As of 1 July 2025, Australia has implemented updated income thresholds for all employer-sponsored visas, including the Subclass 482 (Skills in Demand visa), Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional), and Subclass 187 (Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme).
These changes impact both sponsoring employers and skilled applicants, especially those aged 45 and over considering the high-income exemption pathway.
What Is the TSMIT?
The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) is the minimum base salary an Australian employer must offer when sponsoring a skilled migrant. It ensures overseas workers are not underpaid and aligns with Australia's local market standards.
Salaries offered must meet the TSMIT and be consistent with the market salary rate for that occupation.
New Minimum Salary Requirements (Effective 1 July 2025)
| Threshold Type | Before 1 July 2025 | From 1 July 2025 |
| TSMIT (Core Skills) | AUD $73,150 | AUD $76,515 |
| Specialist Skills Stream | AUD $135,000 | AUD $141,210 |
| Subclass 494 & 187 | AUD $73,150 | AUD $76,515 |
All sponsoring employers must now meet or exceed these updated thresholds for any new nominations submitted on or after 1 July 2025.
What This Means for Employers and Skilled Workers
For Employers:
- You must review all current and future job offers to ensure they meet the new TSMIT or Specialist Stream threshold.
- Failure to offer the correct salary can result in nomination refusal.
- You must still meet all other sponsorship requirements, such as Labour Market Testing (LMT) and accredited status for some streams.
For Skilled Workers:
- If your job offer falls below the updated threshold, your employer must revise the offer before proceeding with the nomination.
- If your visa is already granted, this does not affect your current employment but any new application must meet the 2025 salary standards.
Over 45? The High-Income Exemption May Be a Pathway
Applicants over the age of 45 are normally ineligible for employer-sponsored permanent residency (e.g. Subclass 186). However, the high-income exemption stream provides an alternative if your salary meets the new threshold.
- New High-Income Exemption Threshold: AUD $167,500+ (inclusive of super and benefits)
This pathway is ideal for:
- Senior managers and executives
- Highly specialised professionals
- Skilled workers whose age may otherwise be a barrier
This exemption can bypass the standard age restriction if all other eligibility criteria are met.
What You Should Do Next
If You’re an Employer:
- Audit your current salary offers against the new TSMIT and specialist stream requirements.
- Update employment contracts and nomination applications accordingly.
- Seek support to manage complex cases or age-based exemptions.
If You’re a Skilled Applicant:
- Ensure your job offer meets the new salary criteria before applying.
- Explore whether the high-income exemption can help you qualify if you're over 45.
- Get guidance on market rate benchmarking and nomination success strategies.
Stay Compliant. Stay Competitive.
These changes are a critical part of ensuring Australia’s migration system remains fair, competitive, and focused on genuine skill shortages. Whether you’re an employer looking to sponsor or a skilled worker seeking sponsorship, the salary you offer — or accept — matters more than ever.
Our team at Australian Shores is here to help you assess your position, prepare compliant nominations, and secure the right pathway under the updated 2025 framework.
