Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds Set to Increase from 1 July 2025

In an important shift for Australia’s skilled migration framework, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas will increase on 1 July 2025. This update follows the federal government’s decision to align salary requirements with the nation’s annual wage growth data, ensuring a fairer system for both skilled migrants and Australian workers.

Australia's Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds to Increase from 1 July 2025

What Are the New Salary Thresholds?

In line with the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), the following thresholds will apply to new nominations lodged from 1 July 2025:

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Rising from AUD $73,150 to AUD $76,515
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Adjusted to AUD $76,515
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Increased to AUD $141,210

These adjustments represent a 4.6% increase, directly linked to AWOTE data from November 2024. The move is part of a broader government strategy to ensure skilled migrants are not underpaid and to prevent wage suppression in the local job market.

Affected Visa Streams

The changes will directly impact these employer-sponsored visa subclasses:

Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand visa)
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa)

Each stream has its own income threshold depending on the level of skills required for the occupation. Higher thresholds for more specialised roles reflect both market demand and the experience level expected.

Why the Change?

This adjustment forms part of the government’s ongoing reforms to Australia’s migration system. One key goal is to ensure that migrant workers are compensated at rates similar to Australian citizens performing the same job. Aligning the salary benchmarks with AWOTE ensures that thresholds remain responsive to inflation and wage growth across industries.

Moreover, these updates aim to close loopholes that previously allowed employers to sponsor overseas workers at salaries below fair market value, while also protecting the rights of both local and international employees.

What Employers and Migrants Need to Know

For Employers:

Review all sponsorship plans and employment contracts for work visa candidates.
Ensure salary offers meet the new minimum thresholds before nominating employees.
Monitor upcoming changes when hiring skilled visa candidates.

For Skilled Migrants:

Stay informed about salary expectations for your occupation.
Ensure job offers align with the latest income thresholds to avoid visa application delays or rejections.
Seek migration advice if unsure about eligibility under the updated framework.

In Summary

These changes reflect the Australian Government’s commitment to a fairer, more transparent skilled migration system. By indexing visa thresholds to actual wage data, the system now better protects the interests of both local employers and the global talent they rely on.

Why Choose Ausdirect Migration for Your Visa Application?

Navigating the Australian Skilled Visa process can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.

At Ausdirect Migration, we are committed to making your visa journey seamless and stress-free.

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If you need expert assistance, feel free to contact us for an appointment for a confidential discussion and consultation to assess your eligibility for the visas. Our friendly and professional MARA registered migration agent will happily provide valuable advice according to your circumstances.