Australia Increases Skilled Migration Income Requirements from July 1, 2025
Australia is once again stepping forward in reshaping its skilled migration system. In a bold and strategic move announced earlier this year, the Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that from 1 July 2025, the income thresholds for skilled visa programs will increase by 4.6% in line with the country’s rising average wages.
This change is part of the Australian government’s commitment to implement key recommendations from the Migration Review and align with its long-term Migration Strategy. So, what exactly is changing — and how does this affect skilled professionals from around the world planning to migrate to Australia?
The Numbers You Need to Know
Here’s a breakdown of the new income thresholds that will apply to new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July 2025:
| Threshold Type | Previous Threshold | New Threshold (Effective 1 July 2025) | Applies To | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | – Core Skills stream of Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa – Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa | Designed for skilled workers in core occupations. The threshold increase ensures applicants are offered salaries aligned with Australia’s wage growth. |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 135,000 | AUD 141,210 | – Specialist Skills stream of Skills in Demand (subclass 482) visa | Targets highly specialized professionals. The raised threshold reflects the high value and demand for specialist expertise in Australia. |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494) visa – Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187) visa | Applies to regional employer-sponsored skilled migrants. The increase supports fair pay for those settling and working in regional Australia |
One key update is that all new nomination applications must meet whichever is higher: the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). This ensures fairness and prevents wage undercutting in Australia’s job market.
⚠️ Note: These changes will not apply to visa holders or nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.
What This Means for Skilled Workers Globally?
For skilled professionals hoping to build a future in Australia, this update brings both challenges and opportunities.
1# A Higher Standard of Entry
The new thresholds signify that Australia is targeting higher-skilled professionals who are offered competitive salaries. Employers must now demonstrate that they’re offering salaries that reflect market realities — a move that enhances integrity and protects local workers from wage suppression.
2# More Competitive Applicants Will Thrive
If you are a tech expert, engineer, medical professional, specialist in demand, or have experience in high-value roles with competitive salary offers, your pathway to Australia just became stronger. The increased thresholds act as a filter, ensuring only genuinely skilled and well-compensated individuals are entering the skilled migration system.
3# Plan Now, Apply Early
Anyone aiming to apply under these skilled migration streams should take this opportunity to review their job offers, salary contracts, and timelines. Lodging a nomination before 1 July 2025 could be advantageous if your current salary offer is just under the new thresholds. After that date, new applications must meet the updated requirements.
References
Visit daadscholarship.com for More Fully-funded Scholarships 2026 News.
