New Ministerial Direction for Offshore Student Visa Processing: MD111

Effective 19 December 2024, Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111) has replaced MD107, outlining updated priorities for processing offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visa applications. This directive applies to all unfinalized offshore Student visa applications lodged before and after the effective date.

Key Changes Under MD111

• Processing Categories: Applications will be classified as either Priority 1 – High or Priority 2 – Standard.
  • Priority 1 – High applications will be expedited compared to Priority 2 – Standard applications.
  • Eligibility for Priority 1 – High processing includes providers in the higher education and vocational education and training (VET) sectors that have not exceeded 80% of their prioritization threshold in PRISMS.
• Threshold Details: A provider’s prioritization threshold is set at 80% of their indicative allocation of new overseas student commencements. Once this threshold is reached, applications will be processed as Priority 2 – Standard.

Priority 1 – High Processing Eligibility

Eligible applications include those linked to:

• Providers in the Higher Education and VET sectors below the 80% threshold.
• Schools sector students.
• Higher degree by research students.
• Non-award sector students, including exchange students.
• Independent ELICOS students.
• TAFE institutes.
• Students with scholarships (e.g., Defence or Foreign Affairs).
• Students from specific Pacific regions and Timor-Leste.
• Students in aviation pilot training courses.

Priority 2 – Standard Processing Eligibility

• Applications from providers that have exceeded their 80% threshold in PRISMS.
• Dependents (unless classified as minors).
• Other offshore Student visa applications not qualifying for Priority 1.

FAQs on MD111

1. Does MD111 affect onshore Student visa applications?
No, it applies exclusively to offshore applications. Onshore applications will follow existing processing guidelines.

2. What about Student Guardian visas?
These are not covered by MD111 but are processed alongside associated Student visas when assessing welfare arrangements.

3. Which Pacific Islands are included in Priority 1 – High?
Cook Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

4. Will Priority 2 processing stop applications?
No, Priority 2 applications will still be processed, but at a slower pace than Priority 1.

5. How can I expedite my application?
Lodge a complete application early, with all requested documentation, to avoid delays or refusals.

Supporting the Education Sector

MD111 is designed to maintain efficient and equitable visa processing while supporting Australia’s international education objectives. This is not a cap on student visas, nor does it determine visa approval or refusal criteria.

For further information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or refer to your education provider’s indicative allocations.