Australia to Increase Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

Australia is tightening its skilled migration system with new income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas, set to take effect from 1 July 2025.

These changes, confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs, aim to keep the country’s migration program responsive to evolving labour market conditions and to ensure fair wages for skilled migrants.

What’s Changing? Key Skilled Visa Threshold Updates

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa applicants and employers will face higher salary/income requirements across several key streams:

1. Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

From 1 July 2025, CSIT rises to AUD 76,515, required for Core Skills stream nominations in key employer-sponsored visas, ensuring fair wages for skilled migrants.

• Old threshold: AUD 73,150
• New threshold: AUD 76,515

Applies to: Core Skills stream nominations under the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas.

2. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) increases to AUD 141,210 from 1 July 2025, applying to Specialist Skills stream nominations for high-earning skilled workers under the 482 visa.

• Old threshold: AUD 135,000
• New threshold: AUD 141,210

Applies to: Specialist Skills stream under the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa.

3. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) matches CSIT at AUD 76,515 from 1 July 2025, required for regional employer-sponsored visas, supporting fair pay and regional migration.

• Old threshold: AUD 73,150
• New threshold: AUD 76,515 (matching CSIT)

Applies to: Nominations under the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visas.

Summary of New Visa Threshold

In summary, starting from 1 July 2025, the following income thresholds will apply to employer-sponsored visa programs:

Threshold Type	Current (Until 30 June 2025)	New (From 1 July 2025)
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)	AUD 73,150	AUD 76,515
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)	AUD 135,000	AUD 141,210
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)	AUD 73,150	AUD 76,515

Which Visas Are Affected?

These updated salary thresholds apply to nomination applications under the following skilled visa subclasses:

• Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage) – Both Core Skills and Specialist Skills streams
• Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
• Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
• Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)

From July 1, employers submitting new nomination applications will be required to offer either the updated threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR)—whichever is higher.

Why Are These Changes Happening?

The updates reflect a 4.6% increase, in line with the annual indexation of Australia’s Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). The increase is part of Australia’s effort to:

• Align visa thresholds with national wage trends
• Ensure fair wages for skilled migrants
• Support regional development and employer needs
• Prevent wage undercutting in competitive sectors

This update follows the government’s Migration Review and supports recommendations aimed at creating a more transparent and equitable skilled migration system.

Will Current Visa Holders Be Affected?

No. The new income thresholds will not apply to:

• Existing skilled visa holders
• Nomination applications lodged before 1 July 2025

Only new applications submitted on or after the deadline will be subject to the revised thresholds.

Who Will Be Affected by the New Skilled Visa Rules?

• Employers: Must offer either the new minimum threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher, for new nomination applications from 1 July 2025.
• Future Applicants: Will need to meet the updated income requirements to qualify for employer-sponsored skilled visas.

Key Takeaways for Travellers and Migrants

• Plan Ahead: If you’re considering an employer-sponsored visa for Australia, ensure your salary offer meets or exceeds the new thresholds before applying.
• Stay Informed: The Department of Home Affairs first announced these updates in March 2025 as part of its push for stronger wage protections.
• Regional Focus: The new rules also support regional development by ensuring fair pay for skilled workers outside major cities.

Final Thoughts

Australia’s latest skilled visa income threshold increases are designed to protect workers, support regional growth, and keep the migration system competitive. Whether you’re an employer or a skilled migrant, understanding these changes is essential for a smooth transition to life Down Under. Keep an eye on official announcements and plan your journey with confidence.