A predicated vector load micro-operation specifies a load target address, a destination vector register for which active vector elements of the destination vector register are to be loaded with data associated with addresses identified based on the load target address, and a predicate operand indicative of whether each vector element of the destination vector register is active or inactive. A predetermined type of predicated vector load micro-operation can be issued to the processing circuitry before the predicate operand is determined to meet an availability condition, and if issued in this way memory access circuitry can determine, based on the load target address, whether the predetermined type of predicated vector load micro-operation satisfies a predetermined condition, and if the predetermined condition is unsatisfied, perform a complete vector load assuming all vector elements of the destination vector register are active vector elements, independent of whether the predicate operand when available identifies any inactive vector element of the destination vector register.