From 1 July 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas will increase by 4.6%, in line with updates to the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). These changes deliver on commitments outlined in the Australian Government’s Migration Strategy and reflect recommendations from the Migration Review.
This annual indexation ensures that wages for skilled migrants grow in step with Australian earnings—helping to prevent skilled migration from being used to undercut local workers.
Updated Income Thresholds (Effective 1 July 2025)
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
Current: $73,150
New CSIT (from 1 July 2025): $76,515
Applies to nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand (subclass 482 Visa) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visas.
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
Current: $135,000
New SSIT (from 1 July 2025): $141,210
Applies to the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482 Visa).
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
Current: $73,150
New TSMIT (from 1 July 2025): $76,515
Applies to the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494 Visa).
Important Note:
For nomination applications lodged on or after 1 July 2025, employers must offer a salary that meets or exceeds the new threshold or the annual market salary rate —whichever is higher.
These changes do not apply to:
Existing visa holders, or
Nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.
High Income Threshold Updates
The High Income Threshold will also raise from 1 July 2025:
Current: $175,000
New High Income Threshold (from 1 July 2025): $183,100
The High Income Threshold is one of the factors that may be used to assess the applicant’s exceptional and outstanding achievements.
The High Income Threshold may also be used if the applicant for sc-186 Visa - Temporary Residence Transition stream is over 45 years old and claiming for an age exemption.
If you’re an employer planning to sponsor a skilled worker or a migrant assessing your eligibility, these changes could impact your plans.
Contact our team at Work Visa Lawyers for tailored advice and assistance.
Sources:
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/news-media/archive/article?itemId=1308
https://www.fwc.gov.au/about-us/news-and-media/news/increase-application-fee-2025-26