The Department of Home Affairs has announced that, effective 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6%. This adjustment reflects changes in the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) and aims to ensure that income requirements keep pace with broader economic conditions.
What’s Changing?
From 1 July 2025, the following thresholds will apply:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515
Affects nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186). - Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Increasing from $135,000 to $141,210
Applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482). - Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Also increasing from $73,150 to $76,515
– This impacts the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), aligning with the CSIT—subject to the passage of relevant legislation.
From 1 July 2025 onwards, new nomination applications must meet either the new income threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate, whichever is higher.
Importantly, these changes will not affect:
- Existing visa holders, or
- Nomination applications lodged before 1 July 2025.
Why the Change?
The government’s adjustment ensures that skilled migration settings remain fair and competitive, aligning income levels with national economic growth. It also supports local labour market integrity by discouraging underpayment and wage exploitation.
Tips to Ensure Your Skilled Visa Is Processed Smoothly
To avoid unnecessary delays and improve the chances of a successful application, consider the following:
- Apply Early: Lodging your application before 1 July 2025 allows you to work within the current threshold criteria, potentially reducing complexity.
- Double-Check Salary Requirements: Ensure the offered salary meets the higher of the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate.
- Use Accurate Position Descriptions: Align your job duties with ANZSCO codes to avoid issues with nomination approvals.
- Provide Complete Documentation: Include all required employment contracts, position details, and salary evidence.
- Ensure Sponsor Compliance: Your sponsoring employer must meet all obligations and be an approved sponsor.
- Seek Professional Advice: Legal practitioner or lawyers can help navigate the changes and ensure your application is decision-ready.
- Monitor Legislative Updates: Especially for the subclass 494 and 187 visas, as implementation is subject to legislation.
If you’re planning to apply under a skilled visa stream after 1 July 2025, it’s essential to understand how these new thresholds may affect your eligibility. Early preparation and attention to detail will be key in ensuring a smooth transition and timely processing.
Need help navigating the new requirements? Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.
