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Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Citizenship — media release Major change

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

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Minister Tony Burke outlined a package of migration changes aimed at meeting the Budget's Net Overseas Migration forecasts. For skilled visas, Ministerial Direction 119 will be updated so priority processing covers a wider range of key sectors.

Key points

  • 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.

Key dates

  • 17 September 2026Reforms announced

What it could mean for applicants

Skilled visa applicants in the listed sectors may see faster processing once the updated Direction takes effect. The release does not give a start date or details for each change yet, so watch for the updated Ministerial Direction 119 and Home Affairs guidance.

Read the original announcement

InviteRadar summary of an official announcement. Check the original source before making decisions. InviteRadar provides general information only. It is not migration advice and is not affiliated with the Australian Government. For advice about your circumstances, speak to a registered migration agent or Australian legal practitioner.

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