Skilled Visa Salaries Are Jumping 4.6%: Starting July 1, 2025, the Australian government is raising the skilled visa salary thresholds by 4.6%, marking one of the most notable adjustments to the migration program in recent years. This move directly impacts Subclass 482, 494, and 186 visas and is intended to ensure wages for overseas workers remain fair and in line with Australian labor standards.
If you’re an aspiring migrant or an employer looking to sponsor international talent, this change could significantly impact your visa strategy.
Skilled Visa Salaries Are Jumping 4.6%
| Details | Updates Effective July 1, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary Increase Rate | 4.6% hike based on AWOTE (Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings) |
| New Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 76,515 (previously AUD 73,150) |
| New Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 76,515 |
| New Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 141,210 (up from AUD 135,000) |
| Affected Visa Types | Subclass 482, 494, 186 |
| Application Timeline | Applies to applications lodged on or after July 1, 2025 |
| Official Resource | Visit Interstaff Australia |
The July 2025 update to Australia’s skilled visa salary thresholds is more than just a 4.6% increase—it’s a strong policy move to protect both migrants and the Australian labor market. For skilled workers, it means better pay and recognition. For employers, it requires timely compliance and fair wage offerings.
If you’re planning to apply for a Subclass 482, 494, or 186 visa, this is the time to prepare smartly.
Why Is Australia Increasing Skilled Visa Salaries?
The hike is part of Australia’s regular review of visa salary thresholds based on the Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). This ensures:
- Wages offered to migrants stay competitive with local standards.
- Immigration policies remain aligned with economic performance.
- Prevents wage exploitation of overseas workers.
By indexing to AWOTE, Australia signals that its skilled migration program is both fair and economically integrated.
New Skilled Visa Salary Thresholds Breakdown
Let’s dive deeper into the numbers.
1. Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)
- Old Rate: AUD 73,150
- New Rate (July 2025): AUD 76,515
- Applies to most general skilled positions.
2. Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT)
- Old Rate: AUD 73,150
- New Rate: AUD 76,515
- This is the minimum required for sponsoring a worker under Subclass 482 and 494.
3. Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT)
- Old Rate: AUD 135,000
- New Rate: AUD 141,210
- Typically applies to highly experienced professionals or executive-level roles.
Real-Life Example: Meet Priya from India
Priya, a software engineer from Pune, received a job offer from a Melbourne-based IT firm in May 2025. The salary was AUD 74,000—above the current TSMIT of AUD 73,150. But Priya delayed her visa application.
Come July 2, the threshold had jumped to AUD 76,515, making her offer invalid for the 482 visa. The company had to revise her salary, delaying her move by two months.
Lesson? Timing and updated compliance matter more than ever.
Skilled Visa Application Tips: Step-by-Step for 2025 Applicants
Step 1: Check Your Job’s Eligibility
Refer to the Skilled Occupation List to ensure your role qualifies.
Step 2: Get a Salary Confirmation Letter
Ask your employer to confirm the annual base salary offered meets or exceeds AUD 76,515.
Step 3: Lodge Before July (if possible)
If your current offer just meets the old threshold, submit your visa application before June 30, 2025.
Step 4: Consult a Migration Agent
For tailored advice, consult a registered migration agent.
Impact on Employers Across Industries
Industries relying on skilled migrants—like IT, health care, construction, and engineering—will need to:
- Review salary benchmarks
- Revise employment contracts
- Prepare for stricter audits from Home Affairs
Especially in regional Australia, Subclass 494 sponsors must make sure their offered salaries align with the updated TSMIT to avoid refusals.
How This Compares Globally
| Country | Skilled Worker Salary Threshold (2025) |
|---|---|
| Australia | AUD 76,515 (post-July 2025) |
| UK | £38,700 (≈ AUD 74,000) |
| Canada | CAD 56,000 (≈ AUD 63,000) |
| New Zealand | NZD 59,000 (≈ AUD 53,000) |
Australia now has one of the highest salary floors for skilled worker visas, signaling its commitment to attracting premium talent and protecting its labor market.
Professional Insight: What Migration Agents Say
According to veteran migration advisor Angela Ko from Interstaff:
“This change rewards skilled migrants with competitive salaries, but it also tightens the margin for borderline cases. I recommend all employers begin compliance checks early.”
Are Shortage Occupations Still in Demand?
Yes, but they are not exempt from salary thresholds. Even if your occupation is on the Priority Migration Skilled Occupation List (PMSOL), you still must meet the new income requirement post-July 2025.
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FAQs About Skilled Visa Salaries Are Jumping 4.6%
Q1: What happens if my offer is $76,000 post-July?
Unfortunately, it falls short. You must meet or exceed AUD 76,515.
Q2: Does this affect Permanent Residency (Subclass 186)?
Yes, especially under the Direct Entry stream if your occupation is subject to the SSIT.
Q3: Are bonuses or superannuation included in the salary threshold?
No. The base annual salary must meet the threshold excluding bonuses or benefits.
Q4: Will the threshold increase every year?
It may—Australia adjusts it based on AWOTE annually, but the percentage varies.
Q5: Can I still apply with a part-time role?
Only if the pro-rata annualized income meets the minimum threshold. Full-time work is preferred for most skilled visas.
