The Australian Government is adjusting its skilled migration policies to reflect ongoing economic changes and labor market needs. As part of its long-term Migration Strategy, the Department of Home Affairs has announced that new income thresholds for skilled visa applicants will take effect.
These changes aim to align the salary requirements with national wage growth and ensure that overseas workers are paid wages comparable to Australians in similar roles.
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Skilled Visa Income:
| Threshold Type | Previous Threshold | New Threshold | Applies To | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | – Subclass 482 (Core Skills stream) – Subclass 186 | Ensures skilled workers in core occupations are paid salaries that reflect wage growth. |
| Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) | AUD 135,000 | AUD 141,210 | – Subclass 482 (Specialist Skills stream) | Targets highly skilled, niche professionals with specialist expertise. |
| Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) | AUD 73,150 | AUD 76,515 | – Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional) – Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme) | Applies to regional visa holders to ensure equitable pay in less urban areas. |
Important Note:
For all new nomination applications submitted on or after 1 July, the higher of the new threshold or the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR) will apply. This policy ensures that overseas workers are not underpaid compared to local employees in similar positions.
Affect of Changes on Skilled Workers Internationally:
1. Higher Entry Requirements
From July, visa sponsors must offer salaries that meet the updated minimum thresholds. This means only roles that meet or exceed these figures will qualify under the skilled migration streams.
2. Stronger Pathways for Highly Skilled Applicants
Professionals in high-demand sectors—such as healthcare, IT, engineering, and financial services—who command competitive salaries will benefit most. The raised thresholds are designed to filter for skilled individuals whose expertise aligns with Australia’s workforce priorities.
3. Opportunity to Apply Early
Applicants with job offers below the updated thresholds should consider submitting their nomination before 1 July, while the current (lower) thresholds still apply. After that date, all new applications must meet the increased income benchmarks.
Steps for Skilled Visa Applicants:
If you’re planning to migrate to Australia under an employer-sponsored program, here’s what you can do:
- Review your job offer and salary to ensure it meets the updated thresholds
- Lodge your application before 1 July if your salary is under AUD 76,515
- Stay informed by checking updates directly on the Home Affairs website
- Consult a registered migration agent for professional guidance
Benefits:
- Ensures Fair Wages: Protects skilled migrants from being underpaid by aligning salaries with Australia’s average wage growth.
- Promotes Workforce Integrity: Helps maintain fair competition between local and overseas workers by preventing wage suppression.
- Attracts Highly Skilled Professionals: Focuses on applicants with competitive salary offers, ensuring a skilled, qualified migrant workforce.
- Improves Job Quality: Encourages employers to offer better pay and benefits to attract top talent.
- Supports Economic Stability: Aligning visa salaries with market rates helps sustain Australia’s economic growth and labor market balance.
- Enhances Visa Credibility: By enforcing salary standards, the program gains trust among applicants, employers, and the Australian public.
- Benefits Regional Areas: Ensures fair pay for skilled workers in regional visa programs, helping boost regional economies.
- Encourages Early Application: Motivates applicants to prepare and lodge applications timely, improving migration planning.
Reference:
Official Announcement:
Australian Government – Skilled Visa Income Thresholds Update
(Department of Home Affairs)
Accuracy Improvements Made:
| Original Claim | Problem | Improved Version |
|---|---|---|
| “Advertisement” tags throughout | Distracting, not relevant | Removed |
| No reference dates or official citation | Lacked source clarity | Linked directly to official source |
| Vague terms like “specialist professionals” | Unclear who is included | Specified sectors (IT, healthcare, etc.) |
| “Targets highly specialized professionals” | No explanation | Defined roles + linked to salary policy |
| Weak call to action | No guidance | Added action steps and FAQ |
Frequently Asked Questions:
Why is the Australian government increasing these income thresholds?
The government’s decision aims to uphold the integrity of the skilled migration program by attracting genuinely skilled professionals who receive salaries aligned with market standards.
Is regional Australia affected by these changes?
Yes. The Subclass 494 and 187 regional visas also require employers to meet the new TSMIT. The government aims to ensure fair salaries for skilled workers in both metro and regional areas.
What is changing for skilled visa applicants?
The minimum income thresholds required to sponsor or apply for key skilled visa subclasses will increase by 4.6%. These changes will affect visa applicants applying for entry and beyond.
