On July 25, 2026, Australia implemented new skilled visa processing priorities that give precedence to applicants already residing in the country over most overseas applicants. The change was directed by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke on July 24 and aims to adjust visa processing order without altering visa eligibility rules.
Shift in Skilled Visa Processing Priorities
Under the revised system, skilled workers employed in law enforcement and the defence sector within Australia receive the highest processing priority. Conversely, offshore applicants applying from abroad—except for those in healthcare, teaching, and construction—are now assigned the lowest priority. Additionally, the government discontinued priority processing for regional skilled visa applications.
Background and Migration Context
The policy update follows a notable surge in net migration, which reached a record 556,000 in the year leading to September 2023, after Australia’s border reopening. This increase intensified political debates around population growth, with Pauline Hanson’s One Nation gaining voter support amid migration concerns. The Australian government seeks to manage this growth by prioritizing current residents in visa processing.
Expert and Industry Reactions
Migration Institute CEO Peter van Vliet explained that prioritizing onshore applicants likely reduces net migration since these migrants are already counted in Australia’s population but may challenge businesses seeking overseas skilled workers. According to Australian National University migration expert Alan
Gamlen, the policy creates stronger incentives for employers to recruit domestically but involves trade-offs between managing temporary migrants and maintaining access to international talent.
Business groups expressed concern about potential difficulties in accessing specialized overseas skills, particularly within construction, energy, research, and technology sectors, as stated by Business Council of Australia CEO Bran Black. Former senior immigration official Abul Rizvi suggested that the impact on offshore processing times might be limited despite the shift in priority.
Government Position and Policy Details
A Department of Home Affairs spokesperson confirmed that the onshore-focused processing approach is designed to support migrants already living and working in Australia who
are seeking permanent residency. The policy does not change visa eligibility requirements but adjusts the order in which visa applications are assessed, giving the government greater influence over timing without new legislation.
