Australia's New Ministerial Direction for Offshore Student Visa Processing

Introduction to Ministerial Direction 111

Effective December 19, 2024, Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) has replaced MD107, introducing updated priorities for processing offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. This direction applies to all pending and new offshore applications lodged on or after this date.

Under MD111, applications are categorized for processing as either:

• Priority 1 – High
• Priority 2 – Standard

Applications classified as Priority 1 will be processed more quickly than those in Priority 2.

Priority Processing Criteria

Priority 1 – High applies to:

1. Providers under 80% Threshold
   Offshore Student visa applications linked to higher education and vocational education providers that have not yet reached 80% of their indicative allocation of new overseas student commencements for 2025 (as per PRISMS data).

2. Specific Sectors and Students

   • Schools sector
   • Higher Degree by Research students
   • Non-award sector students (e.g., short-term exchange students)
   • Independent ELICOS students
   • Students enrolled in Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes
   • Scholarship recipients, including those sponsored by Defence or Foreign Affairs
   • Students from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste
   • Students in transnational education programs or aviation pilot training courses

Priority 2 – Standard includes:

• Applications linked to providers that have exceeded their 80% threshold.
• Subsequent entrants associated with Priority 1 or 2 visa holders (unless classified as minors under section 8(3) of MD111).
• Any other offshore Student visa applications.

Key Objectives and Impact

MD111 aims to ensure efficient and equitable visa processing, supporting the education sector while aligning with broader government international education goals. It is important to note that MD111:

• Does not impose a cap on student visa numbers.
• Does not change the criteria for approving or refusing applications.
• Ensures continued processing even if applications fall under Priority 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does MD111 affect onshore applications?
No, onshore Student visa applications remain unaffected and are managed independently.

What about Student Guardian visas?
Student Guardian visas are processed alongside associated Student visa applications to assess welfare arrangements for minors but are not covered under MD111.

What happens to applications in Priority 2 – Standard?
Processing continues at a standard priority level, though at a slower pace than Priority 1 applications.

Are indicative allocations for providers publicly available?
Yes, indicative allocations for 2025 are available through the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations websites.

Does MD111 affect visa processing integrity?
No, MD111 addresses only processing priorities. All applications continue to be assessed rigorously, ensuring compliance with English language, financial capacity, and other regulatory requirements.

Steps to Expedite Your Application

To avoid delays, applicants should:

• Submit complete applications well in advance of course commencement.
• Provide all requested evidence and documentation at the time of application.

Supporting Information and Updates

The Department of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, will continue to engage with the sector through webinars, consultative committees, and other communication channels to provide clarity on MD111 and its implementation.

For detailed guidance, visit the official Department of Home Affairs website.