Australia will increase wage thresholds for skilled migrant workers by 4.6% starting July 1, 2025, to align with local wage growth and prevent undercutting Australian salaries. This adjustment, based on Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE), ensures fair pay for foreign workers.
The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will rise from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515, impacting visas such as the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186). The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD 135,000 to AUD 141,210 for the Specialist Skills stream under subclass 482. Additionally, the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) for regional employer-sponsored visas (subclass 494 and subclass 187) will increase from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515.
Employers sponsoring skilled migrants under these visa categories must ensure that salaries meet the updated thresholds and match the Annual Market Salary Rate (AMSR). If the offered salary is below AUD 250,000, employers must provide proof that it aligns with what an Australian worker would earn for the same role.
These changes will not affect existing visa holders or applications submitted before July 1, 2025. The government’s move aims to maintain wage fairness and support a balanced migration policy that protects both domestic and foreign workers.