EMC Australia / Directions 121 and 122
These directions set the order of work — not who gets a visa.
Direction 121 and Direction 122 tell the Department the order in which to look at certain skilled and employer-sponsored applications. A place in that queue is not a grant. The visa still has to be grantable. We use the current direction when we tell you what “priority” actually means for your file.
Who this page is for
- You have been told your 482 or skilled visa is “priority”
- You want to know whether Direction 121 or 122 applies to your subclass
- A delay is being explained as processing order, not a refusal
The visas
Which visa this page is about
Each visa has a number, called a subclass, so you can match a letter from the Department. You do not need that number to talk to us.
121
Employer-sponsored work, including 482
Direction 121
Sets the order the Department looks at those applications from 19 September 2026.
Order of work is not a decision. An incomplete nomination still sits, even in a higher band.
122
Points-tested skilled visas
Direction 122
Sets the order for certain skilled visa work. It does not replace points, occupation lists or a skills assessment.
An invitation or a high points claim does not skip the direction. The visa still has to meet the rules.
How EMC works
How we help
01
Name the visa first
We will say which subclass you are actually in, then whether 121 or 122 is relevant.
02
Do not treat queue as grant
We will not tell you a direction means the visa will be granted. It is processing order.
First conversation
What to bring
- The visa subclass you hold or have applied for
- Any letter that mentions Direction 121 or 122
- Nomination or EOI details if you have them
Before you apply
Things that go wrong
- A forum post about “priority” is not the direction.
- Directions can be replaced. We check the current one.
Questions
People ask this first
No. It is the order of work. The nomination and visa still have to be grantable.
Start with your situation.
You do not need the visa number. Book a consultation, or send us a message.
MARN 1800335 · Level 14, 333 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.
Related topics
This page is general information, not advice about your circumstances. Australian migration law changes. You should consult a Registered Migration Agent before you apply. EMC Australia is OMARA-registered (MARN 1800335).