Australia has introduced a new visa processing priority framework that changes the order in which several employer-sponsored, skilled and regional migration visa applications are processed. The updated framework applies to applications lodged on or after July 25, 2026, and to earlier applications that are still awaiting a decision.
The revised processing order, according to a report by Fragomen, covers several visa categories, including the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186), Skills in Demand (subclass 482), Skilled Independent (subclass 189), Skilled Nominated (subclass 190), Skilled Work Regional (subclass 491) and Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visas, among others.
