From 1 July 2025, the Australian Government will increase the minimum income thresholds required for skilled migration visas. This change aligns with the latest updates to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
These updates will affect employers and skilled migrants applying for visas such as the Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage), Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme), and Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional). Below is a summary of the upcoming changes:
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515
Applies to:
Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand – Core Skills stream)
Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
Increasing from $135,000 to $141,210
Applies to:
Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand – Specialist Skills stream)
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515, in line with the CSIT
Applies to:
Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional)
Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme)
Subject to legislative approval
All new nomination applications lodged from 1 July 2025 must meet the updated income thresholds or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.
These changes will not apply to existing visa holders or nomination applications submitted before 1 July 2025.
If you are planning to apply for a skilled visa or sponsor a worker under the employer-sponsored migration program in Canberra, Brisbane, Cairns, Sydney or Melbourne, now is the ideal time to review your plans.
At Heenan & Browne Visa and Migration Services, our experienced migration agents can help you navigate these upcoming changes and prepare a compliant visa or nomination application.
Book a consultation today to get expert guidance and stay ahead of the changes coming into effect from 1 July 2025.
