With the end of the financial year fast approaching — and the Federal Election on the horizon — it’s important that Australian employers remain informed about key immigration changes that may impact your business’s ability to sponsor skilled workers.
Below, we break down the most relevant updates confirmed by the Department of Home Affairs, and what actions you can take now to stay compliant and avoid delays.
Salary Thresholds Set to Increase from 1 July 2025
The Australian Government has confirmed it will raise skilled visa salary thresholds by 4.6% starting 1 July 2025
Updated thresholds:
- Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Increasing from $73,150 to $76,515
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Increasing from $135,000 to $141,210
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Also rising to $76,515 (pending legislative approval)
Note: These amounts exclude superannuation and the rate rises from 11.5% to 12%
Understanding CSIT and SSIT
These thresholds determine the minimum salary required for employer-sponsored visa holders. However, it’s different from the market salary rate that must be paid to all employees including temporary skilled migrants.
- CSIT applies to most skilled visa streams:
- SSIT applies specifically to the Specialist Skills stream of the 482 visa, which is for high-income, highly specialised roles and not dependent on an occupation list.
From 1 July 2025, all new offers for sponsored roles must reflect the new minimum salary thresholds.
Upcoming Visa Fee Increases & Application Timing Advice
Government visa application fees typically increase on 1 July each year; therefore, its important to plan ahead to reduce financial impacts to your business.
Historically, we see backlogs in application processing at the end of the financial year, so it’s best to lodge early wherever possible.
Labour Market Testing – Why You Need to Act Now
To remain compliant and avoid delays, start advertising early to ensure the 28-day advertising requirement is completed well prior to 1 July. Advertising in May or June may risk missing the window before salary changes.
Recent 482 Visa Program Data (Dec 2024 – Feb 2025)
There’s been a significant spike in employer-sponsored visa activity despite salary threshold increasing with over 3000 applications being lodged weekly, marking a 60%+ increase compared to the same period last year.
Consequently, significant delays are being experienced across the board with all employer-sponsored visas.
Sponsorship Obligations Under the Microscope
The Department has increased their focus on integrity and have flagged tighter monitoring and stricter enforcement of obligations for accredited sponsors, in particular accurate role classification and salary benchmarks.
Are you an employer requiring support reviewing your sponsorship obligations or preparing job ads that meet the new salary thresholds?
Contact Migration Downunder today for expert advice tailored to your business needs.