Effective Date
- Starts: 14 November 2025
- Replaces: Ministerial Direction 111
- Applies to: Offshore Subclass 500 applications lodged on or after 14 Nov 2025
- Applications lodged before this date will be processed under MD 111
Key Change
- Introduces a three-tier priority system for processing offshore student visa applications
- Priority level is set at lodgement and does not affect visa outcome, only processing speed
Priority Tiers & Processing Times
Priority 1 – Fastest (1–4 weeks)
- School students
- Non-award sector (e.g., short-term exchange)
- Standalone ELICOS students
- Students enrolled with TAFE (including specified Charles Darwin University courses)
- Recognised pilot training courses
- Postgraduate research (PhD) students
- DFAT or Defence-sponsored students
- Government scholarship students
- Transnational education students
- Students from Pacific Islands & Timor-Leste
- Subsequent entrants with a minor under 18
Priority 2 – Medium (5–8 weeks)
- Higher Education & VET students whose providers have reached 80% of their New Overseas Student Commencement (NOSC) allocation
- Subsequent entrants without a minor
Priority 3 – Slowest (9–12 weeks)
- Higher Education & VET students whose providers have exceeded their NOSC allocation by 15% or more
Additional Notes
- You cannot change tiers after lodgement, so correct enrolment settings are crucial.
- Processing priority does not guarantee approval; applicants must still meet all visa criteria (genuine student, financial, English requirements).
- MD 115 supports managed growth and aligns with the 2026 National Planning Level for international student places.
