What Is the Priority Assessment Stream?
The priority stream is available to employers who hold Standard Business Sponsorship (SBS) with a clean compliance record and are nominating workers in shortage occupations listed under the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or Medium and Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL). Eligible nominees can expect a decision within 21 calendar days from the date of a complete application, compared to the previous median of 75 days.
Priority Sectors and Occupation Codes
- Information Technology: Software engineers (261313), ICT security specialists (262112), Network engineers (263212)
- Engineering: Civil engineers (233211), Electrical engineers (233311), Mechanical engineers (233512)
- Nursing: Registered nurses (254411), ICU nurses (254418), Midwives (254111)
Employer Obligations Under the New Stream
Sponsors accessing the priority stream must demonstrate:
- A genuine skills shortage with documented labour market testing (at least two advertisements over 28 days)
- A compliant sponsorship history — no adverse findings in the last 3 years
- A salary at or above the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) of AUD 73,150 per year
