Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has announced a key update: skilled visa income thresholds will rise by 4.6% starting 1 July 2025. This change is part of the Australian Government’s ongoing Migration Strategy, reflecting recommendations from the Migration Review and ensuring skilled migrants are paid fairly—on par with Australian workers.
Why the Increase?
The update aligns with annual changes to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE), a key indicator of wage growth in Australia. The goal? To:
- Maintain fair and competitive wages for skilled migrants.
- Prevent wage undercutting of local Australian workers.
- Ensure migration continues to support, not disadvantage, Australia’s labor market.
What’s Changing?
Here are the specific threshold changes taking effect from 1 July 2025:
1. Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
- Current: AUD $73,150
- New: AUD $76,515
- Applies to:
- Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)
2. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
- Current: AUD $135,000
- New: AUD $141,210
- Applies to:
- Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
3. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Current: AUD $73,150
- New: AUD $76,515
- Applies to:
- Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494)
- Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187)
(Subject to the passage of relevant legislation)
Important Note:
New nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025 must meet either the new income threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) — whichever is higher.
Who is NOT Affected?
If you’re:
- An existing visa holder, or
- You submit your nomination before 1 July 2025,
This change won’t apply to you. Your existing conditions remain valid.
Our Recommendation (As Migration Consultants)
Whether you’re a skilled professional planning to apply, or an employer looking to sponsor international talent, this is a crucial time to:
- Review your eligibility or salary offers under the new thresholds.
- Submit your application or nomination before 1 July 2025 if possible, to avoid the increased requirement.
- Plan ahead for future applications based on the updated income levels.
Need Expert Guidance?
As Registered Migration Consultants, we’re here to help you navigate these changes confidently.
Contact us today for a personalized assessment and migration strategy.
