The Australian government has introduced changes to the way it prioritises partner and family visa applications, with a new ministerial direction coming into effect on 25 July 2026. According to the report, Ministerial Direction 117 outlines the order in which the Department of Home Affairs should process specific visas.
Priority Order for Partner and Family Visas
Under the new direction, partner and family visa applicants who are in Australia at the time of application and visa grant are given the highest priority. The Department of Home Affairs will then process applications in the following order: Minister-substituted Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) decisions, Parent, aged parent, remaining relative, and aged dependent relative visas.
In all cases, applicants in Australia at the time of application are prioritised over offshore applicants or applicants that are required to be offshore at the time of grant. The government is still committed to processing both onshore and offshore visa applications, but longer processing times may be expected for offshore applications.
Impact on Visa Applicants
The changes do not affect the eligibility criteria for visa applicants, but rather the order in which applications are processed. Onshore applicants are now given priority, while offshore applicants may experience longer processing times. The report notes that some visa categories, such as the Subclass 870 Temporary Sponsored Parent Visa and the Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship Visa, are not affected by the new direction.
Applicants with special circumstances, such as compassionate needs, may be prioritised on a case-by-case basis. The government will consider compelling reasons to depart when making decisions about these applications.
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The changes to the partner and family visa program are part of a broader shift in the government’s migration policy, with a greater focus on managing Net Overseas Migration (NOM) by prioritising applicants already in Australia. This approach is also reflected in the Skilled Visa program, which has seen similar changes with the commencement of Ministerial Direction 119 on 25 July 2026.
As migration policies continue to evolve, it is essential for individuals and employers to stay informed about the latest developments and changes to visa programs. Understanding Net Overseas Migration is important for handling the complex visa application process.
Individuals and employers must consult with a registered migration agent to understand the implications of these changes. A registered migration agent can provide expert guidance on the most suitable visa options, helping individuals and employers achieve their long-term settlement goals.
They can help individuals and businesses make informed decisions.
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