In a significant change to Australia’s student visa processing framework, the Australian Government has officially revoked Ministerial Direction No. 107 (Direction 107) and replaced it with Ministerial Direction No. 111 (Direction 111). This policy shift, which took effect on 19 December 2024, promises to reshape the student visa application process aiming for a more equitable, efficient and sustainable approach to managing international student visas.
Understanding Ministerial Directions and Their Role
Ministerial Directions are official instructions issued by the Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, guiding immigration officers in processing various visa applications. These directions ensure that decisions align with government policies, priorities and broader immigration goals. They govern the processing of a range of visa types including student, work and family visas.
Direction 107 served as the guiding framework for assessing student visa applications, but as the immigration landscape evolved, it became clear that the framework needed to be updated. The shift to Direction 111 reflects this need and introduces a new structure designed to better meet the demands of Australia’s international education sector.
The End of Direction 107
Introduced to manage the increasing volume and complexity of student visa applications, Direction 107 was intended to support strong recruitment practices by education providers while helping the Department of Home Affairs manage a growing caseload. However, Direction 107’s implementation had significant drawbacks, particularly its uneven impact on education providers – especially those in regional areas or smaller institutions.
Acknowledging these challenges, the Australian Government decided to replace Direction 107 with a more balanced and efficient framework. As a result, on 18 December 2024, Direction 107 was officially revoked, and the new guidelines under Direction 111 came into effect the very next day.
What Direction 111 Brings to the Table
Direction 111 introduces a priority-based system for processing offshore student visa applications. The main goal of this change is to streamline and accelerate the visa application process, providing a more equitable distribution of resources across a variety of education providers, including those in regional and smaller areas.
The new system categorises student visa applications into two priorities:
This applies to student visa applications from providers in the higher education and vocational education sectors who have not yet met their prioritisation threshold. This threshold is determined by the Department of Education’s PRISMS system, which tracks new overseas student commencements for 2025. Once a provider reaches their threshold, applications from that provider will shift to Priority 2 – Standard.
This category includes applications from providers that have already reached their threshold, subsequent entrants, and any other offshore student visa applications.
The introduction of these priority categories ensures that providers across Australia are treated equitably, helping regional and smaller institutions benefit from expedited processing while maintaining a fair system for larger, well-established providers.
Who Benefits from Priority 1 – High Processing?
The Priority 1 – High processing category targets a wide range of student applicants, ensuring that the visa process is faster for certain groups, including:
This applies to applications from providers who have not yet reached their prioritisation threshold for 2025.
Students from these sectors will receive expedited processing.
Applications from students who hold scholarships or are enrolled in Technical and Further Education (TAFE) programs will also be prioritised.
These students will benefit from high-priority processing as well.
On the other hand, Priority 2 – Standard will apply to applications from providers that have already met their threshold, ensuring that all applications continue to be processed, though at a standard pace.
Looking Ahead
As Direction 111 takes effect, the Australian Government remains focused on efficiently processing student visa applications for the international education sector, especially as schools and universities prepare for Semester 1, 2025. The Department of Home Affairs continues to prioritise offshore student visa applications, while also managing the onshore caseload. For prospective students, the advice remains clear: apply as early as possible and ensure all requested documentation is complete and accurate to avoid delays and ensure smooth processing. Submitting well-prepared applications is crucial for timely visa approvals.
The revocation of Direction 107 and the introduction of Direction 111 signal a major shift in Australia’s approach to student visa processing. With its priority-based framework, Direction 111 aims to create a more balanced, efficient and fair system for processing student visas, ensuring that institutions across Australia – whether large, small, regional, or metropolitan – are treated equitably. This policy change is expected to strengthen Australia’s position as a global leader in international education, providing a streamlined and transparent process for international students from diverse backgrounds.
Seeking Immigration Advice
With immigration policies constantly evolving, navigating the student visa process can be complex. For prospective international students, it is essential to stay informed and seek professional advice tailored to individual circumstances.
Our team of immigration experts is here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you are well-equipped to make informed decisions about your future in Australia.
Don’t hesitate to contact us for personalised advice on how to successfully navigate your student visa journey and make informed decisions about your future in Australia!
This article was prepared and written by our immigration lawyer team at Brightstone Migration and reviewed by Mei Guo, Partner Solicitor and Head of Immigration, to provide professional insights and commentary. The content is for reference only and does not constitute specific legal advice.
Last updated: 14/04/2025
