No; in general, a single offshore applicant falls into category 3 of Ministerial Direction 122, which ranks lower than an onshore applicant who is placed in category 2. The only exception is if the offshore applicant’s occupation falls within one of the priority sectors in category 1, while the onshore applicant’s occupation does not.
Negin Safaee, Registered Migration Agent (MARA 1791573), answers this question by focusing on an aspect that many applicants overlook: the four-tier processing priority. Ministerial Direction 122 organizes applications into four categories: Category 1 includes occupations in priority sectors—construction, health, education, agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, resources, and occupations related to law enforcement and defense—regardless of whether they are located within or outside Australia; Category 2 includes all primary applicants located in Australia; Category 3 includes primary applicants outside Australia whose application is not combined with anyone else’s; and Category 4 covers all remaining applications.
The key point is that the legal criterion is not “being single or married.” What is assessed is whether the application has been combined with someone else’s application at any stage. Therefore, a married applicant whose spouse and children are declared only as non-migrating dependents remains in category 3; however, if a family member is added to the application—even after the application has been lodged—the file moves to category 4. Family members included in a combined application receive the same priority as the primary applicant.
The scope of this direction must also be clearly understood: Ministerial Direction 122, which replaced Ministerial Direction 119 on 19 September 2026, covers subclasses 186, 187, 189, 190, 191, 489, 491, 494, 887, and 888. Subclass 482 is excluded and falls under Ministerial Direction 121. This direction applies retroactively to undecided applications and only determines the “order of processing”; it does not change eligibility requirements, nor does it guarantee visa approval.
There is also a practical warning regarding the decision not to combine applications: declaring family members as non-migrating dependents is not without consequence; for permanent visas, non-migrating family members may also be required to meet health criteria. The choice between “combining” and “not combining” should be considered in light of your entire case, not just to move up one category.
If you want to know exactly which category your file falls into and which decisions might move it up or down, a brief, private consultation with Negin Safaee can clarify your path and provide you with peace of mind.
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This answer reflects the law and policy as verified on October 27, 2026. Immigration rules change frequently — confirm the current position before acting.
Mrs. Negin Safaee Registered Migration Agent 1791573
This article is general information only, current at the date shown, and is not legal advice. Do not rely on it for your own situation — immigration law and policy change frequently. Seek advice from a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer about your circumstances.