January 13, 2020

Many of you may not realise that the DOHA has a specific direction from the Minister in what order skilled migration applications must be processed. This is known as Direction 86.

Order for considering visa applications

The following processing priorities (with highest priority listed first) should be given due regard to in relation to applications for visas that are specified in Schedule A:

  1. visa applications for an Employer Sponsored visa or Regional Sponsored visa where the applicant is nominated by an employer who is a party to a labour agreement under a Designated Area Migration Agreement or a Global Talent Program Agreement and all applications identified through the Global Talent Program;
  2. visa applications for a Subclass 494 (Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)) visa. Within this priority, visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status or nominated by a party to a labour agreement not mentioned in paragraph (a) are to have precedence;
  3. visa applications for a Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)) visa;
  4. visa applications for an Employer sponsored visa. Within this priority, visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status, or nominated by a party to a labour agreement not mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) have precedence;
  5. visa applications for a Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) visa. Within this priority, visa applications where the applicant is nominated by an approved sponsor with Accredited Status are to have precedence;
  6. visa applications for a Subclass 489 (Skilled – Regional (Provisional)) visa;
  7. visa applications for a Subclass 190 (Skilled – Nominated) visa;
  8. visa applications for a Subclass 189 (Skilled – Independent) visa in the Points-tested stream;
  9. all other visa applications.

So not only do the the poor 189 applicants have to wait a long time to get an invitation they get the slowest process times. Not exactly fair is it?

Are you looking to apply for these visas? We are here to help. Call +61 2 8054 2537, 0434 890 199 or book online today to speak to our migration specialists. Save time and money and book a Skype appointment if you like!

Jee Eun Han