Big changes are coming for skilled visa applicants in Australia. Starting 1 July 2025, income thresholds will increase by 4.6%, ensuring skilled migrants’ wages keep pace with Australian workers — and protecting the integrity of the local labor market.
This adjustment follows the Australian Government’s commitment under the Migration Strategy, aligning with recommendations from the Migration Review.
Why the Increase?
Income thresholds are indexed annually based on changes to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). Furthermore, this regular adjustment ensures skilled migrants’ salaries grow alongside Australian wages, preventing businesses from undercutting local workers through migration pathways, as announced by the Australian immigration department.
Key Changes from 1 July 2025
| Threshold | Current Amount | New Amount (from 1 July 2025) | Impacted Visas |
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482 – Core Skills stream), Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186) |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 135,000 | AUD 141,210 | Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482 – Specialist Skills stream) |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494), Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187)* |
What Applicants Need to Know
- New nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025 must meet the updated income thresholds or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.
- Existing visa holders and applications submitted before 1 July 2025 will not be affected by these changes.
These updates reflect Australia’s ongoing efforts to balance skilled migration with strong protections for the local workforce. If you’re planning to lodge a skilled visa application soon, now is the time to review your salary offers and ensure you’re prepared for the new requirements.