Look, if you are planning to sponsor a worker or you are waiting on a nomination, you need to know this. The income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas are increasing on 1 July 2025. We are talking a 4.6% jump across the board.
Get the numbers wrong, and your nomination gets refused. That simple.
The New Income Thresholds From July 2025
Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): $76,515 (up from $73,150)
This applies to:
• Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)
• Employer Nomination Scheme visa (Subclass 186)
Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): $141,210 (up from $135,000)
This applies to:
• Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (Subclass 482)
Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): $76,515 (up from $73,150)
This applies to:
• Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (Subclass 494)
• Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (Subclass 187)
Why These Thresholds Keep Rising
The government indexes these figures annually against average weekly earnings. The reasoning? They do not want the skilled migration program used to bring in workers at below-market rates. Whether you agree with that logic or not, it is the policy reality you are working with.
And here is what catches people out: your offered salary must meet the threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. So even if you hit $76,515, that might not be enough if the market rate for that role in that location sits above it.
What This Means for Employers and Nominees
Any nomination lodged from 1 July 2025 must meet the new figures. No exceptions. If you lodge before 1 July, the old thresholds apply. Existing visa holders are not affected by the change.
I have seen nominations refused over a few hundred dollars. Do not let that be you.
If you are the employer, review the contract now. If you are the worker being nominated, confirm with your employer that the salary on paper will clear the threshold once July hits.
What Should You Do Now
Check your numbers. If you are close to the threshold, you are in the danger zone. If you are planning a skilled visa application for later this year, factor in the increase before you commit to employment terms.
Not sure whether your salary meets the requirement? Book a consultation and we will work out exactly where you stand before you lodge.
This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice on your specific circumstances, book a consultation.
