Starting 1 July 2025, Australia’s skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6%, aligning with the annual Average Weekly Ordinary TimeEarnings (AWOTE). This change, in line with the Migration Strategy and the Migration Review recommendations, aims to ensure fair wages for skilled migrants and prevent undercutting Australian workers.

Key Changes to Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

To maintain parity with Australian wage growth, skilled migration thres holds will be indexed annually. The upcoming adjustments will affect multiple visacategories, significantly impacting employer-sponsored skilled migrants and businesses hiring foreign workers.

1. Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT)

·        Current Rate: AUD 73,150

·        New Rate (From 1 July 2025):AUD 76,515

·        Impacted Visas:

o   Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) –Core Skills Stream

o   Employer Nomination Scheme Visa(Subclass 186)

2. Specialist Skills IncomeThreshold (SSIT)

·        Current Rate: AUD 135,000

·        New Rate (From 1 July 2025):AUD 141,210

·        Impacted Visas:

o   Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482) –Specialist Skills Stream

3. Temporary SkilledMigration Income Threshold (TSMIT)

·        Current Rate: AUD 73,150

·        New Rate (From 1 July 2025):AUD 76,515

·        Impacted Visas:

o   Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional Visa(Subclass 494)

o   Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme(RSMS) Visa (Subclass 187) (subject to legislative approval)

Who Will Be Affected?

If you plan to apply for any of the above visas from 1 July 2025, yournomination must meet the new income threshold or the annual market salary rate(whichever is higher). However, existing visa holders and nominationslodged before this date will not be impacted.

Why This Change Matters

The adjustment ensures that skilled migrants receive fair wagescomparable to Australian workers. This move strengthens Australia’s skilledmigration program by:

·        Protecting local workers from wage undercutting.

·        Attracting high-caliber skilled professionals.

·        Enhancing the integrity of employer-sponsoredmigration pathways.

How to Prepare for the NewThresholds?

·        Employers: Review salarystructures and ensure compliance with new thresholds when lodging nominationsafter 1 July 2025.

·        Skilled Migrants: Planaccordingly to meet the new income requirements and secure sponsorship underupdated financial criteria.

·        Migration Agents & Consultants:Stay informed about legislative updates and assist clients in navigating thesechanges effectively.

Final Thoughts

This increase in skilled visa income thresholds reflects Australia’s commitment to maintaining a fair and competitive skilled migration system. Whether you are an employer, a skilled worker, or a migration consultant, understanding these changes is crucial for planning ahead.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the 1 July 2025 implementationdate. If you have questions or need assistance with your skilled visaapplication, consult a professional migration expert today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)About Skilled Visa Income

What is the minimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa?

Theminimum salary requirement for a Skilled Worker visa varies by country. InAustralia, employer-sponsored skilled visas, such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) Visa (Subclass482) or Employer Nomination Scheme(Subclass 186), require applicants to meet the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold(TSMIT). As of 1 July 2025,the TSMIT will increase to AUD 76,515 per year.However, employers must also meet the annual market salary rate(AMSR), ensuring that overseas workers are paid comparablesalaries to Australian workers in the same role.

What is the minimum salary for a Skilled Worker visa in Australia?

Foremployer-sponsored visas, such as the Subclass 482 (TSS) visaand the Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer SponsoredRegional visa), the minimum salary threshold is set at the TSMIT, which will be AUD 76,515 from 1 July 2025.However, for specialized roles, higher salary thresholds apply, such as the Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT),which will increase to AUD 141,210 for highly skilled positionsunder the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482).

What are the 70 points for a Skilled Worker visa?

Australia'sGeneral Skilled Migration (GSM) programoperates on a points-based system.To apply for the Skilled Independent Visa(Subclass 189), Skilled Nominated Visa(Subclass 190), or Skilled Work Regional(Provisional) Visa (Subclass 491), applicants must score atleast 65 points. The 70 pointstypically come from:

• Age (Up to 30 points) –     Younger applicants (25–32 years) score the highest.
• English Proficiency (Up to 20 points)     – Superior English (IELTS 8 or equivalent) gives the highest score.
• Skilled Work Experience (Up to 15 points)     – More experience in a nominated skilled occupation adds more points.
• Education (Up to 20 points)     – A doctorate earns the highest points, followed by a bachelor's or     master's degree.
• Australian Study (Up to 5 points)     – Completing a course in Australia earns extra points.
• Partner Skills or Other Factors (Up to 10     points) – A skilled partner or credentialed language     skills can boost points.

Is 70 points enough for a 189 visa?

While70 points is above the minimum threshold of 65,it may not always be enough for an invitation, depending on the occupation.Some high-demand professions require higher points (80-90)due to competition. The Department of Home Affairs issues invitations based onranking; therefore, candidates with higher points get invitedfirst.

Is 75 a good score for a 189 visain Australia?

Yes,75 points is a competitive score,but the likelihood of receiving an invitation depends on the occupation and invitation rounds.For occupations with high demand (such as IT, engineering, or healthcare), 75points may be enough. However, professions like accounting or certainengineering fields may require 80-85 points or morefor a higher chance of selection.

Can I get a 189 visa with 65 points?

65 points is the minimum requirement to lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI),but it is usually not competitive enoughto receive an invitation unless there is low demand for your occupation. Toimprove your chances, consider increasing your English score, gaining more workexperience, or obtaining a state nomination (Subclass190) or regional nomination (Subclass 491).

Is 75 points enough for a 189 visa as an accountant?

For accountants, the required scoreis typically higher than 75due to the large number of applicants. In previous years, invitations wereissued at 80-90 points for accountingprofessionals. If you have 75 points, you may want to boost your score throughadditional work experience, superior English, or completing a Professional Yearin Australia.

Is visa 189 difficult?

TheSubclass 189 visa is highly competitive because itdoes not require state or employer sponsorship, making it the most sought-afterskilled visa. The difficulty depends on the applicant's occupation, points score, and competitionin the invitation rounds. While the process itself is straightforward,obtaining a high enough points score for an invitation can be challenging.

What is the minimum points for a 189 visa?

The minimum points required to apply for a Subclass 189 visa is 65 points. However, in practice,invitations are usually issued to applicants with higher scores (75-85+ points)depending on their occupation and the demand in that invitation round.

Who is eligible for a 189 visa?

Tobe eligible for a Skilled Independent Visa(Subclass 189), applicants must:

• Have an     occupation listed on the Medium     and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL).
• Obtain a positive skills assessment     for their nominated occupation.
• Score at     least 65 points on the General Skilled Migration (GSM) points     test.
• Be under 45 years of age at the     time of invitation.
• Have competent English (IELTS 6     or equivalent).
• Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)     through SkillSelect and receive an invitation.

What is the rejection rate for a 189 visa?

Rejectionrates vary based on factors such as incorrect documentation,insufficient points, fraudulent claims, or failing the health and characterrequirements. Generally, the rejection rate is lowerfor well-prepared applications but can be higher (15-25%) for competitive occupationsdue to high demand and limited spots.

Can I apply for a 189 visa withouta job?

Yes,you do not need a job offer toapply for a Subclass 189 visa. The visa isan independent skilled migration pathway, meaning selection is based on your skills, qualifications, and points score,not employer sponsorship. However, having Australian work experience canincrease your points and improve your chances of selection.

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