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MD107 Replaced with MD111: What Does This Mean for International Students?
On 19 December 2024, the Australian Government revoked Ministerial Direction 107 (MD107) and replaced it with Ministerial Direction 111 (MD111). MD107 had been introduced to help manage student visa applications and support institutions with strong recruitment practices, but it lacked enrolment thresholds and created inconsistencies in visa processing. MD111 aims to address these issues by introducing a fairer and more structured approach.
What Was MD107?
MD107 was a policy aimed at managing offshore student visa applications, providing a framework for the Department of Home Affairs to prioritize student visas based on enrolment practices and risks from education providers. However, it lacked specific enrolment thresholds, leading to uneven impacts on institutions, especially with regards to how applications were processed. This lack of structure created inefficiencies and delays, prompting the need for a more systematic approach.
What is MD111?
MD111 introduces two key processing priorities for student visa applications:
Priority 1 (High): This applies to applications from institutions in the higher education and vocational education sectors that haven’t yet reached 80% of their enrolment cap for 2025. These applications will be processed faster.
Priority 2 (Standard): Once the enrolment cap is reached, applications will be processed at a standard pace.
The goal of MD111 is to ensure a fair and efficient distribution of student visas across institutions, especially for regional and smaller providers.
What Does This Mean for International Students?
Faster Processing: If you’re applying to an institution that hasn’t reached its enrolment cap, your application will be processed faster under Priority 1.
Fairer System: MD111 ensures visa processing is managed transparently, with no bias towards certain providers or students.
Opportunity for Smaller Providers: Regional and lesser-known institutions can now accept more international students, giving you more options to study in Australia.
Early Applications Matter: To benefit from Priority 1, ensure you submit your application early, with all necessary information, to avoid delays.
MD111 presents a new opportunity for international students, offering faster visa processing and more balanced enrolment across Australian institutions. To make the most of this change, act early, stay informed, and make sure your application is complete. If you have questions or need assistance, our team at Legacy Migration is here to help guide you through the process!
Legacy Migration plays a vital role in navigating these changes, offering personalized support and expert guidance to international students. Our team is dedicated to simplifying the visa application process and helping you understand how policies like MD111 can impact your study plans. With our experience and commitment, we ensure you have the best chance to succeed in your journey to Australia. Let us guide you every step of the way—reach out to Legacy Migration today!
The information, updates, news, and advice provided are intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as personalised guidance. For accurate advice regarding your specific migration case, we invite you to reach out to us directly by sending a message through this link: https://www.legacymigration.com.au/take-your-first-step-to-living-working-or-studying-in-australia
Migration Agents Registration Number: 1797357
QEAC Number: S041
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