilled work visa.

• Subclass 186: Permanent employer-sponsored visa.

• Subclass 494: Regional employer-sponsored skilled work visa.

• Subclass 189 and 190: Permanent skilled visa pathways under the points-tested and nomination systems.

Each visa subclass has its own eligibility requirements. Not everyone holding a Subclass 482 visa automatically qualifies for permanent residency through Subclass 186.

Therefore, applicants should assess their individual circumstances and select a pathway based on the immigration requirements in force at the time of application.

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Ministerial Directions 121 and 122

When Did Ministerial Directions 121 and 122 Come into Effect?

Both directions came into effect on 19 September 2026, replacing the previous processing priority arrangements under Ministerial Direction 119 for the visa categories covered by the new policy.

Which Visa Does Ministerial Direction 121 Apply To?

Direction 121 applies to the Skills in Demand Subclass 482 visa, including relevant outstanding Subclass 482 applications under the Temporary Skill Shortage program.

Which Visas Are Covered by Ministerial Direction 122?

Direction 122 applies to Subclasses 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 489, 491, 494, 887 and 888, within the scope of the direction.

Can Applicants Living in Vietnam Receive Priority Processing for Australian Visas?

Yes. Applicants living in Vietnam may qualify for the highest priority group if their nominated occupations meet the priority sector requirements specified in the relevant direction.

If their occupations do not qualify for this group, their location at the time of lodgement may affect their processing priority.

Is Construction a Priority Sector for Australian Visa Processing?

Yes. Construction is one of the priority sectors under both Ministerial Directions 121 and 122.

However, not every occupation within the construction industry automatically qualifies. Applicants must check their specific occupation and whether it falls within the scope of the direction.

Does the Subclass 482 Visa Receive Priority Processing?

Yes. Under Direction 121, Subclass 482 applications are divided into five priority groups. Applications relating to Australia's priority sectors are ranked first, followed by the Specialist Skills stream.

Does Being in a Higher Priority Group Guarantee Visa Approval?

No. Priority status only determines the order in which applications are processed. Applicants must still meet all the eligibility requirements of the relevant visa program.

Will Applications Lodged Before 19 September 2026 Be Affected?

Yes. Applications lodged before 19 September 2026 that have not received a final decision are also subject to the updated processing priority arrangements.