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Key Updates in Australia's Skilled Migration Framework
Effective from 1 July 2025, Australia will implement significant changes to its skilled migration program, notably increasing income thresholds for certain visa subclasses. These adjustments aim to align with the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE) and ensure that skilled workers receive competitive salaries. Importantly, these increased thresholds will not affect existing visa holders or nominations lodged before this date.
Increased Income Thresholds:
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Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT): Rising from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515, this threshold affects nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186).
- Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT): Increasing from AUD 135,000 to AUD 141,210, this threshold pertains to nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482).
- Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT): Also moving from AUD 73,150 to AUD 76,515, this threshold impacts nomination applications for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187), contingent upon legislative approval.
Insights from the 2025 Immigration Law Conference:
The Law Council of Australia provided valuable insights into current challenges and developments in migration law.
Key Points:
- Subclass 482 Visa Applications: There has been a notable increase in lodgements, with applications rising by over 60%, averaging 3,000 per week.
- Enhanced Compliance for Accredited Sponsors: Stricter management of sponsorship obligations and enforcement measures are forthcoming, emphasizing the need for sponsors to adhere closely to regulatory requirements.
- Work Experience Requirements: All sponsored, full-time employment undertaken while holding a subclass 457, 482 (TSS or SID), or eligible bridging visa will count towards the two-year work experience requirement.
- Processing Times: There is considerable variability in processing times, with a median range between 13 to 71 calendar days. Since July 2024, processing times have fluctuated, and as of 31 March 2025, 50% of applications are decided within three months, while 90% are finalized within eight months.
Conclusion
The upcoming increases in income thresholds for certain skilled migration visas underscore Australia's commitment to ensuring that skilled workers receive fair compensation aligned with market standards. Employers and prospective applicants should stay informed about these changes and consider submitting applications before the new thresholds take effect to benefit from the current rates. Additionally, the insights from the 2025 Immigration Law Conference highlight the dynamic nature of migration law and the importance of compliance and strategic planning in the application process.
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Anywr is a French international group specializing in the global Talent mobility and international recruitment. The company supports businesses in the search and integration of international talent, offering a complete range of services from sourcing to settlement. Anywr has a network of over 300 consultants in 16 countries. A member of the FrenchTech 120, the group is now composed of nearly 900 employees worldwide, with 400 in France, serving the largest French and international groups. Anywr is an innovative and responsible company, committed to its communities, which puts its expertise and solutions at the service of social integration projects and diversity. ANYWR has adopted the status of a Mission-led Company (Loi Pacte) since June 2021.
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