Australia is enhancing its skilled migration program to attract top global talent while ensuring fairness in our labor market. From 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6%, in line with the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) increase. This adjustment, guided by the Migration Strategy and Migration Review, ensures that skilled migrant wages remain competitive and aligned with Australian workers, fostering a balanced and equitable migration system.
Why Australia? Why Now?
As an employer, this is your opportunity to tap into a world-class talent pool through Australia’s streamlined skilled visa programs. The updated thresholds reflect our commitment to attracting high-caliber professionals while maintaining wage parity, ensuring your business benefits from skilled workers without compromising local standards.
Updated Income Thresholds
The following changes will apply to new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Rising from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This applies to 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 AUD135,000 to AUD141,210, affecting the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Also rising from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515 for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), pending legislative approval.
New nominations must meet the updated threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher, ensuring competitive wages for your workforce.
Who Is Affected?
These changes apply only to nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025. Existing visa holders and nominations submitted before this date will remain unaffected, providing stability for your current workforce.
Take Action Now
Act now to keep your business ahead of the curve. Reach out to Felix Carao at ALLSKILLS to ensure your nominations are lodged before the 1 July 2025 changes. Visit allskills.com.au or call Felix at 0499599569.
