Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Set to Rise from 1 July 2025: What Migrants and Employers Need to Know

At Global Consult Australia, we are committed to keeping our clients, employers, and skilled migrants informed about important migration updates. A key announcement from the Australian Government will affect skilled visa applicants and sponsoring employers starting 1 July 2025, as income thresholds for several skilled visa programs will increase by 4.6%.

This adjustment is part of Australia’s broader Migration Strategy and is designed to ensure skilled migrants are paid wages that reflect the current Australian labor market, aligning with the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).

Let’s unpack what this means for you.

 Why Is the Skilled Visa Income Threshold Increasing?

The Australian Government annually reviews and indexes income thresholds for skilled visa categories. This move:

• Ensures skilled migrants’ earnings keep pace with Australian workers.
• Protects the integrity of the migration program, preventing the undercutting of local wage standards.
• Delivers on recommendations made in the Migration Review 2023 to strengthen Australia’s skilled migration framework.

 Key Changes to Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

✅ Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

• Current: AUD 73,150
• From 1 July 2025: AUD 76,515
• Affected Visas:
  
  • Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) – Core Skills stream
  • Employer Nomination Scheme Visa (subclass 186)

  ✅ Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)

• Current: AUD 135,000
• From 1 July 2025: AUD 141,210
• Affected Visa:
  
  • Skills in Demand Visa (subclass 482) – Specialist Skills stream 

✅ Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

• Current: AUD 73,150
• From 1 July 2025: AUD 76,515
• Affected Visas:
  
  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa (subclass 494)
  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187)

💡 Important Note:

All new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025 must meet the new income threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR), whichever is higher.
These changes do not impact existing visa holders or applications lodged before 1 July 2025.

What Does This Mean for Employers?

Employers planning to sponsor skilled migrants under the affected visa subclasses must:

• Review current salary offerings and ensure compliance with the new thresholds.
• Adjust future labor market testing and position offerings accordingly.
• Lodge any pending nominations before 1 July 2025 if the current salary meets the existing thresholds but may fall short of the new ones.

What Does This Mean for Skilled Migrants?

If you are a skilled migrant planning to apply under one of the affected visas:

• Ensure your employment offer meets the updated thresholds from 1 July 2025.
• Act quickly if your current offer only meets the existing threshold — lodging your nomination before 1 July 2025 could avoid additional hurdles.
• Stay informed and consult with registered migration agents to navigate the changes smoothly.

Why It Matters: Maintaining Australia’s High Standards for Skilled Migration

Australia’s skilled migration program is globally competitive, designed to attract the best talent while safeguarding the local workforce. This indexation reaffirms Australia’s commitment to fair wages, skilled workforce protection, and sustainable migration pathways.

Need Help? Global Consult Is Here for You

At Global Consult Australia, our experienced migration agents are here to help employers and skilled migrants adapt to these upcoming changes. Whether you’re sponsoring employees, applying for a visa, or exploring your migration options, we provide tailored, compliant, and strategic advice.

👉 Contact us today for a free consultation!
Let us help you stay ahead of the curve.