Reminder: Skilled Visa Income Thresholds to Increase from 1 July 2025

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional migration advice. The Migration Skills Assessment (MSA) and Offshore Skills Assessment Program (OSAP) processes are detailed and can involve complex eligibility criteria, document requirements, and case-specific factors that are not fully addressed here. Applicants are strongly encouraged to consult a registered migration agent, education consultant, or qualified professional before making any decisions or submitting an application. Relying solely on simplified summaries may result in delays, errors, or adverse outcomes.

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As announced earlier this year, the Australian Government will apply its annual indexation to skilled visa income thresholds from 1 July 2025. This change is based on the 4.6% increase in the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) and is part of the broader commitments made in the Migration Strategy following recommendations from the Migration Review.

These new thresholds will apply to new nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025. Existing visa holders and nomination applications lodged before this date will not be affected.

New Income Thresholds (effective 1 July 2025)

Threshold Type	Current Threshold	New Threshold	Affected Visas
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)	AUD 73,150	AUD 76,515	Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream), Subclass 186
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)	AUD 135,000	AUD 141,210	Subclass 482 (Specialist Skills stream)
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)	AUD 73,150	AUD 76,515	Subclass 494, Subclass 187 (subject to legislative approval)

Applicants must meet either the relevant income threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher.

Purpose of the Change

This adjustment ensures that:

• Skilled migrants are paid fairly and in line with Australian workers.

• The skilled migration program cannot be used to undercut local wages.

• Income thresholds remain responsive to broader wage trends.

Key Points for Employers and Applicants

For employers:

• Review job offers and ensure they meet the new thresholds from 1 July.

• Ensure Labour Market Testing advertisements reflect updated salary levels.

• Lodge any pending nominations before 1 July 2025 if the current salary offer is below the updated threshold.

For visa applicants:

• Ensure your employment offer meets the updated thresholds before lodging a new application.

• Lodge before 1 July 2025 to remain under the current income requirements if eligible.

• Future applications or extensions will require compliance with the new thresholds.

Additional Information

For more information, visit the Department of Home Affairs website or contact a registered migration agent to assess how these changes may affect your circumstances.

If you would like help preparing your application before the changes take effect, please reach out to our team.