Let’s cover three hot topics: developments in Australia’s NOM reforms, the Department of Home Affairs’ response on processing arrangements under the MIA’s new priority framework, and state nomination quotas.
The reforms are expected to take at least another two weeks.
The reform proposal was not resubmitted to Cabinet for discussion this week. Details are still being developed, with the Prime Minister also involved, and it may take more than another two weeks (hero image).
Broad agreement has essentially been reached on the overall direction of the reforms. The focus is now on the details of implementation.
In addition to the three previously mentioned priorities, the government is also considering stronger migration compliance enforcement, with more resources going towards locating visa overstayers (this refers to genuinely undocumented migrants, especially those whose protection visa applications have been refused). If more funding is allocated to migration compliance, Border Force officers may investigate reports of unlawful workers more frequently, including at farms, hotels, restaurants and construction sites. However, Labor wants to avoid a heavy-handed enforcement approach, so it needs more time to examine the policy details. The Prime Minister said on Friday that the government would not do anything that undermines social harmony.
MIA meeting with the Department of Home Affairs | Visa processing arrangements under the new priorities
Offshore family migration applications currently processed only in compelling circumstances
MIA held its regular meeting with the Department of Home Affairs, with most of the discussion concerning processing.
At present, family migration applications are indeed being processed almost exclusively onshore. Offshore family migration applications are considered case by case only where compelling special circumstances exist; other applications are largely stalled. It is almost impossible for the many offshore family migration applicants to meet the compelling-circumstances threshold. The Department understands and acknowledges the effect of the ministerial direction on waiting times for offshore applications and will continue monitoring the situation and reporting regularly.
Skilled migration: internal case allocation still being adjusted, timing for offshore processing remains unclear
For skilled visa processing, internal case-allocation procedures are still being adjusted to accommodate the new processing priorities. Processing-time guidance will be updated each month based on the priorities. No date has been given for processing offshore applicants.
Regional (491/494) allocations were reduced because a review found that applicants using employer sponsorship in regional areas performed better in terms of income levels and long-term retention. This year, regional allocations were redistributed to employer-sponsored visas and Subclass 189.
Bridging Visa B (BVB) backlog substantially reduced; some applicants may receive longer validity periods
The BVB backlog has fallen substantially, from more than 2,000 applications in early July to fewer than 500. Some employer-sponsored visa applicants may receive BVBs with longer validity periods.
VACCU’s case backlog has fallen to 3,700+. In the 2025–26 financial year, 2,452 applications were finalised: more than 1,100 decisions did not refuse a visa, while 537 were refused. The average processing time was 527 days. Cases are now being triaged according to their circumstances.
State nomination quota update: Queensland confirms this financial year’s allocation
On 14 August, Queensland said it had received its allocation, at the same level as last financial year: 1,850 Subclass 190 places and 750 Subclass 491 places. The opening date is yet to be confirmed.
The way state nomination allocations are being determined this financial year differs from previous years; each jurisdiction seems to be negotiating separately. Multiple reports say the delay in announcing allocations is due to discussions over various details and how the arrangements can be better implemented and controlled. Offshore family migration applicants appear to be the biggest losers in the short term this financial year. Applicants who may qualify under the aged-parent category, as well as onshore family migration applicants, are advised to lodge as early as possible to avoid further uncertainty.
