Government announces next stage of migration reform, including new skilled visa processing priorities

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• Net Overseas Migration has fallen to 292,000, down 47% from the post-Covid peak in 2023 (ABS data released 17 September 2026).
• The changes are designed to deliver the Budget forecasts of 245,000 this financial year and 225,000 in 2027–28.
• Ministerial Direction 119 will be updated so skilled visas get priority processing for healthcare, construction, education, law enforcement, defence, resources, agriculture, aquaculture and fishing.
• Student visas: action to stop 'visa hopping' and restrict secondary applicants on most student visas.
• A No Further Stay condition will be added to all visitor visas.
• Working Holiday Maker: a ballot system for second and third years with a regional work requirement, and processing times stabilised at three months.
• A crackdown on migration agents who knowingly lodge applications without merit, plus stronger compliance to make sure people without valid visas leave.