Important Updates
Important Updates
September 4, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Clarification on Costs That Can be Recouped from Sponsored Workers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesPartner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 4, 2025 | UgandaUganda/Mozambique: Visa Waiver Implemented
September 4, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Clarification on Costs That Can be Recouped from Sponsored Workers
September 5, 2025 | United StatesPartner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards
September 5, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Announces End of Temporary Protected Status for 2021 Venezuela Designation
September 4, 2025 | OmanOman: New Licensing Requirement for Select Roles 
September 4, 2025 | UgandaUganda/Mozambique: Visa Waiver Implemented
September 4, 2025 | United KingdomUnited Kingdom: Clarification on Costs That Can be Recouped from Sponsored Workers
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Australia: New Rules Prioritize Applications for Certain Categories of Foreign Nationals and Employers

August 19, 2021

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Related offices

  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

At a Glance

  • The Australian government has issued new rules regarding the processing of Skilled Visa applications.
  • Under the rules, the government will process with highest priority Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visas and other skilled visas for Hong Kong SAR or Hong Kong British National (Overseas) passport holders; with high priority for applications for sectors identified by the government as critically important during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery; for employers party to a Global Talent Scheme agreement or who hold Accredited Status, among others.
  • The government will also process skilled permanent visa applications, including Employer Nomination Scheme and Regional Employer Sponsored visas, in a certain priority order based on categories of applicants.
  • The government will process the visa applications of groups identified as high priority faster than those of other categories. Significantly, within all priority groups, priority will be afforded to applicants who are in Australia ahead of applicants who are located outside of Australia.

The situation

The Minister for Immigration, Citizenship, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs has published two new processing directions for how the government should process Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa and skilled permanent visa applications.

A close look

Change

Details

Processing of TSS visa applications

TSS nominations and visa applications should be processed in the following priority order:

1.  Applications lodged by Hong Kong passport holders in Australia;

2. Applications lodged by Hong Kong passport holders outside Australia;

3. Applications lodged for Priority Skilled Migration Occupation List (PSMOL) occupations, under a Global Talent Employer Sponsored (GTES) Agreement, or for agriculture or food production sector occupations;

4. Applications lodged for other Critical Sectors identified by the government as being of critical importance during the COVID-19 pandemic and post-pandemic recovery;

5. Applications for positions located in regional Australia. Applications lodged under a Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA), by an Accredited Sponsor or under an approved Labour Agreement will be afforded higher priority within this processing group;

6. Applications lodged by approved sponsors with Accredited Sponsorship status;

7. Applications lodged by other Labour Agreement sponsors; and

8. All other applications.

Processing of skilled permanent visa applications, including Employer Nomination Scheme and Regional Employer Sponsored visas

Processing for other skilled permanent visas, including Employer Nomination (subclass 186) visa and Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) (subclass 494) visas, should be as follows:

1. All skilled permanent or provisional visa applications lodged by Hong Kong passport holders in Australia;

2. All skilled permanent or provisional visa applications lodged by Hong Kong passport holders outside Australia;

3. Nomination and subclass 186 or subclass 494 visa applications lodged for PMSOL occupations, under a GTES or for agriculture or food production sector occupations, and Business Innovation and Investment (subclass 188) visas in the Significant Investor stream;

4. Nomination and subclass 186 or subclass 494 visa applications lodged for other Critical Sectors;

5. Nomination and subclass 186 or subclass 494 visa applications lodged by employers under a DAMA;

6. All other subclass 494 nomination and visa applications. Within this priority group, precedence will be given to applications where the sponsor holds Accredited Sponsorship or an approved Labour Agreement;

7. All other subclass 186 nomination and subclass 186 visa applications. Within this priority group, precedence will be given to applications where sponsor holds Accredited Sponsorship or an approved Labour Agreement;

8. Nomination and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visas, again with precedence where the nominator is an Accredited sponsor.

Impact

  • Eligible Hong Kong SAR passport holders will benefit from priority processing, since these applications will be processed faster than those of other nationalities under the same programs.
  • Other qualifying priority categories, including applicants located in Australia, will also benefit from faster application processing above other categories of foreign nationals.
  • Qualified Employers will benefit from priority processing from applications of others who do not hold a Global Talent Scheme agreement or other Labour Agreement, or those who do not hold Accredited Status. 

Background

This follows the Australian Prime Minister’s announcements in 2020 regarding new options for Hong Kong nationals to extend temporary visas in Australia and new measures to target global talent and exporting businesses in Hong Kong SAR.

Looking ahead

It is likely that the government will continue to release new rules that will be favorable to Hong Kong SAR or Hong Kong British National (Overseas) such as fewer visa application requirements, longer visa validities and options for permanent residency in Australia, as an incentive to attract global talent and businesses from Hong Kong SAR. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Related offices

  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Sydney
  • Perth
  • Brisbane
  • Melbourne

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partner Archana Iyer Wins "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards

Partner Archana Iyer won the "Innovation Award" at The New York Law Journal's 2025 New York Legal Awards.

Learn more

Blog post

Red Carpet or Red Tape? Indonesia’s Immigration Strategy After the Election

Assistant Business Immigration Manager Raga Rasuanta discusses Indonesia’s post-election immigration strategy and its shift toward balancing openness to global talent with increased regulatory scrutiny.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年8月 アメリカ移民法ダイジェストLearn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Moving to Saudi Arabia: How Orientation Programs Help Expats Adjust

Destination Services Manager Ali Sikandar discusses how orientation programmes in Saudi Arabia help expatriates adapt to cultural differences, workplace norms and everyday challenges, easing their transition into a new environment.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.