
Ministerial Directions 117, 119 and 120: How Australia’s New Visa Processing Priorities Change Your Wait
In short: On 24 July 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs signed three new Ministerial Directions — 117, 119 and 120 — under section 499

Whether you are applying for permanent residency, seeking a partner visa, or appealing a visa refusal in Australia, expert legal guidance from Augustine & Co.’s trusted immigration lawyers can make all the difference.
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Melbourne migration lawyers specialising in Australian visas for families, professionals and businesses since 2019.
Augustine & Co. are trusted by thousands of individuals, families, and businesses across Australia and internationally. Based in the Melbourne CBD, our team provides expert legal advice across all visa categories, including skilled migration (Subclasses 189 and 190), employer-sponsored visas, partner visas (Subclasses 820, 801, 309, and 100), and complex tribunal appeals.
Whether you’re navigating your first application or managing a previously refused case, we deliver strategic, transparent, and results-driven representation at every stage. With 270+ five-star Google reviews, a 99.5% visa success rate, and a 90% success rate at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, we’re one of Australia’s most trusted and most reviewed immigration law firms.
Augustine & Co. Migration Lawyers in Melbourne have a proven track record of success, even with the most complex immigration matters.
Our clients consistently rate us 5-stars for our professionalism, quality representation, value, and responsiveness.
Our team of immigration lawyers answer all of our clients’ questions transparently and make sure they are never left in the dark.
Whether you’re taking your first steps towards Australia or navigating complex immigration challenges, our Melbourne immigration lawyers provide expert guidance tailored to your unique situation.
Our Melbourne immigration lawyers help foreign de facto partners or spouses, children, and immediate family members of Australian citizens, permanent residents or eligible New Zealand citizens reunite and live in Australia.
Our immigration lawyers guide skilled individuals or families through the points and invite-based visa pathway to migrate to Australia and fill skills gaps in the Australian economy.
Our Melbourne immigration lawyers assist entrepreneurs and professional investors to own and manage a business in Australia, conduct business and investment activities, or undertake an entrepreneurial activity in Australia.
Our Melbourne migration lawyers help businesses address labour shortages by sponsoring skilled workers where employers are unable to source an appropriately skilled Australian worker.
Had a visa refused or cancelled by the Department? Our immigration lawyers can help you seek a review at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) or the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia (FCFCOA).
Regional sponsored migration visas allow skilled workers and their families to move to Australia permanently and live and work in designated regional areas.
Nothing speaks louder than results. Here are just a few powerful examples of how our immigration lawyers have helped clients achieve their Australian dreams, even in the most challenging and complex cases


Augustine & Co.’s latest insights on legal and migration news, case studies, and more

In short: On 24 July 2026 the Minister for Home Affairs signed three new Ministerial Directions — 117, 119 and 120 — under section 499

A 2026 Compliance Guide for Employers and HR Managers Nominating Under the Employer Nomination Scheme Updated July 2026 | By Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers

A 2026 Guide for Sponsors of the Subclass 820, 801, 309 and 100 Partner Visas Updated July 2026 | By Augustine & Co. Immigration Lawyers
Your consultation will include eligibility assessment, pathway evaluation, timeline discussion, cost estimation, and a clear next-steps plan. We’ll also identify any potential challenges and how to address them strategically.
Processing times vary significantly by visa type and individual circumstances. Our Melbourne immigration lawyers provide realistic timeframes based on current Department trends and your specific situation.
Absolutely. We specialise in visa refusal appeals and have a 90% success rate at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We also handle Ministerial Intervention requests for cases where appeals are not available.
We offer both options. Many clients prefer our secure video consultations and digital document management system. However, our Melbourne CBD office is available for those who prefer face-to-face meetings.
Costs vary by visa complexity and service level required. We provide transparent, fixed-fee quotes during your initial consultation with no hidden costs.
We have expertise in all visa categories but particularly excel in skilled migration (subclass 189 and 190), partner visas (subclass 820, 801, 309 and 100), and complex cases including refusals and appeals. Our Melbourne team has specific expertise in state nomination and skilled regional visa processes too.
Our combination of proven results, technology-led service delivery, transparent communication, and specialised expertise in complex cases sets us apart. We’re not just processing applications – we’re strategically planning your long-term immigration success
Need expert legal guidance? We make it easy to get in touch. Reach out through any of the convenient options below.
Level 11/456 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia
(Office meetings are by appointment only)
(03) 7020 6514
Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM