Starting July 1, 2025, income thresholds for skilled visas in Australia will increase by 4.6%, reflecting changes in the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE).
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will rise from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515. This affects nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).
The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD 135,000 to AUD 141,210. This applies to nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) will also go up from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515. This impacts nomination applications for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187). The TSMIT increase is aligned with the CSIT and depends on the approval of relevant legislation.
New nomination applications submitted from July 1, 2025, must meet the new income thresholds or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. Existing visa holders and nominations lodged before this date will not be affected by these changes.
At the recent 2025 Immigration Law Conference held by the Law Council of Australia in Canberra, several key updates were shared.
Applications for the subclass 482 visa have surged by over 60%, with around 3,000 lodged weekly. There will be stronger enforcement and tighter management of obligations for accredited sponsors.
Work experience gained while holding a subclass 457, 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage or Skills in Demand), or eligible bridging visa counts towards the two-year work experience requirement. Employment in other sponsored occupations may also be eligible for this requirement.
Processing times vary widely, with a median range between 13 and 71 calendar days. Although the government promised a one-week average processing time for the Specialist Skills Stream introduced in November 2024, current data as of March 31, 2025, shows that 50% of applications are processed within three months, and 90% within eight months.
These updates reflect ongoing shifts in Australia’s skilled migration program, signaling tougher compliance and changing timelines for applicants.
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