New direction moves onshore skilled applicants ahead of offshore

Reported on 5 August 2026 · Skilled migration

Media report (not official): ABC reports a late-July ministerial direction reorders skilled visa processing, putting defence-related roles first and onshore temporary visa holders ahead of new offshore applicants. Commentators quoted said the effect on net migration would be modest, and the Opposition criticised the lack of consultation.

Media report (not official): ABC reports a late-July ministerial direction reorders skilled visa processing, putting defence-related roles first and onshore temporary visa holders ahead of new offshore applicants. Commentators quoted said the effect on net migration would be modest, and the Opposition criticised the lack of consultation.

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Reported by: ABC News