Australia has announced new salary thresholds for employer-sponsored visas, effective 1 July, 2025, through 30 June, 2026. The Department of Home Affairs calls these changes a part of the country’s annual wage indexation, which adjusts skilled visa income requirements in line with average weekly earnings of Australian employees.
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) has been set at AUD 76,515. This applies to visa categories such as Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494), Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187), Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186).
For higher-skilled roles, applicants must meet the Specialist Skills Income Threshold of AUD 141,210. These figures ensure that foreign professionals are paid fairly and consistently with local standards.
The updated rules mean that skilled visa applicants must secure jobs that meet the new salary levels. Foreign workers benefit from stronger financial stability and improved pay. Employers are required to offer salaries that match or exceed the revised minimums. Workers in industries such as hospitality, retail, and healthcare will see wage improvements.
By aligning foreign worker pay with Australian wage benchmarks, the government aims to maintain fairness in the labour market and attract skilled professionals while protecting local standards.
In short, anyone applying for an Australian employer-sponsored visa from mid-2025 onward must meet these new income requirements to qualify. This ensures both workers and employers operate under transparent, fair and competitive salary rules.