Skilled Visa Income Thresholds to Rise in 2025: What Employers and Visa Applicants Should Know

From 1 July 2025, new salary threshold rules will come into effect for Australia’s employer-sponsored skilled visa programs. These changes will directly impact businesses that rely on overseas talent and individuals applying for or renewing skilled visas. If you're navigating Australia's migration system, understanding these updates is essential.

Let’s break down what’s changing and how to prepare.

What Are Skilled Visa Income Thresholds?

Income thresholds for skilled visas are the minimum annual salaries employers must offer when sponsoring overseas workers. These thresholds:

• Ensure sponsored workers receive fair pay;

• Help prevent underpayment and exploitation;

• Align overseas workers’ pay with local market standards.

To sponsor an overseas worker, employers must pay the higher of:

• The Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) for the role, and

• The applicable income threshold for the visa subclass.

What's Changing from 1 July 2025?

The Australian Government will implement a 4.6% increase to skilled visa income thresholds. The updated figures are:

• Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): From $73,150 → $76,515. Applies to:

  • Skills in Demand (subclass 482 – Core Skills stream)

  • Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186)

• Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): From $135,000 → $141,210. Applies to:

  • Skills in Demand (subclass 482 – Specialist Skills stream)

• Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): From $73,150 → $76,515. Applies to:

  • Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

  • Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187 – TRT stream)

Why These Changes Matter

The revised thresholds will affect new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025. They are not retrospective—nominations lodged before that date will be assessed under the current thresholds.

For employers:

• You’ll need to reassess the salary levels of upcoming roles you plan to fill through skilled migration.

• Failing to meet the new threshold may delay or prevent approval of visa nominations.

For visa applicants:

• If you're planning to apply after 1 July 2025, your offer of employment must meet the new minimum salary.

• If your offer is below the new threshold, you’ll need to renegotiate terms before applying.

What You Can Do Now

1. Review and Adjust Salary Offers

Ensure proposed salaries for upcoming skilled visa roles will meet or exceed both the updated income threshold and the AMSR.

2. Lodge Applications Early

If your employer can meet the current requirements, consider submitting your application before 1 July 2025 to avoid being caught by the higher thresholds.

3. Plan Ahead for Renewals

If you already hold a skilled visa, the changes won’t impact your current status. However, they could affect your ability to renew in the future. Start reviewing your position now.

Need Help Navigating the Changes?

Skilled migration is a vital channel for many Australian businesses. These changes underscore the importance of keeping your visa strategy current and compliant.

Whether you're an employer seeking to sponsor overseas talent or an individual looking to apply or renew your skilled visa, proactive planning is key.