Find out about Ministerial Direction 111, which prioritizes applications for expedited processing of offshore student visas in accordance with new 2025 rules.

Introduction to Ministerial Direction 111

Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111), which replaced MD107 on December 19, 2024, established revised priorities for handling applications for offshore Subclass 500 (Student) visas. All new and current offshore applications submitted on or after this date are subject to this directive.

Applications are classified for processing under MD111 as either:

– Priority 1 – High
– Priority 2 – Standard

Priority 1 applications will be handled faster than Priority 2 applications.

Priority Processing Criteria

Priority 1 – High applies to:

1. Providers under 80% Threshold

Applications for offshore student visas associated with institutions of higher learning and vocational training that, according to PRISMS statistics, have not yet attained 80% of their indicated allotment of new international student commencements for 2025.

2. Specific Sectors and Students

– Schools sector
– Higher Degree by Research students
– Non-award sector students (e.g., short-term exchange students)
-Independent ELICOS students
– Students enrolled in Technical and Further Education (TAFE) institutes
– Scholarship recipients, including those sponsored by Defense or Foreign Affairs
– Students from Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste
– Students in transnational education programs or aviation pilot training courses

Priority 2 – Standard includes:

– Applications associated with suppliers who have surpassed the 80% mark.

– Subsequent visitors who are related to Priority 1 or 2 visa holders (unless they are considered minors under MD111 section 8(3)).

– Any more applications for an offshore student visa.

Key Objectives and Impact

In order to help the education sector and further the government’s objectives for foreign education, MD111 seeks to guarantee fair and effective visa processing. It is crucial to remember that MD111:

– Does not cap the amount of student visas.

– Does not alter the standards used to accept or reject applications.

– Guarantees that processing will continue even if an application is classified as Priority 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are onshore applications impacted by MD111?
No, applications for onshore student visas are still handled separately and are unaffected.


What about visas for student guardians?
Although they are not covered by MD111, student guardian visas are processed with related student visa applications to evaluate welfare arrangements for kids.

How do applications in Priority 2-Standard fare?
While processing proceeds at the same priority level as Priority 1 applications, it does so more slowly.

Are providers’ indicative allocations made public?
Yes, the websites of the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provide indicative allocations until 2025.

Does MD111 impact the integrity of visa processing?
No, only processing priorities are covered by MD111. Every application is still subjected to a stringent evaluation process that guarantees adherence to financial capability, English language proficiency, and other legal requirements.

Steps to Expedite Your Application

In order to prevent delays, candidates should:

– Send in your completed applications well before the start of the course.

– At the time of application, submit all required supporting papers and evidence.

Supporting Information and Updates

To shed light on MD111 and its implementation, the Department of Home Affairs will keep in touch with the industry through consultative committees, webinars, and other channels of communication in partnership with the Department of Education and the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.

Go to the official Department of Home Affairs website for comprehensive instructions.