The Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107) used to govern the processing of Student Guardian visas and offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. MD107 was aimed at prioritising visa applications based on the perceived risk level associated with education providers and the student’s country, where “low risk” applications were fast-tracked.
The MD107 was revoked and replaced by the Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), effective from 19 December 2024. MD111 was established to create a more equitable system for education providers through a revised prioritisation system.
The new MD111:
- applies to offshore unfinalised Student visa applications as well as those lodged on or after 19 December 2024; and
- introduces a 2 tier priority-based system for processing offshore Student visa applications as follows:
- Priority 1 – High: applies to:
- offshore Student visa applications linked to providers in the higher education and vocational education and training sectors that have not yet reached their prioritisation threshold (i.e. 80 percent of their 2025 indicative allocation of new overseas student commencements in the higher education and Vocational Education and Training sectors), based on the Provider Registration and International Student Management System (PRISMS); and
- a range of sectors and student types, for example, the schools and higher degree by research sectors, as well as scholarship and TAFE students, and those from the Pacific and Timor-Leste.
- Priority 2 – Standard: applies to visa applications where a provider reached its prioritisation threshold, subsequent entrants and any other offshore Student visa application.
- Priority 1 – High: applies to:
‘Priority 1 – High applications’ are processed faster than those under ‘Priority 2 – Standard’. Importantly, MD111 does not impose a limit or set the standards for granting or denying student visa applications.
Key Takeaway Points
- MD107 was repealed on 18 December 2024 due to its disproportionate effects on education providers.
- MD111 introduces a new 2 tier priority-based system for processing offshore student visas.
- MD111 intends to create a balance across various types of education providers, including smaller regional institutions.
Conclusion
Crystal Migration can offer expert advice tailored to those seeking assistance with understanding the implications of the new prioritisation system, clarifying prioritisation thresholds for providers, and ensuring student applications are complete and submitted accurately.
We can also provide updates on policy changes, liaise with relevant authorities, and offer comprehensive support throughout the application process.
Book a consultation with us to obtain personalised guidance and achieve the best possible outcomes for your Student visa application.